Cost of living

It's important to put together a budget for living costs at university so that you can see the potential costs of living away from home. The cost of living can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.

What are student living costs?

When planning your student budget, the kind of costs you need to consider include:

Rent (at Stirling the rent for two semesters of University accommodation ranges from £3,458-£7,069. This includes utilities, WiFi, insurance, housekeeping assistance and 24/7 staff assistance.)
Utility bills if staying in private accommodation
Travel to and from your accommodation as well as travel back home
Food
Toiletries
Books
Phone
Clothing
Leisure

Which? have put together an estimated breakdown of student costs for the University of Stirling to help you work out your budget.

How will I meet my living costs?

Undergraduate students

As well as financial support towards your tuition fees, students from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland can apply to your relevant funding body for help with undergraduate living costs. The amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income. Financial support usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries.

International students should contact the relevant funding body or authority in your own country to find out more about any support they offer.

Find out more about funding for undergraduate students.

Postgraduate students

If you live in the UK, you may be eligible for a loan to get help with your postgraduate living costs. Financial support could be in the form of a loan, grant or bursary.

For UK and international students have a wide range of scholarships and bursaries that could help fund your studies.

See more information on funding for postgraduate students.

Money support

With the cost of living current increase we appreciate this is a very challenging time for a number of students financially. Our Money Support team offer confidential financial advice, whatever your situation. We also have access to discretionary and childcare funds.

Get more information on our Money Support and discretionary funds.

Living on a budget - six top tips

There are plenty of ways to manage your money and stretch your finances to make sure you live comfortably while studying with us.

Sometimes it helps to write everything down. There are loads of great, free websites that can help you to budget and plan your monthly expenses.

Too many takeaways can reduce your finances quickly. Instead of eating out, get cooking! It’s cheaper, healthier and a fantastic way to impress your flatmates.

Shop around for the best bank account and read the small print. Don’t necessarily choose the one that’s offering free giveaways or the highest overdraft.

You can save hundreds of pounds each year by simply shopping smart. Use price comparison sites, shop for food online to avoid impulse buys and try out supermarkets’ own brand labels.

Our students enjoy discounts at a wide selection of retail shops and restaurants around Stirling. You should always ask staff before you buy something to make sure you don’t miss out.

You’ll need to think about travel costs, particularly if you live off campus. Whether it’s a bus to lectures or travelling home for the holidays, travel cards can reduce the costs of your journeys, including the 16-25 Railcard and Young Persons Coachcard.