Chelmsford comes across as a pleasant city where the tea is hot, the accents are sophisticated, and the people are as hospitable as they can be. As an international student, you may be wondering what it’s like to live in this picturesque town in Essex. It is only natural to systematically plan your big move to the city! Don’t worry, we got you covered. In this blog, we’ll look at everything from the cost of living in Chelmsford for students to the best pubs to grab a pint and the most Insta – worthy views in town. So, grab a cuppa tea and prepare to fall in love with Chelmsford while also preparing your budget and finances for your stay.
There are a number of factors that contribute to your overall expenditures in Chelmsford. This is mostly influenced by lifestyle choices and financial constraints. For international students, the average monthly cost of living in Chelmsford for students is between £1,200 and £1,500. Living in Chelmsford for Indian students estimated to range from ₹1,37,277 to ₹1,47,837 per month, excluding tuition fees. Housing expenses are expected to be around ₹63,358 per month, with an additional ₹31,679. for food and approximately ₹10,559 for transportation. It’s important to note that your lifestyle will influence the overall cost of living in Chelmsford. These living costs for students depend on the choices they make when moving to the city. To help students more easily manage their budgets, we have broken down each of these elements in this guide.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Chelmsford?
Have a look at this breakdown of the average monthly cost of living in Chelmsford for students –
| Items | Monthly Cost (£) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £520 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £592 |
| Transportation | £91 |
| Food Cost | £294 |
| Entertainment | £40 |
| Groceries | £144 |
| Clothes | £130 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | £1,219 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | £1,291 |
| Annual Cost of Living | £14,628 |
Below Is a Breakdown of the Cost of Living in the Chelmsford for Indian Students
| Items | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | ₹54,659 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | ₹62,227 |
| Transportation | ₹9,565 |
| Food Cost | ₹30,903 |
| Entertainment | ₹4,204 |
| Groceries | ₹15,136 |
| Clothes | ₹13,664 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | ₹128,133 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | ₹135,701 |
| Annual Cost of Living | ₹1,537,601 |
*The accommodation costs are dynamic in nature and are based on property availability
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Chelmsford:
Average Cost Per Month: £510 to £550
Finding cheap student housing could pose a major challenge for students especially when it comes to planning their overall cost of living in Chelmsford. Fortunately, Chelmsford has a selection of accommodation options to fit every budget. Shared housing in Chelmsford is the best option if you’re thinking about the idea of sharing a room with someone or a few others. Private accommodation, such as a studio or one-bedroom apartment, might be more expensive when compared to other kinds of accommodation, but it allows you the luxury of living independently.
Many students opt to reside in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), which is available across the city. These accommodations frequently provide extra perks like community spaces, on-site laundry facilities, and all-inclusive bills. In comparison to other UK cities, Chelmsford’s prices for student housing are often rather reasonable. To choose the greatest option for your budget, it is always a good idea to do some research and compare prices.
Cost Of Tuition In Chelmsford:
Average Cost Per Year: £9,000 to £16,000
Tuition costs vary based on the university and course you choose to study as an international student in Chelmsford. Undergraduate studies in Chelmsford typically cost between £9,000 and £10,500 per year, while postgraduate degrees cost between £10,000 and £16,000 per year. Anglia Ruskin University and Writtle University College are two of the most sought-after universities, both located in Chelmsford.
It’s important to keep in mind that these tuition costs might vary and differ based on the course and the institution. Yet, students from all over the world prefer Anglia Ruskin University and Writtle University College because they provide top-notch education and excellent amenities. If you’re thinking about attending university in Chelmsford, it’s worth taking a look into your options because there are a variety of scholarships and financial aid programmes available to help with the expense of tuition.
Cost Of Transportation In Chelmsford:
Average Cost Per Month: £91
Because of Chelmsford’s extensive public transit system, getting around the city is both convenient and economical. By using student cards, discounts, and public transport, you can significantly reduce your cost of living in Chelmsford. Buses and railways are the city’s primary means of public transport, and both are efficient and easily accessible.
- Travel Card: The most cost-effective choice for students is to get a student travel card, which provides discounted bus and rail fares. The price of the student travel card is £12 per week, £42 per month, and £385 each academic year. This card is a practical and smart choice for students who must travel to and from campus by bus or train because it may be used on the majority of local bus services and on trains within specific zones.
- Train & Bus: As an alternative, students can buy individual bus and rail tickets. A single bus ticket costs £1.90, whereas train fares change based on the route used and the time of day. But, buying individual tickets may end up costing more over time, particularly if you travel frequently.
- Cycle: With so many dedicated cycle lanes and bike parking facilities available, cycling is a common form of transportation in the city, making it a wonderful way to get around while keeping fit and lowering your carbon footprint.
Chelmsford: Live in Luxury Student Homes – Starts at £200/week!
