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Living expenses

It's important that as well as having enough money to cover your tuition fees and course costs, you consider your living expenses whilst at university. This means budgeting for your rent, bills, food and other costs.

The following list provides a general overview of what it might cost over the course of a year to be a student living in Bournemouth and Poole, excluding tuition fees and contingencies. These figures have been provided by SUBU Advice, based on June 2011 estimates. All figures are approximate - costs will vary from course to course and student to student.

See SUBU Advice's Money pages for tips on maximising your income and minimising your costs.

Expense Per Week Per Month Per Year
Rent £70-£90 £300-400 £3,000-4000
Bills £10 £40 £400
Food £25 £100 £1000
Phone £5 £20 £200
Entertainment £30 £120 £1200
Travel £10-15 £50 £400-600
Books £5 £20 £200-250
Washing £5 £20 £200
Clothing £2.50 £10 £200

Many students supplement their income by working part-time**. Bournemouth has plenty of pubs, clubs, hotels, bars and restaurants that are looking for part-time staff. Shops and supermarkets present further opportunities. The Placement & Careers Service helps to publicise part-time jobs for students.

**International students, with the appropriate visa, may work part-time (no more than 20 hours a week) during term time and full-time during vacations. It is important to note that if you require a visa to enter the UK, you must show evidence of sufficient funding to cover your tuition fees and living costs.

Even though you will normally be allowed to undertake paid part-time work in the UK, you will not be granted an entry visa if it appears that you will be relying on this to help fund your studies.

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