Extra costs at university (excluding accomodation and food)
Hi! I'm planning on firming Nottingham for 2018 entry, and applying for medicine, I'm not planning on having a part time job due to the intense course.
I just wanted to hear from current students on how much money would you spend (apart from accommodation and food) e.g. travel, books, going out, toiletries etc
Of course this will vary for everyone but I just want to get rough ideas about everything
Thanks!
I just wanted to hear from current students on how much money would you spend (apart from accommodation and food) e.g. travel, books, going out, toiletries etc
Of course this will vary for everyone but I just want to get rough ideas about everything
Thanks!
Original post by jazz_xox_
Hi! I'm planning on firming Nottingham for 2018 entry, and applying for medicine, I'm not planning on having a part time job due to the intense course.
I just wanted to hear from current students on how much money would you spend (apart from accommodation and food) e.g. travel, books, going out, toiletries etc
Of course this will vary for everyone but I just want to get rough ideas about everything Thanks!
I just wanted to hear from current students on how much money would you spend (apart from accommodation and food) e.g. travel, books, going out, toiletries etc
Of course this will vary for everyone but I just want to get rough ideas about everything
Thanks!Ngl, there are a lot of incindental costs that you aren't prepped for if you're really making the most of uni..
Travel - random trips with friends, to visit friends at other unis, sports, conferences/meetups/events etc
Societies - membership, ongoing contribution costs (e.g. if there are regular socials, events, activities)
Books - could be an expense but the library is usually well stocked
Going out - gets expensive very quickly.. the whole process of pres, drinks at the bar, post-nightout food and travel really racks up unless you're conscious of what's going where
Events - balls, festivals, trips etc cost a decent penny a pop (at least here in Exeter). pretty standard for a ball to cost £35 to £65.
Toiletries - not that expensive overall but can get out of hand if you're always shopping at boots on name brand stuff
---------------------
I spend a lot vs other uni kids, so I'm not really representative.. but I'll bite.
On trips to friends' and families' unis so far: ~£250.
Weekly going out: £35-60/week (go out 2-3 times a week)
Spent about £250 joining rowing (inc. rowing gear), £250 joining the gym, £150 on other socieities. Windsurfing and wakeboarding trips are £10-15 a pop. Been to 2 balls at £30 and £60 respectively.
Toiletries like £10-15 every 2-3 weeks.
Takeaways: lord knows haha
Actually moving in (with travel, room decorations and bedding, initial food, some clothes etc) probably ~£600-700.
I live in catered accomodation so don't really have a food budget.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Live at home and commute
Travel: £160 a month for seven months
Food: £3.50 for a meal deal, sometimes make food at home, I don't spend much on food, don't really like eating
Books: £0 (use library and take photos of the pages lmao)
Societies: £10 upfront, a few costs for social events but I don't drink so save a lot of money due to this
Travel: £160 a month for seven months
Food: £3.50 for a meal deal, sometimes make food at home, I don't spend much on food, don't really like eating
Books: £0 (use library and take photos of the pages lmao)
Societies: £10 upfront, a few costs for social events but I don't drink so save a lot of money due to this
(edited 6 years ago)
At uni, for me travel is free by bus because I got a free bus pass with my accommodation. It pays for me to get to uni, work, town, everywhere pretty much. Next year though I'm in a house so I'll be buying a pass which will probably be between £150-£200 for the year (hopefully). Once or twice I've gotten an Uber like when going home for Christmas with heavy suitcases, it's easier in a car than on a bus. Otherwise I walk everywhere. Taking the train home costs £40 both ways with a railcard. I've only done this twice so far, and won't be doing it again for the rest of the academic year.
Food - I've realised I spend more than I think on food. I make everything from scratch pretty much thinking it was cheaper, turns out making a new meal every day or every other day isn't as cheap as I'd like, so I'll be cutting back on that. I buy everything own-brand, except Nutella because that's amazing. It's so much cheaper buying own-brand and I have honestly noticed no difference with the majority of foods.
Books - I have bought a few textbooks this year, around £20-£30 each because I sometimes find it easier to have a book in front of me instead of flicking between computer tabs when doing work. However my uni has almost everything online so it wasn't necessary for me to buy them, just a personal preference.
Societies - my uni has crap societies. Unless you're religious or political, there's nothing for you. So I've not joined any and therefore my cost is zero.
