Living and studying on a budget

During your time at university you will have various costs, which you will be accountable for. These costs will undoubtedly be higher if you live away from home, and higher still if you live in London. Here at the University of Bedfordshire, the costs are significantly cheaper than if you were to live and study in London.

Costs would include:

• Study costs – Text books, course materials and field trips for your course
• Accommodation – this is likely to be your largest living expense. For those students who will live at home during their time at university, you may be expected to pay board and contribute to your household expenses
• Food
• Household bills – Gas, Electricity, Water rates, Phone line rental and calls, Internet, TV licence, contents insurance (some of these are covered by rent in halls of residence)
• Clothes
• Travel
• Socialising
• Leisure activities and sport

Useful links

• Railcard Saving [DOCX]
• Council Tax exemption [DOCX]
• Cost of Living Support
• Cost of Living Support Hub
• Living and Studying on a budget
• Student discounts
• StudentBeans
• UNiDAYS

Budgeting

It is very important to have a good idea of how much money you are likely to need whilst at university, to ensure that you can cover your fees and living expenditure for the duration of your course.

• Try to work out a weekly or monthly budget and stick to it
• Remember that any grant or loan that you receive is meant to last you until the beginning of the next term
• Keep track of what's leaving your bank account and when
• Use your University free email service to communicate with family and friends back home rather than having lengthy phone conversations
• Shop for food with friends, and cooks meals in groups – buying in bulk can save you money
• Use your Totum card or NUS Extra Totum to get discounts at cinemas, shops and some public transport
• Cycle or walk to get to University. Cars are expensive to run and parking can sometimes be a problem
• If you become a little tight for cash, look into interest free overdraft facilities at your bank as opposed to signing up for credit cards
• Buy course texts books from your fellow students – the books are sold cheaper than if you were to buy them from a book store
• Get a part-time or weekend job. Sign up to our early talent recruitment platform, Handshake or visit Careers and Employability Service to find the latest vacancies for term-time work, holiday work, work placements and voluntary work
• Attend a drop-in session or a budgeting workshop run by Student Money Advice. To see the drop-in and workshop times, and to download a free budget planner, visit the Student Money events page