University living costs revealed
What does living at university actually cost? New research has found out.
The average student has outgoings of almost £200 a week, according to Halifax, with rent as their biggest cost.
The study found that accommodation costs an average of £74.70 a week, compared to £38.60 spent on food. Alcohol costs an average of £20.40 a week, with £14.20 being spent on transport and £12.50 on utility bills.
The lowest costs were leisure and social activities, on which students spend £12.30, and books and materials for study, which cost £9.40 a week. Students spend just £1.70 weekly in cigarettes, the Halifax research suggests.
However, the research also found huge disparities in costs based on location. The average weekly accommodation bill in the South West for example was found to come in at over £90, compared to a more affordable £53.40 in the West Midlands.
| Region | Average weekly accommodation cost |
|---|---|
| South West | £90.30 |
| South East | £86.60 |
| Eastern | £82.60 |
| North West | £79.80 |
| London | £76.80 |
| East Midlands | £72.00 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £71.20 |
| North East | £68.80 |
| Scotland | £65.90 |
| Wales | £61.70 |
| West Midlands | £53.40 |
| Northern Ireland | £31.40 |
Related news
Students face 'most expensive year'
Students' rent is on the rise
Related articles
Money: the great vanishing act
All Money articles
All Living articles
