Cost of uni

I think I'll be starting at Durham next year - and I think I'd really like to be in catered accomodation because I've heard the nearest shop is like a 30 minute walk away and I haven't learnt to cook yet anyway + it's a good way to make friends and is easy. However I'm not sure this is a possible option for me? I know durham is very expensive and I think it's like over 10k a year just for accomodation and food? My parents I think earn roughly 43-44k a year in combined income so I'll get however much maintanence loan that gives me but I'm not sure how much that'll be. My parents have very kindly said they'll give me £200 a month whilst I'm at uni but tbh I feel really bad about it as I know they don't have that much and I don't like taking money off them - but I know i probably? can't really refuse it whilst at uni. I don't think I qualify for any bursaries or scholarships except for the durham household income one which is like probabably £1000 a year or something? Sorry I'm not very coherent I'm just not sure what to do - is catering possible with work and if so how much work will I likely have to do? Also how easy is it to get work at durham? and how much of a difference will self catering vs catering make? Because yes although I think I'd prefer catering if it's not realistic then that's fine. My course is economics and I know durham is very good but I also have an offer from nottingham which is also good and I imagine less expensive? What would the price difference be between those two unis and is the difference in the quality of the courses different enough to choose nottingham over durham based on cost? (another consideration is my girlfriend is going to bristol and durham is ages away and that'd be sad but I know that can't be the deciding factor in my decision). I'm also waiting on a response from warwick which I'd love to go to but doubt I'll get an offer, if I get A*A*A or above in my exams is it worth reapplying to a few warwick courses next year because it's my favourite uni?
Again sorry for throwing a load of information in not a coherent way but I'm just kinda confused as to what to do. Thankyou for any help

Reply 1

Chester Student

Official Rep

12

Original post by Anonymous

I think I'll be starting at Durham next year - and I think I'd really like to be in catered accomodation because I've heard the nearest shop is like a 30 minute walk away and I haven't learnt to cook yet anyway + it's a good way to make friends and is easy. However I'm not sure this is a possible option for me? I know durham is very expensive and I think it's like over 10k a year just for accomodation and food? My parents I think earn roughly 43-44k a year in combined income so I'll get however much maintanence loan that gives me but I'm not sure how much that'll be. My parents have very kindly said they'll give me £200 a month whilst I'm at uni but tbh I feel really bad about it as I know they don't have that much and I don't like taking money off them - but I know i probably? can't really refuse it whilst at uni. I don't think I qualify for any bursaries or scholarships except for the durham household income one which is like probabably £1000 a year or something? Sorry I'm not very coherent I'm just not sure what to do - is catering possible with work and if so how much work will I likely have to do? Also how easy is it to get work at durham? and how much of a difference will self catering vs catering make? Because yes although I think I'd prefer catering if it's not realistic then that's fine. My course is economics and I know durham is very good but I also have an offer from nottingham which is also good and I imagine less expensive? What would the price difference be between those two unis and is the difference in the quality of the courses different enough to choose nottingham over durham based on cost? (another consideration is my girlfriend is going to bristol and durham is ages away and that'd be sad but I know that can't be the deciding factor in my decision). I'm also waiting on a response from warwick which I'd love to go to but doubt I'll get an offer, if I get A*A*A or above in my exams is it worth reapplying to a few warwick courses next year because it's my favourite uni?
Again sorry for throwing a load of information in not a coherent way but I'm just kinda confused as to what to do. Thankyou for any help

Hi there,

Applying to university and making these decisions can be super difficult - I feel for you!

In terms of student finance and accommodation, I think some research needs to be done:

•

How much are the different accommodation options (remember - may be subject to change)? You can estimate how much it might cost you for the year from that.

•

You may also be able to estimate student finance, I've linked some resources from GOV.UK here and here. Remember, some of this information may not apply to you, and they are estimates. However, this can give you a better idea of what you can get.

•

Apply for any bursaries and scholarships (& extra funding) you can find. Even if you don't think you're eligible, take some time to check. It may be worth it!

