by House4Students 
Let’s face it: university life isn’t exactly known for financial abundance. With rent, food, course materials, nights out, and the occasional Deliveroo, your money can vanish faster than a free pizza at freshers’ week.
But smart budgeting doesn’t mean cutting all the joy out of student life. With a few simple steps, students can take control of their finances, avoid the dreaded overdraft spiral, and still have a social life. For landlords and investors, understanding this dynamic helps shape properties and services that support long-term tenancy and satisfaction.
💷 What Does University Life Cost?
According to Save the Student’s 2024 Money Survey, the average UK student spends £1,078 per month, with the biggest chunk going to:
- Rent: £535
- Groceries: £133
- Bills: £83
Socialising, transport, and takeaways make up the rest
At the lower end, students can get by on £800–£900 per month, but this requires strict budgeting and likely some support from part-time work or family.
💳 1. Start with a Realistic Budget
Before spending anything, students should build a basic monthly budget. Start with income (student loan, part-time work, parental support), then subtract essentials:
- Rent
- Bills (if not included)
- Groceries
- Travel
- Course materials
What’s left is your discretionary spending – and it needs to last the month. Free apps like Emma, Monzo, or Money Dashboard make this easy to track.
🏠 2. Understand What’s Included in Rent
Bills included? Great. If not, students should budget for:
- Electricity & Gas
- Water
- Internet
- TV licence (if watching live TV)
At House 4 Students, we recommend all-inclusive packages where possible. It’s one less thing for tenants to worry about – and more predictable for landlords too.
🏥 3. Cook (Mostly) at Home
Eating out constantly kills a student budget. Cooking in batches, sharing meals with housemates, and using simple ingredients goes a long way. Think pasta, stir-fry, jacket potatoes – cheap, filling, and easy.
Pro tip: Aldi and Lidl will be your best friends. And freezer space is gold.
🚙 4. Cut Costs on Transport
In towns like Reading, a student bus pass can save serious cash. Better yet, consider walking or cycling if you live near campus. The savings add up.
Students should also check for railcards (16–25, 26–30, or mature student options) to save on travel home.
🎁 5. Look for Student Discounts Everywhere
From Spotify and Apple Music to clothes, meals, and laptop deals, student discounts are everywhere. Register with:
- UNiDAYS
- TOTUM (NUS card)
- Student Beans
It’s not just about treats – discounts on essentials like software or rail travel can make a real difference.
💸 6. Build in Emergency Wiggle Room
Things break. Phones get dropped. Course books cost more than expected. Budgeting a small amount monthly for the unexpected keeps students from relying on credit cards or parents every time life gets unpredictable.
A good rule of thumb: set aside £30–£50 each month for emergencies.
⚡ Final Thought for Students (and Landlords)
Budgeting isn’t about austerity – it’s about making smart choices so you don’t miss out. For landlords, offering clarity on costs and services (like bills included, bike storage, proximity to supermarkets) makes properties far more attractive.
At House 4 Students, we help students find the right homes – and help landlords meet their tenants’ real needs.
