What are the living costs when studying in Manchester, UK

1. Navigate the Living Costs: A Student’s Guide to Life in Manchester, UK Knock! Knock! Did you get shortlisted for your dream university in Manchester, UK? Be it the University of Manchester or Manchester Metropolitan University, the city is full of amazing and top-notch universities. These universities not only offer education but a life which is exciting and worth living. Since Manchester is famous for its architecture, rich history, lifestyle, sports and more, student living is also gaining popularity. And, starting from college fees to student accommodation in Manchester, there is a cost for everything. We understand finding things within a fixed budget can be a daunting task, especially when moving to Manchester. Considered as one of the most affordable cities in the UK, you can expect to find budget-friendly things. And, to help you out, we have penned down this blog. Our blog will provide you with a detailed guide on all the necessary costs for international students in Manchester. So, let us make it easy for you to make an informed decision. Let’s begin.

2. Cost of Student Accommodation in Manchester After your admission, the first thing you should consider is student housing in Manchester. Well if you don't, where will you? Plus, the cost of living is the biggest expense after tuition fees. As for the cost of living, it depends on your lifestyle and the kind of accommodation. For first year students, major universities offer on-campus student apartments in Manchester. Speaking of off-campus student rooms in Manchester, there is a wide range of options available. Let’s break it down for you. ●University Halls/On-campus Accommodation: Often a first choice for students, the cost of on-campus accommodation typically varies from £120 to £200 per week. This cost generally includes many facilities like utilities, maintenance, internet and more. Hence, it is affordable since everything is included in the rent. ●Private Student Residence: If you consider living off-campus in a private student residence, the cost can be a little higher. This option typically ranges from £200 to £300 per week. Plus, the cost also depends on the location, nearby amenities, on-site facilities and more. However, sometimes some accommodations charge separately for utilities like heat, electricity, internet, etc. Hence, ensure what all is included in the rent before making a decision. ●Shared Houses: Living with someone and sharing student rooms in Manchester has gained popularity over the years. Second- and third-year students often prefer living with their friends due to being a cheaper option. You can expect to spend £350 to £600 per month. However, this excludes bills and food costs. Grocery and Food Expenses You require food to live a healthy life. Simply put, food and grocery expenses are another significant part of determining the budget. Along with flexible student accommodation in Manchester, this city has an array of supermarkets, dining options, farmers’ markets, etc. The breakdown of food and grocery expenses are as follows: ●Cost of Eating Out: Manchester is a city offering diverse options that suit your taste and budget. You can find restaurants and cafes offering student-friendly meals which usually cost around £10. While some restaurants offer meals between £15 to £25. These costs can easily be reduced through student discounts and deals. ●Meal Prep: Many students opt for meal prep to save money. You can either cook in batches or freeze meals. The expected cost ranges from £20 to £30 per week. Hence, meal prep significantly reduces food bills. ●Cost of Grocery: One of the most affordable things is to cook your own meal. You can visit budget-friendly supermarkets to shop within your budget. The average cost for a week ranges between £25 and £40. Some of the places to do cost-effective grocery shopping include:

3. ○Aldi ○Lidl ○ASDA ○Tesco and more. Cost of Public Transportation Similar to student accommodation in Manchester, you can find plenty of public transportation for easy travel. From buses to trams, Manchester has it all for you. The cost of traveling depends on the way you travel. ●Buses: Offering many student discounts and deals, buses are the most affordable option in Manchester. Students can easily get a travel card which allows them to travel unlimitedly. The monthly pass costs from £50 to £70, depending on the zone you are traveling from in and out. ●Tram: Another popular transportation option among students is Manchester’s tram system. Particularly used to reach suburban areas, daily ticket costs between £3 and £6. And, for a monthly pass, it costs around £60. ●Cycling: One of the most student-friendly options is cycling. The cost of a cycle here is around £100. This one time investment can easily save transportation costs. Miscellaneous Expenses Besides food, transportation and studentaccommodation in Manchester, there are some other expenses too. The breakdown of miscellaneous expenses include: ●Social Life: You can’t be locked up in your student housing all the time. Plus, moving to Manchester is an opportunity to explore and learn new things. Hence, socializing is an important aspect. The cost of maintaining a social life depends on your choices. For instance, daily nightlife can cost you between £20 to £40. While a standard ticket for cinema, galleries, etc costs between £8 to £12. ●Utilities: In case your rent doesn’t include the cost of utilities, you have to pay for your electricity, phone, internet, etc. The average cost of these utilities depends on the usage. For instance, the phone bill is around £10 to £25 for a month including the internet. Summing up, Manchester is a place where you can experience an enriching life. However, it is essential to curate a budget to make the most of your time in Manchester. Be it student housing in Manchester or nightlife, with the right planning you can enjoy the best!