Cost of living in Coventry for students
Navigating university life comes with its fair share of questions, and one of the biggest concerns for students is managing finances.
If you're heading to Coventry for your studies, understanding the expenses involved is essential for budgeting effectively. From accommodation to groceries and transportation, we'll break down the typical costs of university living in Coventry. Plus, we’ll answer the crucial question, ‘how much are bills a month?’, to help you budget with confidence.
Average living expenses for students in Coventry
To help you budget effectively and save money, we’ve broken down some of the average expenses you can expect to pay as a student in Coventry.
Housing and accommodation costs
When living in university accommodation or off-campus housing, rent will likely be your biggest expense as a student, so it’s important to choose the option that best suits you.
Shared accommodation rent can cost around £350 to £370 per month in Coventry, excluding utilities. University halls can be between £400 and £800 per month.
If you decide to live by yourself, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre could cost an average of £1093,70 per month. It’s cheaper to live outside the city centre where the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is £756.25.
Purpose-built student accommodation like iQ can give you a better value option as on top of your room, you’ll have bills included plus spaces like gyms and study areas that mean you won’t need to pay on top elsewhere.
Average gas and electricity bill
Whereas our residents benefit from all-inclusive bills, the cost of electricity, gas and heating won’t be included in other types of accommodation.
If you decide to share or rent privately, the average gas and electricity bill can be around £190 per month. If you’re splitting the utility costs between 3 people, it may be around £70 to £80 per person each month.
Council tax in Coventry
The average council tax bill in Coventry is £1,426.19 per year (£118.84 per month).
You don’t have to pay council tax as a student if you live in student accommodation or rent privately with other students. However, you are required to pay council tax if you live in private accommodation with residents who aren't students, so make sure to take this into consideration when choosing where to live.
Food and grocery costs
Your average monthly grocery bill will cost between £360 and £420. Of course, you can reduce this amount by shopping at cheaper supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi and using store cards and student discounts.
If you enjoy eating out at restaurants, you can expect to pay around £15 for a relatively inexpensive meal and about £60 for two people at a fancier restaurant. A beer will put you back about £4 and a cappuccino costs about £3.45.
Transportation costs
Coventry is conveniently situated in the centre of the UK and has a well-connected public transport system.
If you travel in and around Coventry on public transport, a one-way bus ticket will cost about £2. A monthly travel pass for local transport usually costs £57.50. Many students purchase a student railcard, which offers discounts of up to 30% on journeys.
When you live with iQ, you’ll be just a walk away from uni, meaning that you’ll have less to spend on travel each month, and will have another way to stay fit too.
Entertainment and social life costs
When calculating your average bills per month in the UK, you can’t forget about the expenses that come with having an active social life.
There are plenty of things to do in Coventry when you’re a student wanting to make the most of the city’s buzzing cultural and nightlife scene. If you like going to the cinema, a ticket costs between £11 and £13. Many museums and local parks offer free admission so it’s easy to find interesting things to do in the city for free.
Budgeting tips for students in Coventry
Understanding the average cost of living in Coventry is essential for students wanting to manage their finances effectively. To help you make the most of your student budget, we've put together a list of practical tips.
- Learn how to eat on a budget
- Use student discounts through apps like Student Beans or UNiDAYS
- Budget with the help of budgeting apps
- Invest in a student railcard to save money on travelling
- Find a part-time job for extra cash
FAQs
Is Coventry a good place to live for students?
Coventry is a great place to live if you’re a student. It has the perfect mix of academic excellence, cultural diversity and a buzzing nightlife. It’s also located in the heart of the West Midlands and has good transport links in and out of the city.
Is Coventry affordable for students?
Yes, Coventry is affordable for students. It has a lower cost of living compared to London, Birmingham and Manchester.
Where is the cheapest place to live in Coventry?
Barras Heath and Hillfields are just some of the best places to live in Coventry if you’re looking for affordable options.
Is Coventry a big or small city?
Coventry is quite a big city, but not as big as London or Manchester. It’s actually the ninth-largest city in England and the 12th-largest in the United Kingdom.
With all-inclusive bills and a variety of room types to suit different needs, our purpose-built accommodation in Coventry is the perfect place to call home. Search available rooms in Coventry or contact our friendly team for more information.
