Cost of Living in Nottingham for Students: 2026-27 Guide 

Nottingham is considered one of the most economical cities in the UK as there are about 60,000 students residing here. The city is known for creating an ideal balance between historical and modern cities, making it approximately 41% more affordable than the cost of living in London. And the cost of living in Nottingham is between £850 and £1,350. In this guide, we are going to talk about everything that you should know about Nottingham with regards to accommodation, transportation, food, utilities, employment, and many more. As housing takes up to 60% of total living costs, therefore, finding the best accommodation option is vital. With 12.7% vacant houses and 16.1% excess supply of private studios, there are many housing options for students. 

Average Monthly Cost of Living in Nottingham, UK 

The average cost of living for a student in Nottingham, UK is between £850 and £1,350 per month, which makes Nottingham one of the cheapest and most student-friendly cities in the UK. The cost of accommodation is the greatest expense, comprising 50%-60% of the monthly budget of the student. Rent for a room in a HMO (shared housing) or a university flat cost ranges between £420 and £700 per month, whereas private studio or one-bedroom apartments are rented between £700 and £1,000 per month. Most PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodations) come with all-inclusive bills that comprise water, heating and Wi-Fi. Students can save money on groceries by buying their goods from Aldi and Lidl, and travel cheaply using the bus and tram passes instead of public transport fares. Following is the average monthly cost of living in Nottingham: 

Student Accommodation Costs in Nottingham  

Typically, accommodation in Nottingham (such as Purpose-built Student Accommodation and private apartments) takes up around 60% of a student’s cost of living in Nottingham. They are known for offering students well-equipped bedrooms and are usually conveniently situated near universities and the city center. However, in the case of private flats in student areas such as Lenton and Beeston, the rent will usually be cheaper, and students will get a traditional student housing experience. 

Types of Student Accommodation in Nottingham, UK  

Choosing the right student accommodation in Nottingham. According to recent housing reports, the city is currently seeing a major change in its student housing market. Due to several years of new student accommodation developments, the city now has an oversupply of student beds, resulting in an overall vacancy rate of 12.7%. This means students have more accommodation choices, face less pressure to book early, and may even be able to negotiate better prices or offers.  

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA):

Specially designed for students and is professionally managed. It is one of the most popular accommodation options, especially for international students, who make up around 21% to 24% of the local university population. PBSAs are easy to book online before arriving in the UK and offer modern facilities with 24/7 CCTV, secure keycard access, parcel storage, and all-inclusive bills covering heating, electricity, water, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Many PBSAs also provide study rooms, gyms, games rooms, and community events, making it easy for students to study and socialise. Below are the various types of PBSA’s in Nottingham: 

• Average Cost: £160 – £260 per week   

Studio Rooms  

• Average Cost: £185 – £280+ per week   

Student studios in Nottingham usually come equipped with a bed, bathroom, and kitchenette all within one unit. Since everything here is private, they are always more costly than any other type of room. They are preferred by postgraduate students, final year students, and couples. 

En-suite Rooms  

• Average Cost: £150 – £215 per week   

En-suite accommodation provides students with a private bedroom as well as a private bathroom; however, the kitchen and living space will be shared by 2 or more other flatmates. 

Shared Apartments 

• Average Cost: £95 – £145 per week   

Shared apartments are the most affordable student accommodation options in Nottingham. Students here will share a kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedroom with 2 or more other housemates. This type of accommodation is ideal for students who want to keep their housing costs low while enjoying a friendly and social environment.  

Private Apartments:

These provide full independence. Although it is known for providing privacy, it also comes with increased responsibility. Students normally have to pay for utilities separately, amounting to £60-£100 monthly. But with the level of independence and freedom they come with, it all becomes worth it. Furthermore, they are made for both students as well as working professionals. 

• Average Cost: £200 – £320+ per week   

Cost Comparison: Student Apartments in Nottingham 

Best Student Areas to Live in Nottingham  

Nottingham consists of over 60,000 students. They are mainly spread depending on the university they attend. Students at the University of Nottingham (UoN) tend to stay in the southwest suburbs. In contrast, students at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) will most likely reside in the city center and its vicinity. Your choice of neighborhood may have a huge impact on how you travel each day, your student experience, and your cost of living in Nottingham. Below are some of the best neighborhoods in Nottingham: 

1. Budget-Friendly Areas  

Radford  

• Average Rent: £95 – £130 per week 

• Nearby Universities: University of Nottingham (Jubilee Campus) and Nottingham Trent University (City Campus).   