Cost Of Food & Other Necessities In Chelmsford:
Average Cost Per Month: £342
Food prices in Chelmsford, as in most other cities in the UK, vary based on where you shop and what you buy. But, as an international student, you may want to consider the cost of meals that you are comfortable with back home. In general, international students in Chelmsford enjoy a variety of dining options and below are a few ways on how to plan your meals in a way that you do not majorly impact your overall cost of living in Chelmsford. The average cost of food for Indian students in Chelmsford typically ranges from ₹26,399 to ₹31,679. per month and covers daily lunch, dinner, or both. To save money, shop at local supermarkets for budget-friendly groceries and take advantage of student discounts when dining out.
- Supermarkets: There are various supermarkets in Chelmsford that offer a wide mix of food and grocery goods at reasonable costs. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda are among the most popular supermarkets. These stores frequently stock a variety of exotic foods, including goods from Asian, African, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
- Ethnic Grocery Stores: Apart from normal supermarkets, Chelmsford offers a number of speciality stores that cater to international students. These stores may sell exotic foods, spices, and other items often seen in international cuisines.
- Local Markets: There are various local markets in Chelmsford that provide fresh vegetables, meats, and other food items at reasonable costs. These markets frequently provide a large choice of in-season fruits and vegetables that are not always accessible in supermarkets.
It should be noted that many international students like exploring different meals and visiting local restaurants and cafés. While eating out might be more expensive than cooking at home, it is an excellent opportunity to discover other foods and cultures.
Cost Of Books In Chelmsford:
Textbooks and other course materials can be expensive for students, especially those pursuing disciplines that demand a lot of reading and research. Many students do not factor in books and printing costs when estimating their overall cost of living in Chelmsford, however, they occupy a good chunk of your expenses. The cost of books in Chelmsford varies based on the subject, the course, and whether you buy new or secondhand books.
- University Library: It is recommended to check if the university library has a copy of the relevant textbook. Furthermore, many universities include online libraries and materials that may be accessed from home.
- Campus Bookstores: Several institutions feature on-campus bookstores where students may purchase textbooks, course materials, and other necessities. Costs may vary, but they frequently offer affordable prices and may give student discounts.
- Second-hand Bookstores: There are numerous secondhand bookstores in Chelmsford that specialise in academic texts. These stores frequently provide a large range of used books for a fraction of the price of new ones.
- Online Retailers: Online sites like Amazon, AbeBooks, and Book Depository have a large range of textbooks at reasonable costs. Several websites may also provide student discounts or promotions.
Depending on the course and subject, you may need to prepare to spend between £200 and £500 for textbooks and course materials every academic year. Additionally, you may save money on this price by researching different options and taking advantage of discounts and secondary bookstores.
Cost Of Entertainment & Recreation In Chelmsford
Average Cost Per Month: £40
Chelmsford has a wide range of entertainment and recreational opportunities for students, ranging from outdoor activities to cultural events and festivals. The cost of recreation and leisure might vary based on the activity, however, there are many cost-effective ways to have your share of fun at discounted rates. Here are a few ways –
- Cinemas: There are various cinemas in Chelmsford that offer student discounts. Everyman Cinema in Chelmsford, for example, provides student tickets for £10.50, while Odeon Cinema offers student discounts of up to 25% off standard ticket rates.
- Fitness: Several institutions have their own sports centres, which provide student discounts. Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, for example, features a sports facility with student subscriptions beginning at £95 per academic year. In addition, there are various gyms and fitness centres in the city that provide student discounts.
- Cultural Events: Chelmsford features a number of cultural events throughout the year, such as music festivals, art exhibits, and theatrical performances. Several of these events are free or offer student discounts.
- Outdoor Activities: There are various parks and open areas in Chelmsford that are perfect for picnics, running, and cycling. There are also various walking and cycling routes that provide picturesque views of the city.
FAQs on Cost of Living In Chelmsford
Q1. What is the average cost of rent for students in Chelmsford?
Ans: The average cost of rent for a student in Chelmsford can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Students pay an average of £550 per month for on-campus housing and around £510 per month for off-campus accommodation. It is important to note that these prices can also vary depending on the location of the accommodation.
Q2. How much should I budget for leisure activities in Chelmsford?
Ans: The cost of leisure activities in Chelmsford can vary depending on what you choose to do. Movie tickets cost around £7-£10, while gym memberships can range from £15-£30 per month. There are also plenty of free activities to do in Chelmsford, such as exploring the parks and museums.
Q3. What are the other expenses that could arise for international students?
Ans: It is important for international students to keep in mind that apart from the aforementioned expenses in this guide, there are many other costs such as health insurance, the cost of VISA processing, clothing, vacations, medical expenses and other incidental expenses. Based on your budget and your lifestyle, make sure you keep space in your budget for these miscellaneous expenses that are likely to occur during your stay.
Thank you for reading this blog on the Cost of living in Chelmsford for students. If you’d like to read more, check out these blogs of interest –
