How much do I need for living costs?
We have worked out some sample budgets students in Loughborough and London to indicate how much you need to live on.
All figures are intended as guidance only and may vary depending on personal preferences or external factors that affect the cost of living.
Loughborough costs
|
Cost |
Weekly |
Monthly |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Accommodation cost (see notes below) |
£142.00 |
£615.00 |
|
Utilities (see notes below) |
£31.00 |
£134.00 |
|
Food (see notes below) |
£52.00 |
£225.00 |
|
Laundry/household |
£7.50 |
£32.00 |
|
Travel (see notes below) |
£20.00 |
£87.00 |
|
Course costs/books |
£10.00 |
£43.00 |
|
Insurance |
£4.00 |
£17.00 |
|
Telephone |
£8.00 |
£35.00 |
|
Clothing |
£10.00 |
£43.00 |
|
Leisure |
£35.00 |
£152.00 |
|
Total |
£319.50 |
£1,383.00 |
Notes
For undergraduates an academic year is 39 weeks including Christmas and Easter vacations but not the long summer vacation.
For postgraduates an academic year is 52 weeks including all vacations.
If you have children or others who are financially dependent then you will need to add an amount for each person – £164 per week/£710 per month.
Average Accommodation cost - On-campus accommodation may include some catering - in which case the accommodation cost will be higher but you can expect to spend less on food.
Utilities - Utilities are sometimes included in the accommodation costs, e.g. in halls of residence and some private rented accommodation.
Food - If you live in a catered hall on campus then the amount for food will be lower. Meal options vary between 10, 15 and 19 meals per week.
Travel - For International Students and those who live abroad, the travel cost does not include cost of travel to/from your home country.
London costs
|
Cost |
Weekly |
Monthly |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Accommodation cost |
£210.00 |
£909.00 |
|
Utilities (see notes below) |
£31.00 |
£134.00 |
|
Food |
£52.00 |
£225.00 |
|
Laundry/household |
£8.00 |
£35.00 |
|
Travel (see notes below) |
£40.00 |
£173.00 |
|
Course costs/books |
£9.00 |
£39.00 |
|
Insurance |
£4.00 |
£17.00 |
|
Telephone |
£8.00 |
£35.00 |
|
Clothing |
£10.00 |
£43.00 |
|
Leisure |
£38.00 |
£165.00 |
|
Total |
£410.00 |
£1,775.00 |
Notes
For postgraduates an academic year is 52 weeks including all vacations.
If you have children or others who are financially dependent then you will need to add an amount for each person – £204 per week/£883 per month.
Utilities - Sometimes utilities are included in the accommodation costs, e.g. in halls of residence and some private rented accommodation.
Travel - For International Students and those who live abroad, the above travel costs do not include cost of travel to/from your home country.
How can the University support you?
If you require further guidance or advice you can contact the Student Advice and Support Service.
Last updated: 5th June 2025