• Means of Transport: Buses are regularly available on Ilkeston Road, offering a convenient 10-minute ride to the city center of Nottingham. Over 65% of students in this location walk or use the bus. 

• Student Environment: Radford is a place with a mix of students and different cultures, and affordable shopping places for students. 

Dunkirk  

• Average Rent: £100 – £135 per week.   

• Nearby Universities: University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) and Queen’s Medical Centre.   

• Convenience of Transport: Dunkirk is located close to University Park Campus, and the tram from there takes just six minutes to travel to various important university destinations.   

• Ambiance of Students: The neighborhood enjoys an academic ambiance. More than 70% of the people living there are medical and science students. 

2. Mid-Range Student Areas  

Lenton  

• Average Rent: £130 – £175 per week.   

• Nearby Universities: University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.   

• Easy Transportation: The transportation in Lenton is fantastic; it is even close enough to walk to both universities. Buses from the university come at intervals of 5 to 8 minutes.    

• Vibe Among Students: Lenton is sometimes referred to as “the student village” of Nottingham since the majority of the population here are students (around 80%). 

Beeston  

• Average Rent: £125 – £165 per week.   

• Nearby Universities: University of Nottingham (University Park Campus and Jubilee Campus).   

• Transport: Beeston also boasts a tram and a railway station. One can get to the university in less than 7 minutes and to the city centre within 15 minutes.                      

• Student Life: Beeston is a suburban area that provides cafes, independent shops, and parks. More than 40% of student tenants in Beeston are postgraduate students and undergraduates. 

3. Premium Student Neighbourhoods  

Nottingham City Centre  

• Average Rent: £170 – £260+ per week, while premium private studios can cost £280+ per week.   

• Nearby Universities: Nottingham Trent University (City Campus) and University of Nottingham via public transport.   

• Transport Convenience: The city centre has excellent transport connections, including buses, trams, and Nottingham Railway Station. Many students living here can easily walk to nearby facilities, and around 90% of city centre residents do not need to buy a daily public transport pass.   

• Student Vibe: The city centre offers a busy and modern student lifestyle with many luxury Purpose-Built Student Accommodations (PBSAs).   

The Arboretum  

• Average Rent: £160 – £220 per week.   

• Nearby Universities: Nottingham Trent University (City Campus).   

• Transport Convenience: Students can usually walk to the university in 5 to 10 minutes. The nearby Waverley Street tram stop also provides quick access to other parts of Nottingham.   

• Student Vibe: The Arboretum is a historic and attractive neighbourhood built around a beautiful Victorian park. It offers a mix of traditional Victorian shared houses (HMOs) and modern student accommodation, making it a popular choice for students who enjoy a lively yet scenic environment. 

Popular Student Accommodation Options in Nottingham, UK 

Nottingham is famous for offering a range of student accommodation options that cater to different preferences and budgets, from budget-friendly ensuites to modern studio apartments. Accordingly, your overall cost of living in Nottingham fluctuates. Whatever you are looking for in your accommodation be it staying close to your university, luxurious facilities, or a central location in the city, we’ve got everything covered. The following are the five most famous student flats in Nottingham: 

Nottingham Square, Nottingham  

• Starting from: £95/week   

• Room Types: Ensuite Rooms, Studio Apartments   

• Best For: Budget-conscious students who want to stay close to the city center and Nottingham Trent University.   

• Nearby Universities:   

• Nottingham Trent University – 10–15 minutes’ walk   

• University of Nottingham (Jubilee Campus) – 15–20 minutes by bus/tram   

• University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) – 20 minutes by bus/tram   

• Key Amenities: Fully furnished rooms, study spaces, common lounge, outdoor courtyard, laundry facilities, secure entry, on-site maintenance, and high-speed Wi-Fi.   

Study Inn Talbot Street, Nottingham  

• Starting from: £160/week   

• Room Types: Ensuite Rooms, Studios   

• Best For: Students looking for luxury accommodation with premium facilities near Nottingham Trent University.   

• Nearby Universities:   

• Nottingham Trent University – 5 minutes’ walk   

• University of Nottingham (Jubilee Campus) – 15–20 minutes by bus   

• University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) – 20 minutes by bus/tram   

• Key Amenities: Wellness spa, gym, cinema room, study rooms, housekeeping, yoga studio, bike storage, social spaces, all-inclusive bills, and high-speed Wi-Fi.   

