The cost of living in Nottingham

Liza is a second-year psychology and cognitive neuroscience student. She shares her experience of living on a student budget in Nottingham.

How I manage my budget

"When I first arrived in Nottingham as a student, I was both excited and nervous
about managing my expenses. Coming from a different city, I wasn’t sure how far my budget would stretch. However, I quickly learned that with the right planning and student perks, Nottingham is one of the most affordable university cities in the UK."

Budget-friendly accommodation choices

"During my first year, I chose self-catered university accommodation,
which gave me the freedom to cook my own meals and control my food budget. My weekly grocery shopping at Aldi or Lidl usually costs around £25-£35,
making it an affordable option. For those who prefer convenience, catered
accommodation is available, with meals included in the cost, removing the
hassle of cooking and grocery shopping.

After my first year, I moved into private housing with friends in Beeston, a popular student area. Rent here is relatively affordable, with an average weekly cost of around £133 for a shared student house, often including bills. Splitting expenses with housemates helped make it even more budget-friendly.”

Affordable dining and campus life

"Campus life offers many budget-friendly dining options. If you live in catered halls, the MealPass app provides meal credits that can be used across various campus outlets. One of my favorite spots is Trent Café - it’s cozy, affordable, and perfect for studying between lectures.

Nottingham is also a haven for food lovers. There are plenty of international restaurants and cafés, both in the city centre and in Beeston. My personal favorite is Public, a charming café that serves the most delicious pistachio and raspberry croissants. The aroma alone makes me want to take the scent home!"

Social life on a budget

"Nottingham’s social scene is vibrant yet affordable. Student nights at clubs like Ocean often have entry fees as low as £1-£5, and happy hour discounts make a night out budget-friendly.

If, like me, you prefer activities without alcohol, Nottingham has plenty to offer - from cozy cat cafés to adventure golf and musical theatre. I often find myself enjoying a fun evening out for just £10-£20."

Exploring the UK without overspending

"One of the biggest perks of studying in Nottingham is its great transport links.
Budget travel options like FlixBus and Megabus offer cheap tickets to London,
Birmingham, and Manchester, with fares starting as low as £10.

The Nottingham Railway Station is conveniently located near campus, and with a Student Railcard, train travel becomes even more affordable."

Free and discounted activities

"Living in Nottingham means access to countless free and discounted events. The university’s Residential Experience Team frequently organizes events with
freebies and discounts.

The city also hosts seasonal festivals, film screenings, and live music events like the famous candlelight concert. Additionally, places like Nottingham Contemporary offer free entry, making it easy to enjoy culture and history without spending a penny."

Earning while studying

"Finding part-time work as a student in Nottingham is easy, thanks to the university’s Careers and Employability Service. Many students take up flexible jobs such as tutoring, working as a student ambassador, or retail positions - all of which pay well and fit around academic schedules. These jobs have helped me manage my expenses while gaining valuable work experience."