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Posted Feb. 7, 2018

PG Student Life – the hidden costs of student living in the UK

FreshWhere do you start when creating a budget for your postgraduate studies?

Here is a guide to help you work out those costs you'll face as a postgraduate student in the UK. 

General Costs 

Your university will provide you with an example budget for general living costs as a student at their institution.

These usually include all of the main costs such as: 

Tuition Fees 
Rent 
Text Books 
Household Bills, like electricity and water 
Socialising 

Hidden Costs 

But, there are loads of little hidden costs that quickly add up and plenty of postgraduate students forget about them as they are creating their budgets. Renting from accommodation provider Fresh has lots of these little extra costs included in the single payment making budgeting much simpler. 

Household/contents Insurance 

Contents insurance is a vital back-up costing from around £7 per month, compare this with the cost of not having insurance if you need it and you'll soon realise it's worth it!

Dental Insurance 

Many people in the UK take out private dental care and looking after your teeth will help keep you healthy. You can get basic cover from £6.80 per month 

General Healthcare 

Looking after your general health is important so keep back money for prescriptions and general health treatments. In the UK health insurance is taken out by some people and if you feel more comfortable going private, you should contact your university to see if they recommend a particular provider. Average private medical insurance costs from around £1,400 per person per year in the UK. 

TV Licence 

This is a small cost that is often covered in the rent by providers like Fresh, but if iyour TV Licence is not included then you'll need to pay around £147 per year per house. The fine for not paying can reach into the thousands so take the time to check whether you're covered if you are unsure. 

Mobile Phone & Internet 

You'll have to set-up access to the internet if you are moving into a new house and haven't used a provider like Fresh who include it in your rent. Set-up costs can vary but expect to pay around £50 and it can cost from around £25 per month. If you're an international student, then you'll need to get a mobile phone as well and it depends on what you go for but a cheap phone can still cost around £30. 

Transport 

Make sure you're aware of how much will it cost to take the bus to your campus everyday? Even a cost of a couple pounds a day will add up across the month, so make sure you know before you go. The student accommodation provided by Fresh is always conveniently located for the student campus, and tramsport costs are kept to a minimum.

Travel Home 

You're probably going to want to go home during your studies so make sure that this is part of your budget. 

Gifts 

It's hard to think about buying birthday presents and Christmas gifts across the whole year, but you'll wind up wanting to buy some gifts for your friends and family. 

Course Costs 

Check with your department about costs associated with placements, conferences, and other visits, as they may be small but they can add up quickly.

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2 comments

Daniel Ojeikere Oct. 29, 2018, 7:26 a.m.

I'd like you to furnish me with information that could assist me get a grant or sponsored scholarship. I am the first among six,I've Ben teaching since 1999(I'll be 20yrs next yr)I have several teaching certificate & degree in science education(OOU,Ago-iwoye)
I would like do a Postgraduate or a Masters but needed funding. I'll appreciate any information orhelp in this line.Thank you.

Charlotte King Oct. 30, 2018, 8:51 p.m.

Hi Daniel,

If you have been offered a place on a PG program you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 each:

https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/

Good luck.

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