Toiletries - hardly anything. I brought a lot of stuff from home and as those things are gradually running out, I just replace with own brand things. Today for example I bought a big bottle of shower gel from Lidl for 33p. Will be just as good as a branded one. My shampoo cost something like 50p from Asda too. I buy own-brand make-up wipes too. Make-up itself is expensive, however I don't wear it everyday. I only really wear a full face when I go to work, and occasionally once or twice in the week, so I only have to buy make-up every few months so it isn't too expensive.
Clothes - I have bought a few pieces of clothing, but really not many. I keep thinking the more I buy, the more I have to load in the car to take back with me. That stops me buying unnecessary clothes.
Takeaways - never had one whilst at uni. I've only eaten out once, and that was for my birthday back in November. Even then it was only Nandos so not expensive.
Going out - I don't go out. I've never been out (except for my birthday meal). I'm not a club person and I'm not a big drinker, therefore I save heaps of money.
My phone is £24 a month which is decent. I pay for my TV license too but tbh I can't remember how much that is off the top of my head.
I'm also paying for flights to see my boyfriend twice a year, so that takes up a fair chunk (he pays half which makes it easier). I'm pretty lucky that I get the maximum loan and I have a job too so I'm able to do that.
I would definitely advise 100% buying own-brand products. Shampoo, loo roll, toothpaste, pasta sauces, ketchup, etc. It is way cheaper and easier to stick to a budget.
Food - I've realised I spend more than I think on food. I make everything from scratch pretty much thinking it was cheaper, turns out making a new meal every day or every other day isn't as cheap as I'd like, so I'll be cutting back on that. I buy everything own-brand, except Nutella because that's amazing. It's so much cheaper buying own-brand and I have honestly noticed no difference with the majority of foods.
Books - I have bought a few textbooks this year, around £20-£30 each because I sometimes find it easier to have a book in front of me instead of flicking between computer tabs when doing work. However my uni has almost everything online so it wasn't necessary for me to buy them, just a personal preference.
Societies - my uni has crap societies. Unless you're religious or political, there's nothing for you. So I've not joined any and therefore my cost is zero.
Toiletries - hardly anything. I brought a lot of stuff from home and as those things are gradually running out, I just replace with own brand things. Today for example I bought a big bottle of shower gel from Lidl for 33p. Will be just as good as a branded one. My shampoo cost something like 50p from Asda too. I buy own-brand make-up wipes too. Make-up itself is expensive, however I don't wear it everyday. I only really wear a full face when I go to work, and occasionally once or twice in the week, so I only have to buy make-up every few months so it isn't too expensive.
Clothes - I have bought a few pieces of clothing, but really not many. I keep thinking the more I buy, the more I have to load in the car to take back with me. That stops me buying unnecessary clothes.
Takeaways - never had one whilst at uni. I've only eaten out once, and that was for my birthday back in November. Even then it was only Nandos so not expensive.
Going out - I don't go out. I've never been out (except for my birthday meal). I'm not a club person and I'm not a big drinker, therefore I save heaps of money.
My phone is £24 a month which is decent. I pay for my TV license too but tbh I can't remember how much that is off the top of my head.
I'm also paying for flights to see my boyfriend twice a year, so that takes up a fair chunk (he pays half which makes it easier). I'm pretty lucky that I get the maximum loan and I have a job too so I'm able to do that.
I would definitely advise 100% buying own-brand products. Shampoo, loo roll, toothpaste, pasta sauces, ketchup, etc. It is way cheaper and easier to stick to a budget.
I took a load of toiletries with me when I left home; so I didn't need to buy any for a while. I've used Lidl own brand stuff and for the price, it's pretty decent.
I didn't buy that many clothes. I had to buy myself a new waterproof jacket and new trainers at some point though.
Your uni may have a second hand bookstore which has books from previous year students.
I didn't buy that many clothes. I had to buy myself a new waterproof jacket and new trainers at some point though.
Your uni may have a second hand bookstore which has books from previous year students.
Original post by Tiger Rag
I took a load of toiletries with me when I left home; so I didn't need to buy any for a while. I've used Lidl own brand stuff and for the price, it's pretty decent.
I didn't buy that many clothes. I had to buy myself a new waterproof jacket and new trainers at some point though.
Your uni may have a second hand bookstore which has books from previous year students.
