Cost of Living Guide for Students Living in Nottingham

If you're a student in Nottingham or planning to move here for university, budgeting will probably be one of your top concerns. With tuition fees, rent, food, and nights out to think about, it’s easy to wonder how you’ll make ends meet. But don’t stress—Nottingham is a fantastic city for students, and with a bit of smart budgeting, you’ll find it’s more affordable than it first seems. Here's a breakdown of the cost of living for students in Nottingham.

1. Accommodation

Let’s start with the big one: rent. The cost of accommodation is going to be one of your largest expenses, and it varies depending on what type of place you want and where you want to live.

• Halls of residence: University-managed halls can range anywhere from £110 to £180 per week, depending on the facilities and whether you want en-suite or shared bathrooms. Some options also include bills, which is great because you won’t have to worry about heating bills in winter (and trust me, you’ll need it).

• Private housing: If you go for private rented accommodation, which most students do from second year onwards, you’re looking at an average of around £90-£120 per week, plus bills. The price will depend a lot on the area. Radford, Beeston and Lention are popular student areas.

💡 Tip: Go house-hunting early if you’re planning to go private in second year—places tend to get snapped up fast.

2. Food & Groceries

You’re going to need to eat, and Nottingham has plenty of options to suit different budgets. If you’re cooking your own meals, a weekly grocery shop could set you back around £20-£35, depending on where you shop and what you like to eat.

• Supermarkets: Aldi and Lidl are the go-to spots for cheap groceries, while Tesco and Sainsbury’s are a bit more mid-range.

• Eating out: If you don’t feel like cooking, the cost of eating out can vary widely. You can grab a meal for £5-£10 at places like Wetherspoons, while nicer restaurants will obviously cost more.

💡 Tip: Use your student discount whenever possible! Apps like Unidays and Student Beans are great for finding deals at restaurants and takeaways.

3. Transport

Nottingham has decent transport links, and the good news is that the city is very walkable. If you’re living near campus, walking might be all you need to get around.

• Buses: For those living a little further out, Nottingham’s buses are reliable and not too pricey. A student monthly bus pass is around £50, or you can buy tickets for individual journeys at about £2.50 each.

• Trams: The tram network is a handy way to get around. A student tram pass is around £240 for the year, but it’ll cover all your transport needs if you plan to travel frequently.

💡 Tip: Invest in a bike if you can. Nottingham is fairly bike-friendly, and it’ll save you a ton on transport costs in the long run.

4. Utilities & Bills

If your rent doesn’t include bills, you’ll need to factor in gas, electricity, water, and broadband costs. For a shared house, this usually works out to around £30-£50 per person, per month. Some student rental contracts include utilities in the rent, which can be a big help when trying to manage your budget.

💡 Tip: Split bills between housemates using apps like Splitwise or PayPal to make sure everyone’s contributing fairly and on time.

5. Entertainment & Nights Out

Let’s face it—uni life isn’t all about studying, and Nottingham is known for its nightlife and student-friendly events. The city has a great range of pubs, bars, and clubs, and you can expect to spend about £20-£40 on a night out, depending on how many rounds you buy (or if you pre-drink before heading out!).

• Cinema: A student ticket at the cinema will cost around £7-£10.

• Clubs: Entry to most clubs is usually £5-£10, but there are plenty of student nights with reduced or free entry.

• Gym: If you’re into fitness, Nottingham has lots of gyms to choose from. University gyms offer discounted memberships, and private gyms can range from £15 to £30 a month.

💡 Tip: Look out for student discounts at bars and pubs. Nottingham has plenty of student nights where drinks are cheap, especially around the Lace Market and Hockley areas.

6. Other Expenses

Of course, there are other expenses to consider—textbooks, stationery, and other uni essentials. You can save a lot by buying second-hand or borrowing from the university library.

• Textbooks: Depending on your course, textbooks can be expensive. You’re looking at around £30-£60 per book, but many students opt to get second-hand versions online or borrow them from the library.

• Clothes: Nottingham has loads of charity shops and vintage stores, especially around Hockley, where you can pick up cool, affordable clothes.

💡 Tip: Use student discounts in high-street stores whenever possible. Save up for the big seasonal sales!

Final Thoughts: Is Nottingham Affordable for Students?

In a nutshell—yes, Nottingham is a pretty affordable city for students. Your biggest expenses will be rent and bills, but with some careful budgeting, you can definitely live comfortably without breaking the bank. Make the most of student discounts, shop smart for groceries, and enjoy all the cheap and fun activities the city has to offer.

Plus, Nottingham has a strong student community, so you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy your uni years without constantly worrying about money. Happy budgeting!

P.S. Don’t forget to set aside a bit of cash for those spontaneous trips to Goose Fair, a takeaway after a night out, or some cheeky coffees during study sessions—because student life is all about balance, right? 😉