Student Living Costs in Nottingham: A Guide to Expenses

Embarking on your first year of uni is an exciting new chapter. It brings with it the freedom to do things on your own terms, whether that be deciding what to eat or when to go out. But all this independence also means you'll be responsible for your finances too. Here are the costs you need to be aware of and a few top tips for keeping to a budget.

Student accommodation in Nottingham

All-inclusive bills and expenses 

It's generally worth paying for all-inclusive student accommodation in Nottingham. With bills covered, it'll save you money each month and take the hassle out of handling these things yourself.

Transport 

Nottingham has an award-winning transport system that provides bus, tram, and rail services throughout the city. Fares aren't too expensive - a single bus fare starts at around £2 - but these charges can add up, so get some fresh air and walk or cycle when you can.

Budgeting tip - Nottingham City Transport offers a discounted yearly pass for £289 - just 87p a day. It's a must-have if you can afford the upfront payment and you think you'll use the bus often.

Food & Drink 

Groceries 

A weekly shop can cost anywhere in the neighbourhood of £25-60, sometimes more depending on what you like to eat. Have a hunt around for the cheapest supermarkets near you and consider shopping later in the day - that's when things get reduced and you can make extra savings.

It's also worth getting a loyalty card with your store of choice. While the savings can seem tiny to begin with, they'll start to stack up sooner than you think. 

Eating out 

Nottingham has an exciting food scene that's packed with delicious cafés, restaurants and street spots. While all these incredible offerings are tempting, eating out too often might not be the best idea. Try to limit your budget to £25-35 a week for eating out. 

Budgeting tip - meal prepping is a great way to save money on eating out, especially when you're at uni all day. Look up a few cheap and nutritious meals and set yourself up for the week ahead.

Socialising

Nights out 

A night out with friends can be great fun, but it's not always cheap. 

To save money, you can try to eat before leaving the house and start drinking water early in the night. Avoid buying rounds and try to go somewhere close to your place so you don't spend too much on travelling. 

Societies & sports clubs

Joining a society or club is a great way to make new connections and get involved in the community. However, with memberships sometimes costing up to £40 per year, they're not always cheap.

Try to stick to one or two societies or clubs to save money and even avoid filling up your schedule and getting in the way of your coursework.

Budgeting tip - keep your eyes peeled for student discounts. If you know where to look, there are always plenty on offer, and they can save you tonnes.

Textbooks

New books 

New textbooks are pricey, and with almost every course requiring that you have one, the cost of getting them all can stack up. We suggest buying second hand. 

Used books 

Have a hunt online and in second-hand bookshops to find used copies of the textbooks you need. They're easy to come by and provide a much cheaper way of getting the course material you need. 

eBooks 

If you can find your textbooks online, downloading them is much cheaper than buying hard copies. It'll also save you lugging hard copies around campus, which is a bonus.

Budgeting tip - sell your textbooks at the end of the semester. It's a great way to make back some extra cash and raise the funds for new course materials.

Other key expenses

• Printing & photocopying are small charges that add up over time. Avoid printing in colour if possible and use digital copies whenever you can. 

• Gym memberships can usually cost a lot of money, but you can pick up a student membership at a gym for around £15-20 per month. Keep an eye out for Fresher's Week deals.

Living costs in Nottingham

That covers all the expenses you need to be aware of while you study at Nottingham. With some forward thinking and commitment to a budget, you'll be able to save some money and make the most of student life at the same time.