Living costs

  • Living costs

    The amount of money you will need for living costs will depend on your course and lifestyle.

    The table below gives an example of the cost of living for a student at Oxford Brookes in 2019/20.

    The costs will vary significantly from student to student, so you should think realistically about what you will spend.

  • Breakdown Weekly expenditure
    Accommodation *
    (Based on the average cost for a self catered room (non-ensuite and ensuite) in halls of residence. Includes cost of heat and water. See the university's accommodation pages for specific prices.    		 £140
    Telephone ** £10
    Internet (included in most hall fees) £5
    Transport in Oxford (Brookes bus included in most hall and tuition fees) £10
    Food £65
    Household goods (toiletries, cleaning products, laundry etc) £10
    Leisure / sport / hobbies £35
    Books / stationery £10
    Insurance (included in hall fees*) £3
    Other expenses (eg haircuts, gifts clothes, make sure you have enough money to cover emergencies) £30
    Total weekly expenditure £318
    Total monthly expenditure £1,378
    Total annual expenditure for a 35 week course (September to May) £11,130
     Total annual expenditure for a 52 week course (eg postgraduate study) £16,536

    * Rent for private accommodation in Oxford may be less, but you are likely to pay a similar amount altogether, as you will also have to pay for heat, water, insurance for personal belongings and internet connection.

    ** Telephone costs will vary greatly depending on things such as your phone contract and the amount of international calls.

  • Paying halls of residence fees

    If you are living in the university halls of residence, you can pay your rent in 1, 3 or 6 instalments. You will not be able to pay on a monthly basis. More about paying for university accommodation.

    International Student Calculator

    Supported by UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs), the online calculator will help you plan and manage your money during your studies in the UK

    Living in other accommodation

    Accommodation in a shared house in Oxford costs on average £80-£110 per week.  You should also expect to pay an average of £25 per week for gas, electric and water bills. 

    Most students choose to live in halls for their first year and then 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. For further information see our Preparation and Arrival guide's Bringing your family webpage.

    Postgraduate research students may also need an extra £600-£1,000 for expenses such as thesis presentation, travel and equipment for research.