Cost of Living in Nottingham for Students in 2025
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Planning to study in Nottingham this year? You’re in for a great experience! Nottingham is one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. Whether you’re joining the University of Nottingham or Nottingham Trent University, living here will cost you 10–15% less than in cities like London.
From budget-friendly accommodation and cheap groceries to student discounts on travel, life in Nottingham is easier on your wallet. Areas like Lenton, Radford, Arboretum, and Forest Fields are popular among students for being close to campus and offering lower rents. Let’s break down how much you’ll actually spend each month on housing, food, transport, and more.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Nottingham as a Student in 2025?
Nottingham is one of the more affordable cities in the UK for students. If you’re planning to study here in 2025, you’ll find it cheaper than places like London—about 10–15% lower in living costs. That means you can enjoy student life without spending too much. Most students spend between £800 and £1,469 per month. This depends on where you live, how you live, and what kind of room you choose. Areas like Lenton, Arboretum, Radford, and Forest Fields are popular with students because the rent is lower compared to places like The Park Estate or the city center.
Nottingham has everything students need—budget-friendly supermarkets (like Aldi and Lidl), travel discounts, and loads of cheap food spots. With over 70,000 students in the city, everything from housing to transport is built around it making student life easier and more affordable. Following is the average cost of living in Nottingham as:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (2025) |
| Accommodation | £300 – £800 (depends on location and bills) |
| Utilities & Internet | £165 – £199 (often included in rent) |
| Groceries | £150 – £200 (shopping at local supermarkets) |
| Transportation | £60 – £70 (bus pass or walking) |
| Miscellaneous | £100 – £150 (entertainment and other costs) |
| Study Materials | £25 – £50 (books, printing, supplies) |
| Total Monthly Cost | £800 – £1,469 |
What Is the Average Tuition Fee for International Students in Nottingham?
If you’re thinking of studying in Nottingham in 2025, you’ll be glad to know that the city is a top choice for international students. Every year, thousands of students from over 150 countries come here because the universities offer great quality education at a reasonable cost. There are two main universities in Nottingham:
- University of Nottingham – It’s ranked among the top 120 universities in the world and is known for excellent research, great campus life, and modern facilities. It’s also part of the Russell Group, which includes the best universities in the UK.
- Nottingham Trent University (NTU) – This university focuses on helping students become job-ready. It’s ranked in the Top 20 modern UK universities and offers practical, hands-on courses with strong links to employers.
Tuition fees for international students depend on the subject you choose. Some courses like engineering or science cost more than business or arts because they involve lab work or extra materials. Here’s a breakdown of the average tuition fees in Nottingham 2025:
| University | Undergraduate Fees | Postgraduate Fees |
| University of Nottingham | £18,500 – £30,250 | £18,500 – £35,700 |
| Business/Economics | £20,000 – £24,500 | £22,000 – £26,000 |
| Engineering/Science | £23,000 – £30,250 | £24,500 – £35,700 |
| Humanities/Social Sciences | £18,500 – £22,500 | £19,000 – £23,000 |
| Nottingham Trent University | £16,500 – £22,500 | £17,000 – £24,000 |
| Design/Architecture | £18,500 – £22,000 | £20,000 – £24,000 |
| Law, Business, Arts | £16,500 – £21,000 | £17,500 – £23,000 |
| Computing & Tech | £19,000 – £22,500 | £21,000 – £24,000 |
How Expensive Is Student Accommodation in Nottingham in 2025?
Finding student accommodation in Nottingham in 2025 is relatively easier and more affordable than in cities like London or Manchester. The city offers a wide variety of housing options made according to international and domestic students—from university-managed halls to purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and private rentals. As of 2025:
- The average weekly rent in Nottingham is £160–£200, depending on the area, room type, and whether utilities are included.
- Nottingham has over 60+ PBSA properties catering to students of University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, especially in neighborhoods like Lenton, Arboretum, Radford, and the City Centre.
Here’s a breakdown of typical accommodation types and their costs in Nottingham for 2025:
| Accommodation Type | Average Weekly Rent (2025) | Monthly Equivalent |
| University Halls (Standard) | £132 – £289 (bills included) | £528 – £1,156 |
| Private Shared Flats | £130 – £170 (shared kitchen/living) | £520 – £680 |
| Private Studios | £175 – £230 per week | £700 – £920 |
| Ensuite Rooms (PBSA) | £160 – £215 (common in student residences) | £640 – £860 |
| House Share (Private Market) | £110 – £150 (excl. bills) | £440 – £600 |
What Is the Average Cost of Food and Groceries in Nottingham for Students?
In 2025, the cost of food and groceries in Nottingham is fairly manageable for students, especially when compared to other major UK student cities like London, Edinburgh, or Oxford. Thanks to the presence of several low-cost supermarket chains and student discounts at local restaurants, food expenses remain one of the more controllable parts of a student’s monthly budget.
