Nestled in the picturesque county of Surrey, Guildford is a historic yet thriving town that offers a unique blend of urban charm and countryside living. It is home to prestigious educational institutions like the University of Surrey and Guildford School of Acting, which make this town a hub for students and young professionals. Since the average monthly costs range between £1,300 – £ 1,500 on multiple factors like transportation, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses, planning your budget well as a student in Guildford becomes important. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the cost of living in Guildford for students. So keep reading further to know more!
Guildford Cost Of Living
A variety of expenses including accommodation, food, groceries, and miscellaneous cost define the Guildford cost of living. Here is a tabular representation of the same to provide you with clarity on these average individual expenses per month:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (£) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | 820 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | 600 |
| Transportation | 65 |
| Food | 437 |
| Entertainment | 46 |
| Groceries | 120 |
| Clothes | 90 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,578 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-campus Accommodation (Per month) | 1,358 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost of Living In Guildford For Indian Students
The living costs for students are mostly inclusive of various expenses including food, accommodation, travel, and many others that are beyond the tuition fees. Here is a representation of the average total living costs Guildford Indian students will have to incur while pursuing their studies:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (INR) |
| Off-campus Accommodation | 86,357 |
| On-campus Accommodation | 63,188 |
| Transportation | 6,845 |
| Food | 46,023 |
| Entertainment | 4,844 |
| Groceries | 12,637 |
| Clothes | 9,478 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-campus Accommodation (Per month) | 166,189 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-campus Accommodation (Per month) | 143,019 |
Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.
Cost Of Tuition Fees
The University of Surrey is one of the most leading institutions in Guildford, with average tuition fees ranging from £17,800 to £22,400 annually, depending on the programme of study.
- The Guildford School of Acting (GSA), is also situated in the heart of the town, offering exceptional training in the performing arts.
- Tuition fees for GSA’s undergraduate programmes cost around £16,500 per year.
- However, it is important to note that these tuition costs are likely to change based on the course of study and university.
Cost Of Student Accommodation In Guildford
Accommodation is a major expense in the overall cost of living. The prices of student accommodation in Guildford can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations mostly include utilities and can range from approximately £200 to £300 per week depending on the property type.
| Guildford Accommodation | |||
| Student Accommodation | Private Accommodation | University Accommodation | |
| Cost | 200-300 GBP/Per Week | 300-350GBP/Per Week + Utility bills (If not inclusive of the rent) | 150 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 | 190 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. |
Student Accommodations In Guildford
There is a wide range of student accommodation options available in Guildford. From on-campus to private rentals, the possibilities are endless. There are multiple purpose-built student accommodations with prices ranging from £200 – £300 per week. Here are some of the best student housing options to look for:
You can book these accommodations through UniAcco for a seamless experience.
Guildford: Student Housing, Close to Campus – From £200/week!
Cost Of Transport
Transportation is one of the major contributing factors towards the cost of living in Guildford for students. Here are some of the popular modes of commute that can be opted for while travelling to your university campus and exploring areas within and around the city:
- Bus: Guildford benefits from an extensive network of bus services operated by companies such as Stagecoach and Arriva. A single journey will cost around £2.
- Train: Guildford is served by a major railway station offering regular train services to London, Reading, and other nearby towns and cities. Train fares normally begin from £3, which can very depending on the distance.
- Bike: Cycling is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation for students living within the city limits. Guildford has a network of cycle routes and dedicated lanes, making it easier and safer for cyclists to navigate the city. Brompton Bike Hire facility will normally cost you around £5 for a 24-hour bike rental.
Cost Of Food And Groceries
Food and groceries essentially contribute towards the overall living expenses in Guildford. However, the presence of multiple supermarkets and a diverse food scene allows students to maximise their savings.
- Major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s 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, Guildford 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 Guildford Expensive To Live For Students?
While Guildford may not be the most affordable, it offers a relatively reasonable cost of living compared to other metropolitan cities. Additionally, many scholarships offer financial assistance for students to cover their educational expenses which contribute to a major chunk of the living costs in Guildford.
There are multiple affordable accommodation options, multiple cost-effective transportation options, and multiple budget-friendly supermarkets that contribute to making Guildford a smart pick for international students in particular.
Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Guildford
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 Guildford:
- 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 Guildford?
Saving money as a student in Guildford can seem to be challenging as a student. However, some careful planning creates a good scope for savings. Here are some tips that could help:
- It is advisable to go 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.
- Opt for home-cooked meals rather than frequently dining out.
Guildford offers a unique blend of urban convenience and countryside charm, making it an attractive destination for students to pursue their academic goals. While the cost of living may seem high initially, careful planning and budgeting can make Guildford an accessible study destination for students.
FAQs
What is the average monthly cost of living for students in Guildford?
The average monthly cost ranges between £1,300- £1,500 for students in Guildford.
How much are the tuition fees at top universities in Guildford?
University of Surrey is one of the most leading institutions in Guildford with average tuition fees ranging from £17,800 to £22,400 annually.
What is the average cost of student accommodation in Guildford?
Purpose-built student accommodations range from £200 to £300 per week in Guildford.
What is a reasonable weekly budget for groceries in Guildford?
A weekly grocery budget of £30 – £40 is sufficient for the essentials.
Are there any discounts available for students in Guildford?
Yes, students can take advantage of discounts at restaurants, retail outlets, and gym memberships.
Is Guildford an expensive city for students to live in?
While not the most affordable, Guildford offers a relatively reasonable cost of living compared to other metropolitan areas.
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