The Real Cost of University...

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The cost of living at university depends on the place of study, the quality of digs and the duration of the course. For the sake of this exercise we are assuming a three-year undergraduate course in England (outside London), although this could equally apply to the rest of the United Kingdom. These figures are a guide only and based on a 32 week academic year and do not account for the cost of living during the holidays.

  • accommodation costs (hall of residence with meals) £4,000 
  • Subscriptions & charges (intranet, gyms & other University charges) £150
  • books and stationery £170
  • clothes £140
  • laundry/cleaning £50
  • mobile £150
  • travel £100
  • entertainment /sport/leisure £1,000
  • (other costs) £400
  • Total £6,060

 

To calculate the total cost of University you will have to add the tuition fee of £3,145 (except Scotland – www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/ for more details). This leads to a grand total of £9,205 per year or £27,615 for a three-year course. For those from families with a household income of less than £25,000 the grants and bursaries, which are available, may mean a reduction in debt to around £15,000 for a three-year course.
 
Financial assistance then, in the form of student loans and grants (see loans and grants) is available but for many, this will not cover the total cost of living at University. The table below shows the cost of living at university compared with the maximum government assistance available through the student loan system and the maintenance grant, for three different income brackets. 

Household Income

£70,000

£40,000

£25,000

Annual cost of University

 £        9,205

 £     9,205

 £     9,205

Maximum student loan /grant

 £        6,830*

 £     9,665**

 £     9,665***

Balance

-£        2,375

 £       400

 £       400

*   Tuition fee loan £3,145 + maintenance loan £3,685.
**  Tuition fee loan £3,145 + maintenance loan £3,627 + maintenance grant £998.
*** Tuition fee loan £3,145 + maintenance loan £3,685 + maintenance grant £2,835.

For those on lower incomes bursaries may also be available for more about bursaries see below.

There is a sliding scale of loans and grants available for those with family incomes between £25,000 and £70,000

 

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