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Estimated living costs 2009-10
Budgeting for living costs is an important part of planning for university life.
In addition to your fees, the cost of living in Edinburgh is estimated at around £6,623 for a typical 37-week academic year. These calculations will vary according to your lifestyle and the type of accommodation you live in.
Here is an estimate of average costs for accommodation and living expenses.
Note that these costs do not include tuition fees.
Weekly budget
| University room in halls | University self-catering room | Private flat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | £148- £185 | £92- £106 | £90 |
| Food | £13 for lunches | £50 | £50 |
| Gas/electricity | included in rent | included in rent | £20 |
| Internet | included in rent | included in rent | £5 - £8 |
| Mobile phones | £10 | £10 | £10 |
| Laundry/toiletries | £8 | £8 | £8 |
| Total per week (based on the cheapest room) | £179-216 | £160-£174 | £183 |
Food
Food costs will vary depending on taste and dietary needs, but will account for a significant part of your budget.
With our handy shopping guide you can personalise your food budget and check costs of UK and international foods, and find out where to buy them on the map which is included.
Please remember that even in catered halls you will need to buy lunches.
The Shopping Guide is available to download in Rich Text Format.
Budget calculator
You can use this handy online tool to help you plan a budget before coming to the UK. Use the information on this page to help you estimate costs.
Initial and annual costs
Deposit for your room
- University accommodation: £250
- Private accommodation: one month's rent (around £360) but this can vary
Bedding
- University catered accommodation bedding packs cost: £20 (includes duvet and pillow)
- University self-catered accommodation cost: £30 (includes linen, a duvet and pillow)
- Private accommodation: £25 - £40
Installation charges
Installation of internet broadband and/or telephone landline in a private flat can range from £20 - £30. Check with the two main providers for the best deals with a combination of internet/phone:
Textbooks
Students will need a minimum of £315 each year for textbooks, stationery and photocopying.
Contents insurance
- University accommodation: Included in rent
- Private accommodation: In most cases, you will need to purchase this personally. Endsleigh Insurance offers an online service.
Travel
University accommodation is all centrally located. Most travel costs will be limited to taking the occasional bus, with fares costing about £1.20-£3.00. If you find accommodation farther away from the University, you can budget for a travel card (Ridacard for Students), costing around £13.00 per week (£38 for four weeks).
Travel costs in Scotland/UK or overseas will vary. Try to plan for visits home by checking on rail/air fares and adding this to your budget.
Police registration
If you are required to register with the Police on arrival in the UK it will be clearly indicated in your passport.
The current cost for registration is £34 per person.
Television licence
Licences cost £139.50 per year. They are required in all accommodation if you have a TV in your room/flat.
Social costs
| Cinema ticket | £7 |
| Haircut | £8 - £25 |
| Take-away meal (for two) | £5 - £14 |
| Beer | £3 - £3.50 |
| Clothes | £10 (per week) |
University social costs
For unlimited entertainment at the student centre, you can buy a EUSA Gold Card for £62 per year.
University gym membership is around £60 (one semester ) or £95 (for full year) depending on membership package.
Childcare costs
Childcare in the private sector is expensive and can cost up to £42.00 per day.
Further information ans advice is available from the Scottish Childcare government website.
The University has two nurseries and you can find out more about costs and services on their websites.
Monthly costs for couples/families
This is an estimated basic monthly expenditure covering living costs and accommodation for couples/families.
Note that these costs do not include childcare, which can be expensive.
| Couple | £1470 |
| Couple with 1 child | £1680 |
| Couple with 2 children | £1890 |
This article was published on Feb 27, 2009