Budgeting for student life

It’s very important to make sure that you have enough money to cover the cost of your tuition fees and living expenses before you begin your course.

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.

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 enrol on your course, so it's important to plan for the gap between when you enrol 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.

Using typical living costs to work out a budget

Where you choose to live and how you live will play a big part in determining how much money you will need while you are studying.

You will also need to consider costs like accommodation, travel, clothes, food, insurance and your social life. You can use the breakdown of typical living costs for a student at Brighton to help you plan your budget.

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.

Typical costs for accommodation and other items 2022–23

Brighton

Accommodation

If you live in halls
Property typeWeekly costAnnual cost
Self-catered halls (39 week contract) From £153 £5,967

If you live in private accommodation
Property typeAverage weekly costAverage annual cost
Shared house per person, 3 beds plus (52 week contract) £135 £7,020
2 bed flat (52 week contract) £173 £8,996
1 bed flat (52 week contract) £280 £14,560
Studio flat (52 week contract) £238 £12,376
Bedsit (52 week contract) £148 £7,696
Contents insurance £2.30 £120
Gas, electricity, television licence, water £28 £1,456

How to save money on your travel costs

Eastbourne

Accommodation

If you live in halls
Property typeWeekly costAnnual cost
Self-catered halls (40 week contract) From £153 £6,120
If you live in private accommodation
Property typeAverage weekly costAverage annual cost
Shared house (per person) £125 £6,500
1 bed flat £193 £10,036
Contents insurance £2.30 £120
Gas, electricity, television licence, water £28 £1,456

How to save money on your travel costs

Other weekly costs

Other weekly costs
ItemsAverage weekly cost
Food, domestic items and toiletries £30–40
Books and equipment £5
Phone £5–£10
Laundry £5
Clothing £10
Entertainment £30–£40
Total £85–£110
Costs for individual items on campus
ItemsCost
Tea/coffee/cappuccino (using MyCup) £1/£1.60–£2.40
Meal from canteen menu £5.50
A4 writing pad £2.19
Ring binder folder £1.60
Lever arch file £2.40

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 enrolled at the university
Source of fundingOverview of who 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.