Budgeting for international students

Accommodation

To help you work out your costs, keep in mind ‘accommodation’ can include or exclude food (for example in self-catered University accommodation) and bills (internet, electricity, gas, water).

University accommodation always includes utility bills but not all blocks include food. Check out the variety of self-catered and catered accommodation available at both our Exeter and Penryn campuses suitable for a range of budgets.

An alternative to University accommodation is private accommodation. Renting can be a great way to meet new people and experience life off campus. Read the Accommodation team's guidance for your campus: Exeter, Penryn (Cornwall).

Transport

The culture in the UK is to walk where possible especially within smaller towns and cities like Penryn, Falmouth and Exeter. The pavements are safe, and most people carry an umbrella or waterproof coat on wet days.

The University actively encourages you to think about using a bike to get to and from campus. Our interactive campus maps show you where to park your bike - along with shower facilities - so no excuse not to get your bike out!

If walking or cycling isn't for you, take the bus to travel around Exeter or between Falmouth and Penryn.

Exeter students can benefit from a termly bus pass which entitles you to unlimited travel on all buses operated by Stagecoach in the Exeter area for reduced prices. Students in Penryn can get a bus from campus to Falmouth which takes 10 minutes, and into Truro city in 30 minutes.

The Penryn train station is a short 5-minute walk from campus where you can get a direct train to Falmouth or Truro.

Going to London? There's a daily bus to London that leaves the Penryn campus at 6am every morning!

Want to go further? Cost effective ways to travel to other cities may be by taking a coach or the train when there are deals on. You can save by booking tickets 2 months in advance and reduce your costs even further by purchasing a student rail card or a student coach card, which can reduce your ticket prices by a third (33%). Download the Trainline app to buy and manage your train tickets and rail card on your phone.

Food and groceries

Supermarkets in the UK have their own brands of food and drink which are often cheaper than branded options. Always food shop with a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases! Bulk buying groceries with your friends and share the delivery costs will make things cheaper. The most cost-effective (and healthy) option for meals would be to cook for yourself. Cook in bulk and freeze portions to eat later.

There are many international supermarkets in Exeter stocking your favourite foods. Prices will vary, but expect the UK's imported produce to be more expensive than at home. Falmouth and Truro have fewer international food shops for you to visit in person so you may have to order online. Check out this blog and video.

The UK doesn't have a street food culture, and this sometimes surprises our international students. Eating in restaurants or ordering take-aways tends to become expensive to do on a regular basis (£12+). For a quick hot snack, try a Cornish pasty, sausage roll or chips which are relatively cheap (£2-£4).

For days when you really don't want to cook, you can pick up a microwave meal at any supermarket (£3-£6).

Entertainment and socialising

Look out for discounts and offers for everything from streaming movies to entry tickets for days out. This could reduce your ticket price by 20% by showing your student or NUS card.

With hundreds of groups on offer, join a club or society:

• Exeter: Check out the list of societies and groups available on the Exeter campuses, along with the Students' Guild events in the 'What's On' section. Also see sports clubs available via the Athletic Union.
• Cornwall: Check out the list of societies and groups available on the Penryn campus or see what Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union have planned in their 'What's On' section.

The costs of socialising vary widely based on the type of activity you choose to do with your friends. Average costs for a restaurant meal would be £15, and £3.50 for a basic takeaway coffee and £5 for a pint of beer.

You could save money on socialising by packing a picnic and making the most of the many green spaces around our campuses and towns and taking a reusable cup or flask with coffee. Our intercultural cafes are also a great place to socialise and meet new people, and you'll also get a free hot drink and sweet treat!

There are a range of sports facilities at the University with discounted rates for student membership in Exeter and Penryn.

Utility bills

In addition to rental costs, you will also need to pay for some, or all, utility bills while living and studying in the UK (electricity, gas, water, internet, and a TV licence). These will be included with some university accommodation while in some residences, bills within a given quota are covered and you’ll need to ‘top up’ if you go over this. You should also read our guidance on Council Tax.

Utility costs may be included with your private accommodation. Carefully check your contract before signing up to any accommodation agreement. 

Costs vary depending on how much you use of each product. As an approximate estimate for a single person living in shared accommodation expect to pay at least these amounts per month: electricity £65-£85, gas £55 - £75, internet £25 - £35, water £30-£40.

In the UK you need a valid TV Licence if you use ‘TV receiving equipment’ to watch or record television programmes. This includes TVs, computers, mobile phones, games consoles or any other devices. TV licences are mandatory for everyone who views content in any format, including on-demand such as BBC iPlayer. Costs £13.25 per month.

Mobile phone deals. There are often deals on sim only plans for your mobile. Before choosing a sim place, you'll need to check that company has good network coverage for the area you'll be living in.

Clothes

There are a wide variety of clothes shops in Exeter and Truro and some in Falmouth. Always check if you get a student discount!  

You may need to buy closed shoes, a waterproof coat (£50+) and warm clothing (£20+) when you get here. Shopping in charity shops or online second-hand retailers (like Vinted) for clothing can be very cost-effective and also good for the environment.

Earning money and working

You’re expected to have enough money to support yourself throughout your studies. However, some students may wish to earn money whilst they’re in the UK as well.  

Student visa holders are restricted to 20 hours per week during term time.  

Most students can expect to earn the UK minimum wage from a part-time position at entry-level. A student earning £12.21 per hour working 20 hours per week could expect to receive £243.51 per week from their employer (after tax and national insurance deductions are taken). 

It’s best not to think about how much this is in your home country’s currency. Instead, it’s better to compare it to the realistic spending costs you would experience in the UK.  

Students need to carefully consider whether they can manage working part-time whilst achieving well at university.

Saving money and discounts

Some retailers and venues offer student discounts when you show your student card or NUS Totum card. You can also find deals aimed at students on the websites below but remember a bargain is only a bargain if you really need it!

• Save the Student
• Unidays card
• Student Beans
• NUS Totum card