The Cheapest University Cities
University life can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re looking for an affordable student experience, these ten cities in the UK deliver excellent value for money while still offering a brilliant student lifestyle.
#10 Aston University, Birmingham
Aston University is a fantastic choice for students looking to save money. Compared to its neighbor, the University of Birmingham, living and studying at Aston is £18.94 cheaper per week—a saving of nearly £1,000 per year!
- Rent: £132.29 per week (including bills)
- Gym Membership: £19.91
- Average Pint: £3.47
#9 University of Stirling, Scotland
Unlike pricier Scottish universities like Edinburgh and St. Andrews, Stirling offers a much more affordable student experience.
- Rent: £115.73 per week
- Travel Pass: £30
- Average Pint: £3.40
#8 University of Coventry
Coventry is a great option for students who want to enjoy low living costs.
- Gym Membership: £10
- Taxi Fare: £2.80 per km
- Rent: £135 per week
While accommodation is slightly higher, Coventry’s affordable gym memberships and low taxi fares balance things out nicely.
#7 University of Lancaster
Lancaster shines as one of the most affordable places to study in the UK, especially for nightlife enthusiasts.
- Average Pint: £2.80 (the cheapest in the UK!)
- Rent: £139 per week
- Cinema Ticket: £8.50
With everything located on a central campus, there’s little need for transport. And if you do want to explore the UK, the Mega Bus runs through the campus daily, offering budget-friendly travel.
#6 University of Newcastle
Newcastle ranks highly for affordability, particularly when it comes to accommodation.
- Rent: £117.93 per week
- Average Kebab: £4.20
Despite the slightly higher takeaway costs, Newcastle’s affordable living and vibrant nightlife have helped it climb 11 places in affordability rankings this year.
#5 University of Leicester
Leicester offers a great balance of affordable living and cheap travel.
- Average Pint: £3.10
- Travel Pass: £29 (the cheapest in the UK!)
- Rent: £130 per week
The low cost of public transport and affordable nightlife make Leicester a great choice for students.
#4 Queen’s University, Belfast
Belfast stands out as one of the most budget-friendly cities in the UK, especially for students.
- Rent: £113 per week (including bills)
- Cinema Ticket: £7
- Taxi Fare: £0.70 per km
If you’re looking for cheap rent and an affordable lifestyle, Belfast is hard to beat.
#3 University of Cardiff
Cardiff is the most affordable city in Wales and a great option for students on a budget.
- Cinema Ticket: £6.50 (the cheapest in the UK!)
- Rent: £144 per week
While rent may be slightly higher, Cardiff’s low leisure costs and affordable living make it a great choice.
#2 University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Strathclyde University in Glasgow offers an incredibly affordable lifestyle, especially compared to Edinburgh.
- Rent: £117 per week
- Gym Membership: £7.58
With such low costs, you can stay fit and still save money while enjoying Scotland’s vibrant student life.
#1 University of Lincoln
Drum roll, please! The University of Lincoln takes the top spot as the most affordable student city in the UK.
- Rent: £118 per week
- Travel Pass: £30
- Gym Membership: £12.50
- Taxi Fare: £0.90 per km
- Cinema Ticket: £8
Despite slightly higher cinema ticket prices, Lincoln’s overall affordability—combined with its vibrant student life—makes it the ultimate choice for budget-conscious students.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an affordable city can make all the difference in your university experience. These ten cities provide the perfect balance between cost-saving opportunities and a fulfilling student lifestyle. Whether it’s cheap pints, low rent, or affordable travel, there’s a city on this list that will fit your budget and your needs.
