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Student living costs

Working out your finances is a big part of preparing for university. You can use this page to get an idea of approximate living costs and what you may need to budget for.

How much will you spend each week?

Compared to other Russell Group university cities across the UK, the cost of living in Southampton is relatively low. Average costs for private accommodation, transport, and essential supermarket items such as milk, bread and rice are cheaper in Southampton than in many other university cities.

Source: Numbeo, January 2024. Comparisons drawn against Exeter, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Nottingham and Manchester.

 
ExpenseAverage weekly cost
Accommodation in Halls (average)£151
Private rent £125
Utilities*£30
Internet* and mobile phone£12
Unilink bus pass* £8
Other transport (train and taxi)£20
Food shopping£45
Social and wellbeing (hobbies, gym, going out)£30
Clothing and personal care£20
Trips and opportunities (including optional course trips and holidays)£25
Books and other course costs£20

*these costs are included in your rent if you live in University of Southampton-managed Halls of Residence in Southampton.

Help with money

Our Student Hub is your safe space to talk about fees, financial support or wellbeing. They’re available 24/7 to help support you with whatever you need, whenever you need it. 

Through the Student Hub you can develop your money management skills, apply for financial help, or chat to financial advisers.

We've also increased our Student Support Fund from £550,000 to £950,000 for this academic year. It’s a limited pot of money, designated to help students who find themselves in unexpected financial hardship.

We also have funds for Health and Wellbeing and Technology, that students can access.

The Students’ Union runs a free Advice Centre to provide you with independent guidance and support on a range of issues, including finance.

Our students have access to a dedicated cost of living knowledge hub, signposting financial support, wellbeing support, part-time work, tips on managing money, free activities, and more.

Every year we review our support initiatives to make sure they’re supporting students in the best way possible.

International students

You'll need to show you can afford to live and study in the UK when you apply for your visa.

We can help you with visa and immigration issues.

International students also have access to our EU and International Support Fund.

Saving you money

Food and shopping

In addition to subsidised food outlets at all our locations, we offer free and reduced food, and open access microwave stations across our campuses. 

Course resources

We have many resources designed to support you in your studies, including free laptop loans, warm study spaces and a Technology Grant

Health and wellbeing

There are free and fun activities taking place on campus every week. No fee, no commitment, and no kit required. When you join us, you’ll have access to the MySouthampton app where you can see what’s on.

We also offer grants of up to £500 for treatment costs not normally covered by the NHS, for eligible students.

Travel

If you live in University-owned halls of residence in Southampton, your Unilink bus travel around Southampton is included in the price of your accommodation fees.

Our commuter fund helps fund travel costs for eligible students living at home.

And if you’re on Highfield campus late, studying or on a night out at SUSU, the Safety Bus will drop you home for free.