COST OF LIVING IN
Portsmouth .
If you are studying on a visa , you will need to make adequate financial provision before the start of your course to cover tuition fees , accommodation and general living costs in line with UKVI requirements . Find the latest figures at www . gov . uk / student-visa / money .
We advise you to budget at least £ 9,500 for each academic year ( 40 weeks ) to cover accommodation and living costs . Other living costs depend on your lifestyle . The figures below show the average weekly outgoings for our students living in Portsmouth . Students choosing to live outside of Portsmouth may find the cost of living much higher .
Our tips for starting out on a student budget
First things first : get a UK bank account . You will need a bank letter from the University to apply for a UK bank account and will be able to generate this from your student portal after you complete registration .
Make a budget and stick to it . Be aware of exactly how much money you need to set aside for essentials like rent , bills and food , so you know what you can afford to spend on going out , shopping or a nice restaurant .
A great way to make your weekly food shop ( and money generally ) go a lot further is batch cooking and meal preparation . Cook up a big portion of your favourite recipe and freeze the leftovers for the rest of your week ’ s lunches and dinners . A takeaway might feel like the easiest option but a bit of preparation in your cooking will keep you and your finances fit and healthy .
If you want to make new friends , get to know the city , boost your bank balance , and get work experience all at the same time , you can get a part-time job .
One of the advantages of being a student is the number of discounts on offer to you . From rail cards , to cheaper cinema or live sport tickets , to discounts at your favourite high street brands and even cheaper food at certain restaurants , it is always worth asking if there is a student discount available , so make sure you do not miss out .
Example weekly living costs :
ITEM
Halls / Rent Bills ( gas / electricity / water / internet / TV licence )*
Groceries *
Public transport * Mobile phone bill ( SIM only )* Contents insurance Study costs Socialising ( cafés and bars )*
SELF-CATERED HALLS OF RESIDENCE
£ 118 – £ 186 Included in halls rent £ 29 £ 14 £ 5 £ 3 £ 14 £ 20
PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION
£ 90 – £ 130 £ 20 £ 29 £ 14 £ 5 £ 3 £ 14 £ 20 Student gym membership £ 16 – £ 24 £ 16 – £ 24 Total per week
£ 219 – £ 295 £ 211 – £ 259
Total per academic year ( 40 weeks ) £ 8,760 – £ 11,800
£ 8,440 – £ 10,360
48 * based on information taken from the British Council study-uk . britishcouncil . org / moving-uk / cost-studying
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