Bills and Utilities
When preparing a budget for starting University, it is important to understand what your expected costs will be and what you should have enough money to pay for.
Typical living costs
Fixed living costs are regular costs relating to where you are living (either in University accommodation or private accommodation), typically incurring on a monthly basis.
Some fixed (regular payments) will include:
- rent
- internet charges
- electricity and gas contracts
- council tax bills (students living in University accommodation are exempt from paying Council Tax)
Additional (regular payments) may include:
- mobile phones
- TV licence
- digital TV subscription
- insurance costs
Not all of the costs outlined below will be relevant for every student and costs will vary depending on your preferences.
You should research most of these costs in advance and add them to a budget before arriving at your new home.
The university has also created a page dedicated to advising students on how we can support you during the cost of living crisis.
Cost of living | The University of Edinburgh
Rent
If living in University accommodation, you will have to pay accommodation fees.
Paying your University accommodation fees
Internet
You can access wireless internet (eduroam) at all University campuses.
Internet access at the University of Edinburgh
Internet access is included in the rent of most University of Edinburgh owned accommodation
IT facilities in University of Edinburgh owned accommodation
Electricity and Gas bills
If you are in University of Edinburgh owned accommodation, the cost of heat and electricity will be included in your rent.
Rent
If you are living in private accommodation, the cost of rent will not usually include any bills or utilities (always check this before signing any agreement).
Often a landlord will request an additional month and a half rent value as an up-front deposit and therefore your initial cost when moving in could be very high.
The deposit will usually be returned if you meet the conditions of the property when leaving, and this deposit can then be used for your next rented property.
Renting private accommodation
Internet
You can access wireless internet (eduroam) at all University campuses.
Internet access at the University of Edinburgh
If you rent privately you will normally need to set up internet access. The cost is not normally included in the rent.
Compare internet deals for students
Electricity and Gas bills
If you rent privately, your electricity and gas can be supplied by a number of different companies. There is usually an existing agreement with a provider when you move in.
Check with the landlord who the provider is, and whether you can change supplier. You can often save money if you change.
Compare gas and electricity providers
Cost of living | The University of Edinburgh
Council tax is a charge that is used to pay for local services such as rubbish collection, street cleaning, sewerage, water, police and schools. It is collected by the local authority.
If you are a full-time student you may be exempt from paying council tax, but you must remember to register.
Additional regular costs:
Mobile telephones
There are 2 options to take when setting up a new phone, paying by contract or paying as you go;
| Contract | A fixed monthly cost including phone calls, texts and internet access. Contracts usually last between 12 and 24 months. |
| Pay-as-you-go | Pre-pay for phone calls, texts and internet access by buying credit. There is no contract so it can be a better option if you will be in the UK for less than a year. |
Mobile phone deals for students (Save the Student website)
Advice on making international calls (Save the Student website)
Contents insurance
You may want to buy contents insurance for your home to protect your belongings in case of theft or damage.
Comparison sites such as ComparetheMarket display different deals and prices to help you select the best supplier for your situation.
Insurance deals with ComparetheMarket
TV Licence
You need to buy an annual TV licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch programmes on BBC iPlayer, All4, Sky Go on any TV or mobile device.
This also applies to students who live in University of Edinburgh-owned accommodation.
TV Licence for students (TV license website)
Digital TV
Television in the UK is digital, and includes many free channels.
Other services are available which allow you to watch more channels. You pay a monthly fee and normally agree to a 12-18 month contract.
Check with your landlord or letting agency to make sure there are no restrictions if you want to install this type of service.
TV package deals for students (Save the Student website)
Food
It is important that you have enough money after estimating your fixed costs for food. Food costs vary depending on taste, diet, occasion, and how much funding is available to spend on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
If you are living in catered accommodation, you will still need to buy lunch.
Commuting
You may need to spend money to get to your classes, and the costs will be dependent on how far you have to travel and how frequently.
There are many ways to get around the city of Edinburgh and many public transport operators do offer student deals and also seasonal ticket discounts.
University of Edinburgh campus maps
Public bus transport for students (Lothian Buses website)
Activities
It is important that you keep some funding available to ensure you can do the things that make you happy.
These costs will vary depending on your interests, but we recommend that some money is set aside each month so that you can pursue your interests and explore new ones.
Edinburgh University Sports Union (EUSU website)
Find a Society (Edinburgh University Students' Association website)