Living costs and budgeting Plan your budget
This page is a rough guide to what it costs to live and study in Leeds, based on average spending. Use it to plan, then work out your own budget for your circumstances. What you spend will depend on your accommodation, your course and how you live.
- These figures are a guideline, not a quote. Always work out your own budget.
- If you are an international student and have met the financial requirements for your visa, still work out a personal budget separately.
- Budget for the amount you would need without a job. You may be able to work during your studies, depending on your course and, for international students, whether your visa allows you to work in the UK.
- Living costs can change, and exchange rates can affect what you pay.
Calculate your own budget
Use the Whatuni cost of living calculator
Your accommodation
Accommodation is usually your biggest cost. What you pay depends on the type you choose and what it includes. Compare University accommodation and private accommodation options and prices.
What is included
- University accommodation includes your household bills (gas and electricity, water and internet) and gym membership. Family accommodation does not include gym membership.
- Private accommodation sometimes includes bills and sometimes does not, so check before you sign. Purpose-built student accommodation often includes them; renting from a private landlord often does not.
The information on this page is a guideline only, based on average spending for a single student in 2026. University rents are the published 2026/27 rates and are still provisional.
| Accommodation type | Estimated rent a week |
|---|---|
| University accommodation, self-catered | mean average £198 (£122 to £273) |
| University accommodation, catered | mean average £248 (£213 to £283). Includes 12 meals a week during term time. |
| Private accommodation, self-catered | mean average £210 (£80 to £339). Costs may be more for higher specifications. |
Figures for private accommodation are averages listed on Unipol, August 2026.
Your other living costs
These are typical weekly costs to consider as well as rent. If you live in University accommodation you do not need to consider bills, as they are already included in your rent.
| Cost | Estimated cost a week |
|---|---|
| Groceries: food, toiletries and cleaning products | mean average £36 (£32 to £40) |
| Household bills: gas and electricity, water and internet, if not included in your rent | mean average £17 (£15 to £18) |
| Personal costs: transport, socialising, eating out, clothes and phone | mean average £59 (£46 to £71) |
Figures for living costs are based on data sourced from Whatuni, Nat West Living Index and Save the Student, adjusted for inflation for 2026/27 where necessary.
Estimated total cost
This brings rent and living costs together. Use the year length that matches you: many first-year undergraduates budget for around 39 weeks, while many postgraduates and anyone in a year-round tenancy should use the 52-week figure. Tuition fees are not included.
| Time period | Lower | Average | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per week | £171 | £320 | £466 |
| Academic year (39 weeks) | £6,670 | £12,480 | £18,170 |
| Full year (52 weeks) | £8,890 | £16,640 | £24,230 |
Work out your own budget
These figures are a starting point. A budget based on your own circumstances will be more accurate.
- Start with the University’s money management support for budgeting tips, ways to save and financial support.
- Use Whatuni budget calculator can help you work out how much money you may need.
Start your research
Depending on your situation, you may also need to budget for the following.
Before you arrive (international students)
- Immigration costs, such as the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Your flight to the UK and travel to Leeds.
Course costs
- Tuition fees.
- Some courses have extra costs, which may include field trips, placements, professional body fees, specialist clothing, equipment or studying abroad. Check Course Search for your course.
One-off setup costs
- Furniture and household items, for example for cooking, if your private accommodation does not include them.
- A laptop, unless you are bringing a suitable one. Guidance on bringing your laptop to university.
Ongoing costs
- Household bills, if they are not included in your accommodation.
- Local transport around Leeds, and travel home during breaks, which may include international travel.
- A mobile phone.
- A TV licence, if you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer. You do not need one for on-demand services such as Netflix, but you will need a subscription. Check if you need a TV licence.
- Council tax. Most full-time students do not pay council tax, unless your course is under a year or you live with part-time students or non-students.
- General study costs, such as printing and stationery. You can borrow books from our libraries and use University computers for free.
If you bring your family
- Family accommodation, which has different costs.
- Childcare.