Catered or self-catered:

•

I live in catered accommodation for my first year, and while it may be different from Durham, I found that the extra I was paying weekly for catered was actually around the price of a food shop. Once you have initially stocked up, a weekly food shop is likely somewhere around £30. I pay less each week, it just depends where you shop.

•

If you decide not to go for catered, it is a great way to learn how to cook. However, also consider the cost of crockery and cookware.

•

The nearest supermarket does appear to be further away than express stores, but you may be able to catch the bus, so do consider this too.

I'm unsure of what kind of part-time employment opportunities are available in Durham, but I'm sure there are plenty. Becoming a student ambassador is a great option to consider, as the pay is usually quite good and the work is flexible around your studies. If you're unsure, are you able to work over the summer to save up for the year?

Ultimately, it is your decision. It may seem daunting now, but considering each point will help you tremendously, so it is great you're already ahead of this! I hope all of this information is clear and useful, and congratulations on your offers!

Best of luck,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 2

Wombat11

7

Catered at Durham costs just over £100 per week more than self catered for 31 weeks when catering provided so about £3k. You could certainly self cater for less than half of that and save £1.5k.

Catered accommodation is good and does have benefits but more colleges are self catered now (5 fully self catered and some offer both) so it’s an a virus way to save money.

Yes, shops aren’t nearby but lots of student flats share a supermarket delivery. It’s about £5 and shared between a flat woukd be about £1 each.

College accommodation is likely to be just a year and then private rented. Cheaper options are in Durham a bit further out of the centre and definitely available. Nottingham catered accommodation (which is what is found on their campus) will also be expensive.

You should aim to go to your preferred uni. There won’t be significant cost differences especially in self catered.

Look at the websites for prices. Look at Money Saving Expert or Student loans website to see what loan your parents’ income will give you. Add on the extra £200 per month from parents. See what you’ve got in relation to the costs. You might expect to need the cost of rent and then £50 per week for food (if self catered) just in term time, and maybe £30-50 per week for spending. Expect to work over the summers….you can earn over £1k if you work this summer which is a good boost.

Hope this helps. Get calculating, but know Durham self catered won’t be especially more expensive than Nottingham.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

OP

Thank you so much to both of you🙏

Reply 4

hatfieldcollege

1

Original post by Anonymous

I think I'll be starting at Durham next year - and I think I'd really like to be in catered accomodation because I've heard the nearest shop is like a 30 minute walk away and I haven't learnt to cook yet anyway + it's a good way to make friends and is easy. However I'm not sure this is a possible option for me? I know durham is very expensive and I think it's like over 10k a year just for accomodation and food? My parents I think earn roughly 43-44k a year in combined income so I'll get however much maintanence loan that gives me but I'm not sure how much that'll be. My parents have very kindly said they'll give me £200 a month whilst I'm at uni but tbh I feel really bad about it as I know they don't have that much and I don't like taking money off them - but I know i probably? can't really refuse it whilst at uni. I don't think I qualify for any bursaries or scholarships except for the durham household income one which is like probabably £1000 a year or something? Sorry I'm not very coherent I'm just not sure what to do - is catering possible with work and if so how much work will I likely have to do? Also how easy is it to get work at durham? and how much of a difference will self catering vs catering make? Because yes although I think I'd prefer catering if it's not realistic then that's fine. My course is economics and I know durham is very good but I also have an offer from nottingham which is also good and I imagine less expensive? What would the price difference be between those two unis and is the difference in the quality of the courses different enough to choose nottingham over durham based on cost? (another consideration is my girlfriend is going to bristol and durham is ages away and that'd be sad but I know that can't be the deciding factor in my decision). I'm also waiting on a response from warwick which I'd love to go to but doubt I'll get an offer, if I get A*A*A or above in my exams is it worth reapplying to a few warwick courses next year because it's my favourite uni?
Again sorry for throwing a load of information in not a coherent way but I'm just kinda confused as to what to do. Thankyou for any help

Hi, Have you seen what is on offer at Hatfield, which is a catered College?

https://www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/colleges/hatfield/hatfield-scholarships-bursaries-and-awards/hatfield-undergraduate-scholarships/

We have four named Scholarships worth £4000 a year plus a bursary and more grants to help you through your time at Durham. Take a look and write to us at [email protected] if you want to know more.

