Adjusting to a frugal lifestyle is a first lesson for many students based in the UK. Here’s a university guide for students, not ranked by academic criteria, but by the cost of living. The result is a map showing the most affordable locations in the UK for students.
* Rent is referred to as university accommodation per week.
5 Cities in the UK with the Lowest Cost of Living Ideal for Students
1. Bangor University
It might have come in forty-seventh in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, but Bangor University tops the category of affordability. A meal for two costs as little as £10 and it has the lowest price for beer, just £2.09. The cheapest meal and drinks.
2. University of Nottingham
The student mecca of Nottingham wants you to be as healthy in body as in mind. Here, you’ll find the lowest gym membership fee, workout for just £10.49 a month. Probably a good thing when kebabs are as cheap as £4.80 and a beer is just £2.25.
3. University of Manchester
Going out on the weekend? Uber to the pubs, bars, and clubs in Manchester costs just £3.50. Accommodation is surprisingly affordable at just £75 a week. (The cheapest in the top five!) This leaves you with more money to spend. Enjoy a beer for £2.35, go to the cinema for £8, or have a nice cappuccino for £2.66.
4. University of Leicester
Leicester, with its overall low cost of living, earned a spot in the top five. Leicester has the second cheapest gym membership (£10.50 a month), the fourth cheapest meal for two (£11), and the ninth cheapest kebab (£5). Accommodation costs in Leicester are also low at just £83 a week.
5. University of Sheffield
Sheffield isn’t just a place for work with no play. The fact that Sheffield has the second cheapest kebab (£4.50), Ubers from £3.50, and beer for £2.35 means you have all the ingredients for a very affordable student night out.
London: The Bottom of the List for Affordability
All of the last 10 positions are claimed by London universities. While the capital may be unrivaled for opportunities and lifestyle, it comes at a price. University accommodation costs £168 a week (St George's). An Uber ride costs £50 per trip (Royal Holloway, University of London). Going to the cinema can be up to £13 (all London unis). And a beer costs £4.