Bedford is a charming town in the heart of England. With the average monthly costs ranging between £1,200 – £ 1,400 on varied aspects like food, accommodation and other crucial aspects, planning finances as an international student in Bedford becomes crucial. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the cost of living in Bedford while pursuing your education to have an overall enriching experience.
Cost of Living in Bedford:
The cost of living in Bedford is determined by a range of expenses such as housing, meals, household items, and other miscellaneous costs. The following table displays the average monthly expenses for individuals to give you a clearer understanding.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (£) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 468 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 584 |
| Transportation | 90 |
| Food | 398 |
| Entertainment | 48 |
| Groceries | 128 |
| Clothes | 60 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,192 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,308 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost of Living in Bedford For Indian Students:
The main components of Bedford’s living cost primarily consist of factors such as food, housing, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses in addition to tuition fees. Below is a breakdown of the overall expenses Indian students can expect to face during their academic journey:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 49,726 |
| On Campus Accommodation | 62,051 |
| Transportation | 9,562 |
| Food | 42,289 |
| Entertainment | 5,099 |
| Groceries | 13,599 |
| Clothes | 6,374 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-campus Accommodation (Per month) | 138,978 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,21,541 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost Of Tuition Fees:
When it comes to pursuing higher education in Bedford, tuition fees are a significant factor to consider. The average annual tuition fees at the top universities in Bedford are expected to range between £9,250 and £11,500 for undergraduate programmes. The University of Bedfordshire is one of the best institutions here with in tis anticipated to charge around £11,000 – £13,000 per year for most of its bachelor’s and master’s courses.
Cranfield University which is widely popular for its postgraduate programmes, is likely to have tuition fees, averaging around £11,000 per year for many of its master’s degrees. However, it is important to note that these figures are likely to change based on the course of study and university.
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Bedford:
Accommodation contributes towards the major expense in the overall cost of living. The prices of student accommodation in Bedford can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations majorly include utilities and can range from approximately £109 to £150 per week depending on the property type.
| Bedford Accommodation | |||
| Student Accommodation | Private Accommodation | University Accommodation | |
| Cost | 109-150 GBP/Per Week | 109-150 GBP/Per Week + Utility bills (If not inclusive of the rent) | 125 GBP/Per week |
| Safety | These are gated communities with utmost safety & all facilities included like CCTV, biometric entrance, etc | Depends on the landlord and area | These are on the university campus with all the safety precautions |
| Utility Bills | Included | Not Included | Included |
| Home Insurance | Included in rent | 135 GBP per year | Included in rent |
| Proximity University | Walking distance to campus | Depends on area | Inside/nearby Universities |
| Other Amenities | Mostly all amenities are included like Wi-Fi, microwave, electric stove, fridge etc. | Based on landlord/location | Mostly all amenities are included like Wi-Fi, microwave, electric stove, fridge etc. |
Bradford: Student Housing, Close to Campus – From £73/week!
Student Accommodations In Bedford :
There is a wide range of student accommodation options available in Bedford. From on-campus to private rentals, the possibilities are endless. Polhill Park is one amazing option if you are looking for off-campus accommodation in Bedford. It is stacked with a plethora of contemporary amenities that make student living effortless and hassle-free. You can book this accommodation through UniAcco for a seamless experience.
Cost of Transport:
Transportation significantly impacts the cost of living in Bedford for students. Below are a few common ways students can choose to get to their campus and discover different parts of the city:
1. Bus: One of the most popular and affordable transportation options for students in Bedford is the local bus service operated by Grant Palmer. Students can purchase a termly bus pass for around £160, which allows unlimited travel on most routes within the town. Alternatively, single-journey tickets cost approximately £2.20 for adults.
2. Train: For students living further away from Bedford, train services from surrounding areas like London, Luton, and Milton Keynes provide easy access to the town. Off-peak return fares typically range from £12 to £20, depending on the starting location.
3. Bikes: Cycling is a viable and eco-friendly option for students, especially for those living on or near university campuses. The local bike hire schemes normally charge around £1.50 per hour or a £5 monthly membership, offering two hours of free hire each day, then £1 per hour after.
It is important to note that these average travel expenses can vary depending on the time, distance and frequency of your travel.
Cost of Food and Groceries:
Major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and ASDA offer a wide range of affordable options for students. A weekly grocery budget of around £30 – £40 should be sufficient for necessities.
However, students who prefer to dine out occasionally can expect to spend between £8 – £15 for a meal at local cafes or casual restaurants. Those looking to save money can take advantage of student discounts at certain eateries or opt for meal deals and promotions.
Additionally, Bedford also provides access to markets that offer fresh and locally sourced produce at competitive prices, allowing students to prepare cost-effective meals at home.
Is Bedford Expensive To Live For Students?
Although Bedford may not be the most affordable student city in the UK, it does provide a fairly affordable cost of living when compared to other cities. Moreover, a substantial number of scholarships provide monetary support to students for their educational fees, which play a significant role in covering a large portion of living expenses in Bedford. Characteristics such as various inexpensive housing choices, reduced student fares for transportation, and the existence of budget-friendly grocery stores all play a role in making Bedford a smart decision.
Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Bedford:
For students, the cost of living is influenced by factors specific to their lifestyle and needs. Here are some key factors that can impact the cost of living for students in Bedford:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Health care expenses
- Personal care costs
- Transportation
- Entertainment and socialising
- Food and groceries
- Study materials
How To Save Money As A Student In Bedford?
Saving money as a student in Bedford can seem to be challenging as a student due to the relatively higher costs of living. However, with some careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to manage expenses and have scope to save money. Here are some tips:
- Opt for purpose-built student accommodations as they are inclusive of the utility bills in the property pricing which makes them cost-effective and convenient.
- Commute through public transportation to travel to your university campus and explore areas within and around the city.
- Utilise your university library resources such as textbooks and online study materials.
- Ask for student discounts and deals at restaurants, retail outlets and gym memberships.
- Avoid eating out frequently and opt for home-cooked meals to adapt to a healthy lifestyle along with saving money.
FAQs
1. What is the average monthly cost of living for students in Bedford?
The average monthly cost ranges between £1,192 (off-campus accommodation) to £1,308 (on-campus accommodation).
2. How much are the tuition fees at top universities in Bedford?
Tuition fees range from around £9,250 to £11,500 per year for undergraduate programmes.
3. What is the average cost of student accommodation in Bedford?
Purpose-built student accommodations range from £109 to £150 per week in Bedford.
4. What is a reasonable weekly budget for groceries in Bedford?
A weekly grocery budget of £30 – £40 is sufficient for the essentials.
5. Are there any discounts available for students in Bedford?
Yes, students can take advantage of discounts at restaurants, retail outlets, and gym memberships.
6. Is Bedford an expensive city for students to live in?
While not the most affordable, Bedford offers a relatively reasonable cost of living compared to other metropolitan areas.
We hope you liked reading this blog post. For more such interesting reads, here are some suggestions:
