Depending on your course, you'll have some extra costs to consider while you are at the University of Southampton. Here are some extras and hidden costs that you might incur on top of your tuition fees:
Supermarket shopping
You should be able to eat well for £25 a week.
Learning
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Books – you won’t need to buy all the books on your reading list, just the core texts. Remember the Library has an excellent collection of books.
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Vital equipment and materials - the University has excellent facilities, computer access for all students and your academic lecturers will let you know of the best place to buy any extra equipment.
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Attending compulsory field trips or placements – you might have to pay for transport and/or accommodation.
Living
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Rent – Most first year students choose to live in halls of residence. The prices for these range from around £65 to £140 per week, depending on whether you choose to live in catered halls, where most meals are included, or self-catered halls. For more information, visit the Accommodation website.
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Living in privately rented accommodation starts at around £225 per month, though this doesn’t usually include bills. Bear in mind that you will normally be required to rent the accommodation for 12 months. For more information, visit the Accommodation website.
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Deposit - if you are in privately rented accommodation, you will probably need to pay a deposit. This is usually about the same amount as a month's rent, and will be returned to you at the end of your stay. Your landlord can deduct money from your deposit if there is damage to the property, unpaid rent, etc.
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Bills - if you are in privately rented accommodation, you will need to pay towards utility bills (electricity, gas, telephone, etc - around £10-15 per week). You won’t have to pay council tax as long as everyone in your house is a student. Don’t forget your mobile phone bill too!
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Food – everyone’s got to eat and drink! It depends on what you buy, but budget for about £25 per week - unless you are in catered halls, where most meals are included.
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Clothes – Remember you can use your student ID card or Gifted card to get discounts throughout the city’s shopping centres.
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Socialising – there are loads of clubs and societies that you can join at the Students' Union and there are many student nights at the University and at various venues in the city. Freshers week will give you an idea what you are likely to get up to but it's best to save up for the first few months, as you will probably be socialising a lot with your new friends before your work load gets too heavy.
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Transport – the uni-link bus service will take you around the city at cheap prices and there are many places to park your bike for free while you are on campus. Car parking is limited and very expensive: avoid bringing a car to Southampton if at all possible. Save money for your journey home during the holidays and make the most of student rail/bus cards.