Raleigh Park and The Village, Nottingham  

• Starting from: £97/week   

• Room Types: Shared Rooms, Ensuite Rooms, Studios   

• Best For: University of Nottingham students who prefer living within walking distance of campus.   

• Nearby Universities:   

• University of Nottingham (Jubilee Campus) – 10–15 minutes’ walk   

• University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) – 15–20 minutes’ walk   

• Nottingham Trent University – 20 minutes by bus/tram   

• Key Amenities: Gym, study area, communal lounge, bicycle storage, parking, flexible payment options, no deposit required, and on-site maintenance.   

Varsity Beeston, Nottingham  

• Starting from: £99/week   

• Room Types: Ensuite Rooms, Studio Apartments   

• Best For: Students looking for modern accommodation close to the University of Nottingham.   

• Nearby Universities:   

• University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) – 10–15 minutes’ walk   

• University of Nottingham (Jubilee Campus) – 15–20 minutes by tram/bus   

• Nottingham Trent University – 20 minutes by tram   

• Key Amenities: Free gym membership, fully furnished rooms, social spaces, bicycle storage, excellent tram and bus connections, and high-speed Wi-Fi.   

Castle Gate Haus, Nottingham  

• Price from: £109/Week   

• Accommodation Options: En-suite Accommodations, Non-En-suite Accommodations, Studio Apartments   

• Ideal for: Students looking for an easy commute to prestigious institutions.   

• Nearest Universities:    Nottingham Trent University – 10-minute walking distance   and University of Nottingham (University Park Campus) – 20-minute journey via bus/tram   

• Facilities Offered: Common Room, Kitchen, Bike Shed, Fitted Furniture, Vending Machines, Secure Entry, and Superfast Internet.   

Find the best student accommodation in UK with University Living today! 

Food & Grocery Costs in Nottingham 

The average monthly cost of living in Nottingham for food and grocery budget for a student is between £180 and £295, depending on eating habits and lifestyle. Many students save money by cooking at home instead of eating out regularly. In fact, over 65% of students reduce their weekly grocery bills by up to 35% by shopping at affordable supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, which have popular stores in Radford and Nottingham city centre. If students choose to eat out in popular areas such as Hockley or the Lace Market, they can expect to spend around £15 to £25 per meal. To save even more on the overall cost of living in Nottingham, many students use Student Beans to get 10% discounts at participating restaurants, buy discounted surplus food through apps like Too Good to Go, and prepare meals in batches, bringing the cost of a home-cooked meal to less than £1.50. Below are the details of the same: 

Transportation Costs in Nottingham 

Nottingham has one of the best public transportation systems in the UK, with a 90% passenger satisfaction rating. The students residing here mostly prefer to use Nottingham City Transport (NCT) buses and the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system that provides cheap student passes. Purchasing a NET Annual Student Pass at a price of £365 or an NCT Easyrider Pass, which can bring your daily travelling expenses down to 82p, will assist the students in saving about £500 to £1,000 each year on travel expenses. Students who live near their universities are able to commute by walking and cycling. In case you wish to go out at night, students usually prefer to get to destinations by using Uber or cabs and sharing the expense with 3-5 friends. In case you need to get to the East Midlands Airport (EMA) or back, Nottingham Skylink operates a 24-hour bus to the city center. Following is the transportation costs in Nottingham:  

Moving to a new country can be overwhelming, especially when travelling with heavy luggage. ULInfinity services can make your arrival easier by offering airport pickup, helping you travel directly from East Midlands Airport (EMA) to your student housing in Nottingham. 

Utility, Internet & Mobile Expenses in Nottingham, UK

Your management of the utility expenses per month in Nottingham will depend on the choice of accommodation. In case you decide to stay in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA), the electricity, heating, water, and Wi-Fi will be inclusive in the rental amount, hence you will not pay any separate utility bills. In the case of a private apartment, you will pay utility bills along with other tenants, and this will range from £60 to £100 per person per month. For students who manage utility expenses themselves, the highest expense will be incurred in the months of November through March, and this will take up to 65% to 70% of the total expense. High-speed fiber broadband is cheap if shared between 4 to 6 housemates, and this will bring the cost of internet per person to between £8 and £15 monthly.

