Budgeting for student life

Paying for your studies and your living costs may seem daunting at first, but organising your student finance early and making a budget that you can stick to will make a big difference.

We also have a friendly team of student advisers who can answer your questions about student life and help you if you have any questions about money.

Seagull on a rocket with the words: Brighton Boost

Brighton Boost

Help with halls costs, travel, parking, laptop loans and flexible part-time work.

What's included in your fee?

How to create a budget for university life

The simplest way to budget for life at uni is:

  1. calculate your income (eg student funding, part-time work)
  2. deduct your essential expenses (eg accommodation, bills, food, travel)
  3. anything left can go toward leisure or savings.

Budgeting isn't just about seeing how much money you will need to pay for your food and rent – it's a really good way of working out how much you can spend on things you enjoy.

Take a look at the typical living costs below as a guide, from there you can start to work out your own budget for life as a student.

Weekly budget tips for Brighton students

Here's Angelica with some advice how you can budget for your student life in Brighton

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Brighton Boost: making student life more affordable

We understand that moving to university can feel like a financial strain, however if you take advantage of the help on offer and polish up your budgeting skills you'll be well on your way to a successful university experience.

Our Brighton Boost initiative is here to help with costs associated with student life, including:

  • accommodation costs
  • travel and parking
  • laptop loans
  • flexible, part-time work opportunities.

Find out more about the Brighton Boost.

People walking down a slipway to the beach

Budgeting advice for your first few weeks at university

Receiving student funding?

Taking control of your finances is the best way to make sure you don't run into financial difficulties or debt. Remember:

  • your student funding won't be paid until after you register on your course, so it's important to plan for the gap between when you register and when your student funds arrive
  • your student funding will seem like a lot of money, but it needs to last you through four months. Don't rush out and buy everything at once.

More about applying for student funding.

New to the UK?

If you are new to the UK, setting up a bank account can take several weeks, so it is essential to arrange access to money during your first few weeks.

  • Don't travel with more than £250 in cash.
  • Bring extra funds on a credit card or in GBP Sterling travellers cheques.
  • If you are living in private accommodation, you will need to bring enough money for the deposit and at least two months’ rent.

More information for international students.

Typical costs for students living in Brighton accommodation and other items 2025–26

Brighton

Accommodation

If you live in university halls (self-catered, 39 week contract)
Property typeWeekly costMonthly costAnnual cost
Shared bathroom From £169 From £732 From £6,572
Ensuite From £184 From £797 From £7,176

If you live in private accommodation
Property typeMedian weekly costTypical monthly cost
Studio flat £209 £923
1 bed flat £323 £1,424
2 bed flat (per person) £189 £804
Shared house (3–6 beds, per person) £149 £646
Gas, electricity, tv licence, water £30 £130
Private halls (bills inclusive) £219 £949

These figures are based on a sample of 200 Brighton listings collected in 2025. They represent typical market prices, but individual rents may be higher or lower. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood and property condition.

How to save money on your travel costs

Other weekly costs

Other average weekly costs
ItemsLiving in hallsLiving off campus
Food, domestic items and toiletries £40–60 £40–60
Utilities £0 £30
Study materials £6 £6
Phone £1–£10 £1–£10
Laundry £4–7 £4–7
Clothing £5–20 £5–20
Travel £20 £20
Entertainment £20–£75 £20–75
Total £96–£198 £126–228
Costs for individual items on campus
ItemsCost
Tea/coffee/cappuccino (using MyCup) £1.20/£2.45/£2.65
Meal from canteen menu £2.95–5.95
A4 writing pad £2.30
Ring binder folder £1.75
Lever arch file £2.50

Prices are approximate and are supplied as a guide.

Extra help if you need it

Besides bursaries, there are a range of funds and grants you can apply for if you need some extra help to meet your costs once you are enrolled at the university.

Extra funds and grants for students registered at the university
Source of fundingWho can apply*
Student Support Fund Undergraduate and postgraduate students normally resident in the UK
EU Student Support Fund EU students with pre settled status and Channel Island students

*Please check the eligibility criteria for each grant/fund for the full requirements and any exemptions.

Concerned about money?

The Disabled Students' Allowance

If you have a disability, learning difficulty or long-term health issue you could be eligible.