I didn't buy that many clothes. I had to buy myself a new waterproof jacket and new trainers at some point though.
Your uni may have a second hand bookstore which has books from previous year students.
Another vote for Lidl toiletries.
Original post by jazz_xox_
Hi! I'm planning on firming Nottingham for 2018 entry, and applying for medicine, I'm not planning on having a part time job due to the intense course.
I just wanted to hear from current students on how much money would you spend (apart from accommodation and food) e.g. travel, books, going out, toiletries etc
Of course this will vary for everyone but I just want to get rough ideas about everything Thanks!
I just wanted to hear from current students on how much money would you spend (apart from accommodation and food) e.g. travel, books, going out, toiletries etc
Of course this will vary for everyone but I just want to get rough ideas about everything
Thanks!For me:
I spend around £30 a week on food
£50 a month on working out, gym, boxing, sparring, everything, it's a good gym.
Textbooks are expensive, like at least £40-60 each, normally need to buy like 3 of them per term. But unless they have some online resource coming with them, I started to buy used for cheaper this term (£40 total for 2 textbooks)
Going out? £0 don't go out or drink at all
Clothes? this will be expensive, I spent around £300 on clothes in my first semester. Because when you go to uni, you'll realise how little you have and you'll need more.
There are a lot of unexpected costs like that that arise. So I'd advise having some money just in case an emergency happens.
Travel? £0 live right outside the uni in private halls
Phone? Pay as you go, and get my parents to call me, so the £10 credit in my phone has lasted since I arrived here in September
Societies? I've spent £6, because you have to pay £3 or £4 on each society you wish to join at my uni, I've joined two (which have been a complete waste of time and I never attend any of their events).
Original post by DrawTheLine
At uni, for me travel is free by bus because I got a free bus pass with my accommodation. It pays for me to get to uni, work, town, everywhere pretty much. Next year though I'm in a house so I'll be buying a pass which will probably be between £150-£200 for the year (hopefully). Once or twice I've gotten an Uber like when going home for Christmas with heavy suitcases, it's easier in a car than on a bus. Otherwise I walk everywhere. Taking the train home costs £40 both ways with a railcard. I've only done this twice so far, and won't be doing it again for the rest of the academic year.
Food - I've realised I spend more than I think on food. I make everything from scratch pretty much thinking it was cheaper, turns out making a new meal every day or every other day isn't as cheap as I'd like, so I'll be cutting back on that. I buy everything own-brand, except Nutella because that's amazing. It's so much cheaper buying own-brand and I have honestly noticed no difference with the majority of foods.
Books - I have bought a few textbooks this year, around £20-£30 each because I sometimes find it easier to have a book in front of me instead of flicking between computer tabs when doing work. However my uni has almost everything online so it wasn't necessary for me to buy them, just a personal preference.
Societies - my uni has crap societies. Unless you're religious or political, there's nothing for you. So I've not joined any and therefore my cost is zero.
Toiletries - hardly anything. I brought a lot of stuff from home and as those things are gradually running out, I just replace with own brand things. Today for example I bought a big bottle of shower gel from Lidl for 33p. Will be just as good as a branded one. My shampoo cost something like 50p from Asda too. I buy own-brand make-up wipes too. Make-up itself is expensive, however I don't wear it everyday. I only really wear a full face when I go to work, and occasionally once or twice in the week, so I only have to buy make-up every few months so it isn't too expensive.
Clothes - I have bought a few pieces of clothing, but really not many. I keep thinking the more I buy, the more I have to load in the car to take back with me. That stops me buying unnecessary clothes.
Takeaways - never had one whilst at uni. I've only eaten out once, and that was for my birthday back in November. Even then it was only Nandos so not expensive.
Going out - I don't go out. I've never been out (except for my birthday meal). I'm not a club person and I'm not a big drinker, therefore I save heaps of money.
My phone is £24 a month which is decent. I pay for my TV license too but tbh I can't remember how much that is off the top of my head.
I'm also paying for flights to see my boyfriend twice a year, so that takes up a fair chunk (he pays half which makes it easier). I'm pretty lucky that I get the maximum loan and I have a job too so I'm able to do that.
I would definitely advise 100% buying own-brand products. Shampoo, loo roll, toothpaste, pasta sauces, ketchup, etc. It is way cheaper and easier to stick to a budget.