Part-Time Jobs & Student Income in Nottingham, UK

The minimum wages applicable to students in Nottingham City are based on UK National Minimum Wage regulations. The minimum pay rate for students aged between 18 and 20 years is £10.85 per hour, while the minimum pay rate for students above 21 years is £12.71 per hour. International students in the UK on a Student Visa are allowed to work for 20 hours per week during their academic term time and full-time during university holiday periods. Some common types of jobs students undertake include retail roles in shops in the Victoria Centre, hospitality jobs in Hockley and the Lace Market, on-campus jobs such as being a student ambassador or a library assistant, as well as delivering goods or undertaking freelance jobs. This will help students in balancing their overall cost of living in Nottingham. Based on the current 21+ minimum wage, students who work the maximum number of hours can earn approximately £1,016 per month before any tax deductions. 

Hidden Costs Students Often Miss in Nottingham  

The costs one would incur while planning to study in Nottingham include tuition, rent, and more. Many students forget about the hidden cost of living in Nottingham after they pay their fees and rent. One of the costs they are supposed to pay is buying move-in essentials like bedding, cookware, and other daily-use items. This can be done by using the ULInfinity services which offer students move-in essentials kits. Other common costs include laundry, which averages about £5 to £10 per week, textbooks, and online study subscriptions. Students who plan to study in the UK are expected to pay the cost of a UK student visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge before arriving in the UK. They will also incur foreign exchange charges when paying tuition or accommodation costs. Following are the details of the same: 

Moving to another country involves much more than booking accommodation. ULInfinity help international students with Forex transfers, Health Insurance, Travel Insurance, airport pickup, international SIM cards, guarantor services, and move-in essentials, making the transition to student life in Nottingham easier and more convenient. 

Smart Ways to Reduce Living Costs in Nottingham, UK 

As a student in Nottingham, it is easy to save money through budget planning and making proper decisions daily. Choosing the right kind of accommodation, using travel passes for students, buying groceries from budget-friendly supermarkets, and taking advantage of student discounts are among the many things that can help ensure one spends less. Many students manage to live on a monthly cost of living of about £850-£1,100, which is cheaper compared to the average living costs in the city. Some of the measures that can enable one to spend less on cost of living in Nottingham include:  

• Sharing Accommodation to Save Money: Sharing an apartment in student areas like Lenton can reduce your rent to about £95-£145 per week. 

• Share Accommodation to Save Money: Renting a shared house in student areas like Lenton can reduce your rent to around £95 to £145 per week, helping you save up to £400 per month compared to more expensive options.   

• Use a Student Travel Pass: Buying a NET Annual Student Tram Pass for £365 gives you unlimited travel and reduces your transport cost to around 82p per day, helping you save up to £1,000 a year compared to buying daily tickets.   

• Save Up to 35% on Groceries: Shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi on Ilkeston Road instead of convenience stores in the city center to reduce your grocery bill by up to 35%.   

• Use Student Beans Discounts: Always check for offers through Student Beans before shopping. Many local stores and supermarkets, including Co-op, offer 10% student discounts.   

• Cooking at Home: By preparing food in advance and storing it, you may bring the cost of cooking at home down to less than £1.50 as opposed to the price of eating out, which ranges from £15-£25.   

• Go for All-Inclusive Housing: If you live in PBSA accommodation, electricity, heating, water, and even Wi-Fi are part of your monthly rental charges. 

Is Nottingham Affordable for International Students?  

Nottingham is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, costing around 41% less than London. Students can also save up to £300 per month compared to living in cities like Bristol or Manchester. Budget-conscious students can keep their monthly expenses below £900 by choosing shared HMOs in Lenton, where rent starts from £95 per week. Students looking for a more premium lifestyle can choose private studio apartments, with prices starting from £1,450+ per month.

The 12.7% vacant housing rate in the city provides a wider variety of options for students in terms of accommodation, while the affordable transportation system in which student travel costs only 82p a day contributes to reduced daily expenditures. In summary, Nottingham is one of the best places for students to lead an enjoyable life in terms of cost-effectiveness. 

Conclusion  

Choosing the right student accommodation in Nottingham is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The good news is that Nottingham is around 41% cheaper than London. However, planning your budget is still important, especially if you live in private accommodation where utility bills can add £60 to £100 per month. The right choice of room type, careful management of expenses per day, and smart utilization of the 12.7% of housing vacancies in the city would ensure that your average living expenses stay in the range of £850 to £1,350 per month. For a comparison of verified, fully inclusive student accommodations, visit University Living today! 

Frequently Asked Questions