Managing your money

Managing your money Before you head off to university, it’s important that you have a good idea of the costs involved.

Generally speaking, the cost of living in Durham is cheaper than in some other cities, especially London. However, you still need to prepare a thorough budget.

Things to think about

If you want to stay on top of your money while you’re at university, it’s important to take into account all of the costs you’ll incur. As well as tuition fees, there are lots of other expenses to think about. These will include:

Accommodation

Whether you choose to live in college, live at home or rent from a private landlord, you’ll need to cover the cost of your accommodation as well as any bills and other fees.

College fees

College fees usually range from £5,662 to £9,215, depending on whether you choose catered or self-catered accommodation, a single or shared room, and whether you opt for an ensuite or shared bathroom facilities. All bills are included in your college fees.

Remember – if you’re living in a self-catered college, you’ll need to budget for the cost of your meals. As a rough guide, our current students spend up to £40 a week on food.

Rented accommodation

Of course, not all students live in college. If you choose to live in rented accommodation instead, you’ll need to factor in rent, utility bills and food costs.

Living at home

Even if you’re living at home, you’ll need to budget for transport to University and other expenses such as eating out, entertainment, books and stationery.

Living expenses

Once you’ve budgeted for your accommodation, it’s time to work out how much you’re likely to spend on living costs, such as entertainment, travel, stationery, clothes, etc.