Reply 5

DurhamRep Lesath

Official Rep

6

Original post by Anonymous

I think I'll be starting at Durham next year - and I think I'd really like to be in catered accomodation because I've heard the nearest shop is like a 30 minute walk away and I haven't learnt to cook yet anyway + it's a good way to make friends and is easy. However I'm not sure this is a possible option for me? I know durham is very expensive and I think it's like over 10k a year just for accomodation and food? My parents I think earn roughly 43-44k a year in combined income so I'll get however much maintanence loan that gives me but I'm not sure how much that'll be. My parents have very kindly said they'll give me £200 a month whilst I'm at uni but tbh I feel really bad about it as I know they don't have that much and I don't like taking money off them - but I know i probably? can't really refuse it whilst at uni. I don't think I qualify for any bursaries or scholarships except for the durham household income one which is like probabably £1000 a year or something? Sorry I'm not very coherent I'm just not sure what to do - is catering possible with work and if so how much work will I likely have to do? Also how easy is it to get work at durham? and how much of a difference will self catering vs catering make? Because yes although I think I'd prefer catering if it's not realistic then that's fine. My course is economics and I know durham is very good but I also have an offer from nottingham which is also good and I imagine less expensive? What would the price difference be between those two unis and is the difference in the quality of the courses different enough to choose nottingham over durham based on cost? (another consideration is my girlfriend is going to bristol and durham is ages away and that'd be sad but I know that can't be the deciding factor in my decision). I'm also waiting on a response from warwick which I'd love to go to but doubt I'll get an offer, if I get A*A*A or above in my exams is it worth reapplying to a few warwick courses next year because it's my favourite uni?
Again sorry for throwing a load of information in not a coherent way but I'm just kinda confused as to what to do. Thankyou for any help

Hello!

First of all, well done for getting into Durham! I'm not going to deny that Durham can be expensive but I have also found that Durham can be affordable if you know where to look.

Durham does charge more for catering. For example, if you had a catered standard room, the residence charges for 2025/26 would be £10,232.78 for first years. (if you had a twin room, this would be even cheaper!)

For other expenses - if you can hopefully get your cost of rent/catering covered by your maintenance loan - I would think £200 is more than enough per month. I currently live in a self-catered college and I personally know many people who manage to have a great time and eat well in Durham with £200 a month. The biggest tip we've learnt is to make sure we budget well (i.e. know what spending you're going to prioritise for the month and how much you can afford on nights out). Even if you were assigned to a self-catered college, you would not only get cheaper accommodation, £200 is definitely manageable if you use your money wisely (e.g. go to the big supermarkets slightly outside of town by bus, budget etc.)

Getting a job is definitely something I'd recommend getting in Durham. You can find jobs by the university (that's what I did!) or get jobs in one of the many shops in town which I know many of my friends have. I wouldn't say that the course load is too heavy (I do Econ too 🙂) and you definitely would be able to work part time whilst in university.

There are also many bursaries available not only at the university level but also at the course and college level. Usually they are based on family income (if your family income is under £42,875, you would qualify for most of them) but also by region (a lot of them have closed applications already however). BSc. Economics doesn't have any course-related bursary as far as I can see, but many colleges offer scholarships as well (you can check out the full list towards the bottom of this page. If you get into one of these colleges and meet the other requirements, you would qualify for these scholarships too and they definitely are worth a look.

Before I came to Durham, I had similar worries to you about how I would be able to afford living here but I found that it is completely manageable if you try to control your spending and find where to buy your essentials.

Good luck with your A Levels and I do hope to see you next year,
Best,
Lesath (DU Rep.)

Cost of uni

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