Food - I've realised I spend more than I think on food. I make everything from scratch pretty much thinking it was cheaper, turns out making a new meal every day or every other day isn't as cheap as I'd like, so I'll be cutting back on that. I buy everything own-brand, except Nutella because that's amazing. It's so much cheaper buying own-brand and I have honestly noticed no difference with the majority of foods.
Books - I have bought a few textbooks this year, around £20-£30 each because I sometimes find it easier to have a book in front of me instead of flicking between computer tabs when doing work. However my uni has almost everything online so it wasn't necessary for me to buy them, just a personal preference.
Societies - my uni has crap societies. Unless you're religious or political, there's nothing for you. So I've not joined any and therefore my cost is zero.
Toiletries - hardly anything. I brought a lot of stuff from home and as those things are gradually running out, I just replace with own brand things. Today for example I bought a big bottle of shower gel from Lidl for 33p. Will be just as good as a branded one. My shampoo cost something like 50p from Asda too. I buy own-brand make-up wipes too. Make-up itself is expensive, however I don't wear it everyday. I only really wear a full face when I go to work, and occasionally once or twice in the week, so I only have to buy make-up every few months so it isn't too expensive.
Clothes - I have bought a few pieces of clothing, but really not many. I keep thinking the more I buy, the more I have to load in the car to take back with me. That stops me buying unnecessary clothes.
Takeaways - never had one whilst at uni. I've only eaten out once, and that was for my birthday back in November. Even then it was only Nandos so not expensive.
Going out - I don't go out. I've never been out (except for my birthday meal). I'm not a club person and I'm not a big drinker, therefore I save heaps of money.
My phone is £24 a month which is decent. I pay for my TV license too but tbh I can't remember how much that is off the top of my head.
I'm also paying for flights to see my boyfriend twice a year, so that takes up a fair chunk (he pays half which makes it easier). I'm pretty lucky that I get the maximum loan and I have a job too so I'm able to do that.
I would definitely advise 100% buying own-brand products. Shampoo, loo roll, toothpaste, pasta sauces, ketchup, etc. It is way cheaper and easier to stick to a budget.
Thanks so much! I'll also be on the maximum loan but won't have any contributions from home, so knowing that you are too has eased my mind! Would you say you 'need' a job for the money, or was this mainly to help pay for your flights?
Thanks again
Original post by jazz_xox_
Thanks so much! I'll also be on the maximum loan but won't have any contributions from home, so knowing that you are too has eased my mind! Would you say you 'need' a job for the money, or was this mainly to help pay for your flights?
Thanks again
Thanks again
Definitely don't need a job. I was already working during A-Levels so it was really easy to just transfer to my local store at uni. It's just a bit of extra money. I only work 4-8 hours so it isn't much but just an extra something, especially in case of emergencies or unexpected payments. I recommend it though because it gives you a bit of time each week to switch off from uni work.
Original post by DrawTheLine
Definitely don't need a job. I was already working during A-Levels so it was really easy to just transfer to my local store at uni. It's just a bit of extra money. I only work 4-8 hours so it isn't much but just an extra something, especially in case of emergencies or unexpected payments. I recommend it though because it gives you a bit of time each week to switch off from uni work.
Ahh okay I understand, thank you!
Original post by jazz_xox_
Thanks so much! I'll also be on the maximum loan but won't have any contributions from home, so knowing that you are too has eased my mind! Would you say you 'need' a job for the money, or was this mainly to help pay for your flights?
Thanks again
Thanks again
As a medic your costs will probably be higher than the average student, especially travel to placements. You might also have to buy some specialist clothing/equipment for these.
You do still get the long summer break as a med student. If you're short of cash, you can earn a decent chunk of money, even working part time/min wage over this period, which you could put aside for the next year?
Original post by SarcAndSpark
As a medic your costs will probably be higher than the average student, especially travel to placements. You might also have to buy some specialist clothing/equipment for these.
You do still get the long summer break as a med student. If you're short of cash, you can earn a decent chunk of money, even working part time/min wage over this period, which you could put aside for the next year?
You do still get the long summer break as a med student. If you're short of cash, you can earn a decent chunk of money, even working part time/min wage over this period, which you could put aside for the next year?
Ahh yes I did think it may need extra expenses, and I'd definitely consider a job in the long summer if it becomes necessary! Thanks so much
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