All Calculators
University Cost Calculator
The real cost of a UK degree — tuition, rent, food, nights out, the lot.
Year 1 — University Halls
Tuition fees£9,535
Accommodation£7,500
Food & groceries£2,400
Transport£600
Course materials£300
Social & entertainment£1,200
Phone & subscriptions£480
Year 1 total£22,015
Year 2 — Shared House
Tuition fees£9,535
Accommodation£5,500
Food & groceries£2,400
Bills (energy, water, internet)£720
Transport£600
Course materials£300
Social & entertainment£1,200
Phone & subscriptions£480
Year 2 total£20,735
Year 3 — Shared House
Tuition fees£9,535
Accommodation£5,500
Food & groceries£2,400
Bills (energy, water, internet)£720
Transport£600
Course materials£300
Social & entertainment£1,200
Phone & subscriptions£480
Year 3 total£20,735
Total cost of your degree
£63,485
Tuition (covered by loan)£28,605
Living costs£34,880
Can the maintenance loan cover it?
Max maintenance loan (3 years)£30,681
Your living costs£34,880
Shortfall to cover£4,199
This is the gap parents, part-time work, or savings need to fill. That's roughly £117/month over the course.
How to reduce costs
- Apply for bursaries and scholarships — many go unclaimed every year
- Choose a shared house from Year 2 — typically £1,500-£2,000 cheaper than halls
- Get a part-time job — even 10 hours/week at minimum wage adds ~£400/month
- Use student discounts (UNiDAYS, Student Beans) for everything
- Batch cook meals — you can eat well on £30-£40/week
- Cycle instead of using public transport — saves £50+/month