Living costs
Costs breakdown
By planning your budget before you arrive at university, you’ll be able to stay on top of your finances. The grid below gives an example of the cost of living for a student at Oxford Brookes in 2011. However, cost of living varies significantly from student to student, so you will need to think realistically about what you will spend.
You can use our budget calculator to work out your own living costs.
| Breakdown | Weekly expenditure (£) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (average cost for self catered) | 120* |
| Bills (gas, electric and water included in hall price) | 0 |
| Telephone | 5 |
| Internet | 0 |
| Transport (Brookes bus included in hall price) | 10 |
| Food | 45 |
| Household goods (toiletries, cleaning products, laundry etc) | 5 |
| Clothes | 11 |
| Leisure / sport | 30 |
| Books / stationery | 10 |
| Insurance | 2 |
| Other expenses (ensure you have enough money to cover emergencies) | 0 |
| Total weekly expenditure*** | 238 |
| Total monthly expenditure | 952 |
| Total annual expenditure (based on 9.5 months)** | 9094 |
* Based on average for both non-ensuite and ensuite. Please visit: Halls In Detail for specific prices.
** Calculation based on 4 weeks to a month. 9.5 months accounts for the amount of time spent at university during the year.
*** Other expenses - make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies.
Additional information about accommodation
If you choose to stay in halls, you can pay your rent in 1, 3 or 6 instalments. If you choose the 3 instalment option, payments are scheduled for when you will receive your student loan. You will not be able to pay for halls accommodation on a monthly basis.
Accommodation in a shared house in Oxford costs on average £75 - £95 per week. You should also expect to pay an average of £10 per week for gas, electric and water bills. Most students opt to stay in halls for their first year and then choose to move to a shared house for the remaining years of their course.
Extra expenses
If your partner is living with you, you need to double the living expenses. You will also have to pay for the living costs of any children who come with you (see students with families in our International Pre-arrival Guide).
Postgraduate research students may also need an extra £600-£1,000 for expenses such as thesis presentation, travel and equipment for research.
If you are registered with the University as a part-time student to write up your thesis. You may also have to pay council tax if you don't live in student accommodation. Visit the Oxfordshire County Council website for more information.
Budget calculator
You will find it easier to make sure you have enough money if you plan ahead for
- how much you will need to spend
- when you need to spend it
- and how much money you will need in your account.
If you plan carefully, you will know how much you have left for entertainment and travel. To estimate your expenses, use our budget calculator.
Money managing tips
The National Union of Students (NUS) has a webpage with information on money and funding as a student.
See also...
Students' Union Advice Centre
Oxford Brookes Students' Union has an advice centre providing finance information to all students.
