Plan your budget

This page explains the typical living costs students may need to budget for, what may be included in your rent, and where to find support with managing expenses and accessing financial help.

Typical living costs

Fixed living costs are regular expenses linked to where you live and are usually paid monthly. Make sure you budget for these in advance.

Common fixed costs include:

  • Rent
  • Internet
  • Utility bills (gas and electricity)
  • Council tax

Other regular costs may include:

  • Mobile phone bills
  • TV licence
  • Streaming or digital TV subscriptions
  • Insurance

What’s included in your rent will depend on whether you live in University-managed or private accommodation, so always check what you’ll need to pay for separately.

Internet and WiFi

Internet access is included in most University-managed accommodation. You can also use free WiFi (eduroam) across all University campuses.

University WiFi 

Contents insurance

You may wish to take out contents insurance to protect your belongings against theft or damage. Comparison websites, such as Compare the Market, can help you find suitable cover.

Compare the market

TV licence

If you watch live TV on any channel, TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer, you need to be covered by a TV Licence.

Buy your License

Advice on managing your budget

Tracking your income and spending behaviours  will help to ensure that you do not unexpectedly run out of money.

The Advice Place offers one-to-one budgeting support and advice, along with a wealth of further information about helping you to plan and manage your budget.

Budget planning (The Advice Place)

The University also has a dedicated webpage outlining support with the cost of living.

Cost of living | The University of Edinburgh

Financial support and additional funding

The following pages provide information on financial support and other funding opportunities available to students. Some students may be eligible for support for their specific circumstances. The Advice Place offer advice for students who run into financial difficulty.

Scholarships and student funding

Additional funding (The Advice Place)

Emergencies and hardship funding (The Advice Place)

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