On average, students in Nottingham spend between £150 and £200 per month on groceries. This figure can vary based on dietary habits, cooking frequency, and whether meals are shared with housemates. According to Numbeo 2025 data, grocery prices in Nottingham are 8–12% cheaper than the national UK average. Here’s a quick breakdown of monthly food-related expenses for students in Nottingham:
| Food & Dining Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (2025) |
| Groceries (Home-cooked meals) | £150 – £200 (based on shopping at Aldi/Lidl) |
| Takeaways & Casual Dining | £40 – £70 (1–2 meals out per week) |
| Coffee/Snacks | £15 – £30 (occasional cafés, grab-n-go items) |
| Meal at Budget Restaurant | £10 – £15 per meal |
| Monthly Dining Out Total | £60 – £100 (if eating out regularly) |
| Total Monthly Food Budget | £165 – £280 |
How Much Should Students Budget for Transport in Nottingham?
Transport in Nottingham is one of the most affordable in the UK for students, thanks to discounted passes, a compact city layout, and reliable public transport. In 2025, students typically spend between £60 and £70 per month on transport. That said, many students living near the university may spend even less by walking or cycling.
Nottingham’s transport system is ranked among the top 5 most efficient city transport networks in the UK (Transport Focus, 2025). It includes buses, trams, and cycling routes that connect major student hubs like Lenton, Beeston, The Park, Clifton, and both University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University campuses. Following are the breakdown of typical monthly transport costs for students in Nottingham:
| Transport Type | Estimated Monthly Cost (2025) |
| NCTX Student Bus Pass (Easyrider) | £59.50/month (unlimited city travel) |
| NET Tram Student Pass | £61.00/month (for unlimited tram access) |
| Cycling (Own Bike or Rental) | £10 – £20/month (maintenance or rental) |
| Walking | Free (popular in Lenton, Arboretum areas) |
| Occasional Taxi or Ride Share (Uber) | £15 – £30/month (optional, late nights) |
| Average Monthly Transport Budget | £60 – £70, or less if you walk/cycle |
Are Utility Bills and Internet Expensive for Students in Nottingham?
In 2025, utility bills and internet costs in Nottingham remain relatively affordable for students, especially compared to larger cities like London or Bristol. Most students opt for PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation), where bills for gas, electricity, water, and Wi-Fi are usually included in the rent. This makes budgeting much simpler and helps avoid unexpected monthly expenses.
However, if you’re living in a private flat or house share, you’ll need to manage these bills separately. On average, students in Nottingham spend around £165 to £199 per month on utilities and internet. This cost varies depending on your usage habits, the number of housemates, and whether your property is energy-efficient (e.g., double glazing, smart heating, etc.). Following is the monthly utility bills breakdown for students in Nottingham:
| Utility Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (2025) |
| Electricity & Gas | £60 – £80 (based on usage and property size) |
| Water | £25 – £35 (flat rate or metered usage) |
| Wi-Fi / Internet | £25 – £30 (standard fibre-optic package) |
| TV Licence & Other Fees | £10 – £15 (shared among flatmates) |
| Total Estimated Cost | £165 – £199 per month (per student share) |
Conclusion
Yes, 100%! Nottingham is a great place to live for students who want to save money and still enjoy a good quality of life. With total monthly expenses between £800 and £1,469, it’s easy to stay on budget while having access to everything you need—from parks and cafés to reliable transport and vibrant student life.
Apart from this, make sure you book your student housing early. Whether you want to share a flat or live on your own, University Living can help you find safe, verified, and affordable accommodation close to your university.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly cost of living for students in Nottingham in 2025?
Students in Nottingham typically spend between £800 and £1,469 per month. This includes rent, food, transport, utilities, study materials, and other personal expenses. Costs vary based on accommodation type, lifestyle, and location.
How much is student accommodation in Nottingham in 2025?
Accommodation costs depend on the type and location:
1. University halls: £528 – £1,156/month
2. Shared flats: £520 – £680/month
3. Private studios: £700 – £920/month
4. House shares: £440 – £600/month
Popular student areas like Lenton, Radford, and Arboretum offer more affordable options.
What’s the monthly grocery budget for students in Nottingham?
Most students spend around £150 to £200 per month on groceries, especially when shopping at budget stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco. Cooking at home and sharing meals with flatmates can help reduce costs further.
How much do students spend on eating out in Nottingham?
On average, students spend £60–£100 per month eating out. A budget meal at a local restaurant typically costs around £10–£15, while takeaways and snacks add up depending on frequency.
How much should I budget for transport in Nottingham?
Transport is very student-friendly. Most spend around £60–£70/month using:
NCTX Student Bus Pass: £59.50/month
NET Tram Student Pass: £61.00/month
Walking and cycling are free or very low-cost alternatives.
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