Cost of living in Nottingham for students
Nottingham is famous for many things, like being the birthplace of Robin Hood and home to Nottingham Castle. It’s also known for being a good place for students to live due to its vibrant nightlife and student-friendly accommodation.
Rent, transport, and groceries are just some of the living expenses for students in Nottingham. Here, we’ll explore the cost of living in Nottingham so you can budget for a stress-free uni life.
Average student living expenses in Nottingham
The cost of living in Nottingham is much lower than in big cities like London and Manchester. In fact, rent in Nottingham is 63% cheaper than in London.
If you’re trying to work out how much it would cost to live in Nottingham, you should budget between £800 and £1,200 per month. Of course, this average depends on your lifestyle and choices of certain expenses, like accommodation. Let’s break down some specific Nottingham living costs below.
Housing and accommodation costs
If you decide to live in a private studio or one-bedroom apartment in Nottingham, it would cost between £700 and £920 per month. On average, shared uni accommodation would be a little cheaper: between £360 and £840 per month.
At iQ, all your bills are included in your rent payment - this includes water, electricity and wifi. Our purpose-built accommodation features three room types: apartment, studio and en suite, ensuring you’re settled in a comfy space and ready to have your best year at uni.
Food and grocery costs
On average, students spend between £144 and £200 per month on groceries. Of course, this may vary depending on where you shop and what you buy. Stores like Asda, Aldi and Lidl are the best for low-cost grocery shopping and have store cards with worthwhile discounts.
Dining out can be quite expensive if you do it often. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Nottingham can cost around £14 per person. At a more expensive restaurant, it could be around £50.
If you need to save some cash, meal prepping is a great way to do so. Not only do you save money by buying in bulk, but it also helps you refrain from buying food when you’re out. Master meal prepping with our helpful guide.
Transportation costs
Nottingham is located in the middle of the country, making it a great central point for students travelling around the UK. It has a great public transport system, and students use local buses and trains to get around.
On average, students in Nottingham pay about £69 per month for transport. Of course, this will be a lot more expensive if you’re frequently traveling on national rail networks. If this is the case, a student railcard costs £30 per year and offers 30% off bus and train fares.
Entertainment and social life costs
According to Nottingham Trent University, students spend about £66 per month on socialising.
If you’d like to join a gym, a membership will cost around £30 per month. A ticket to watch a movie at a local cinema will cost up to £12 and if you enjoy live music events, you can expect to pay between £20 and £50 for a ticket.
There are lots of things to do in Nottingham that won’t break the bank, for example, visiting the beautiful public parks scattered around the city. Most of them have free entry and stunning views.
Budgeting tips for students in Nottingham
The best way to manage your student living expenses is to draw up a detailed budget and calculate all your average bills per month, including subscriptions, bank fees and daily expenses like transport.
If your total monthly income doesn’t cover all your expenses, you may need to consider cutting back on certain things. For example, learning how to eat on a budget, taking advantage of student discounts and thrifting instead of buying new items all the time.
FAQs about the cost of living in Nottingham
Can I find part-time work as a student in Nottingham?
Yes, you can find a part-time job as a student in Nottingham.
Not sure where to start looking? Get your CV ready and enquire at places like coffee shops, local retailers and tutoring agencies for potential student-friendly job opportunities.
Is Nottingham safe for international students?
Yes, Nottingham is considered a safe place for both local and international students. In fact, the city has held Purple Flag status since 2010. A Purple Flag status is awarded to cities and towns that meet or exceed safety standards for their nightlife.
What is the cost of living in Nottingham versus London?
Data from Numbeo states that Nottingham is 24.6% less expensive than London, but this excludes rent. However, rent in Nottingham, on average, is 63% lower than in London.
Understanding Nottingham's living expenses is essential for planning your student budget and making the most of your uni experience in the city.
One of the best ways to manage your student living expenses is by choosing to live in purpose-built student accommodation like iQ. When you live with us, enjoy comfy communal spaces and fun events. Explore available rooms in our Nottingham buildings: Exchange, Nelson Court, Newland House, Newton House and Signal Place.
