Cost of Living in Nottingham for Students [Updated Prices 2025]

Nottingham is a city and unitary authority area located in the heart of England. Affectionately called the “Queen of the Midlands”, it is an excellent place for students to pursue their higher education. Nottingham hosts the highest concentration of higher education providers in the East Midlands as the city is served by three exceptional universities – the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and the University of Law. If you’re planning to enrol at one of these universities, this article gives a detailed analysis of the cost of living in Nottingham for international students.

Nottingham attracts several international students from all over the world, thanks to its high-ranking universities. The city has a plethora of activities in store for students to do. This brings us to our next question: How much does it cost to live in Nottingham? The average cost of living in Nottingham ranges from £1,339 to £1,700, depending on your lifestyle and how you budget. While living costs are cheaper in Nottingham than in London, there are various factors that add to the entire cost apart from your tuition and study expenditures. 

Budgeting for student life in Nottingham: Beyond tuition fees, expect to spend around £900 per month on average. This figure includes essential expenses such as rent, with private accommodation costs ranging from £115 to £300 per week, clothing (£50), course materials (£17), and laundry (£25), plus other miscellaneous expenses. Indian students in Nottingham should budget around ₹1,41,033 to ₹1,79,056 per month, including tuition fees, to cover all expenses. Read on to find out about these factors that influence your living expenses.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Nottingham? 

The Cost of Living in Nottingham is quite close to the UK average. Check out the monthly breakdown of important living costs in Nottingham –

Expense	Monthly Cost (£)
Off-Campus Accommodation	£660
On-Campus Accommodation	£633
Transportation	£76
Food	£390
Entertainment	£41
Groceries	£112
Clothes	£70
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation	£1,349
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation	£1,322

 

Below is a breakdown of the cost of living in the Nottingham for Indian Students

Expense	Monthly Cost (INR)
Off-Campus Accommodation	₹69,374
On-Campus Accommodation	₹66,536
Transportation	₹7,988
Food	₹40,994
Entertainment	₹4,309
Groceries	₹11,772
Clothes	₹7,357
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation	₹141,798
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation	₹138,960

 

Edinburgh Accommodation

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £258 to £260 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.

What Is The Average Rent In Nottingham?

As per our data, the average monthly rent in Nottingham is £660. Then again, the rent for student accommodation in Nottingham depends on the proximity to the city centre. The monthly rent for an 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished Nottingham accommodation in an expensive area will cost you £1,242 whereas, the monthly rent for an 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished Nottingham uni accommodation in a normal area will set you back £724. 

Through UniAcco’s platform, you can get yourself a spacious en-suite room or student houses Nottingham, with all the latest and modern amenities for only £516 a month. Check out our website to know more. 

How to Save Money on Student Accommodation in Nottingham

Saving money on student accommodation in Nottingham is possible with some strategic planning and smart choices. One option is to consider living in shared accommodation, such as student halls or shared houses, where you can split the rent and utility costs with roommates. Another way to save is by opting for accommodation further from the city centre or university campuses, where rental prices may be lower. Additionally, students can explore accommodation options that offer inclusive utility bills or perks such as free Wi-Fi or laundry facilities to reduce additional expenses. For this purpose, you should consider purpose-built student accommodations as the utility bills are inclusive of the property pricing. These student residences also offer a wide array of amenities to make student living a complete breeze.

 

The Best Student Accommodation in Nottingham

 

Premium Nottingham Accommodation

 

1. iQ NewLand House:

 

 

Cost Of Tuition In Nottingham

Cost Of Transportation In Nottingham

In Nottingham, the cost of transport for students is notably affordable with options like the Robin Hood Line, buses, and the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) light rail network. The annual student travel pass, covering these services, is priced at £289 for the academic year 1st September 2023 to 31st July 2024, which averages to just over £76per month. This provides a budget-friendly solution for student transportation in Nottingham.

Cost of Personal Care

Nottingham offers a range of options for grooming, health, and self-care that cater to various budgets and preferences. If you’re looking to indulge in a little pampering, a basic manicure in Nottingham can cost around £15 to £25. For skincare and beauty treatments, Nottingham offers a range of options to suit your needs and budget. A basic facial treatment at a local salon or spa may start from £20 to £40. When it comes to health and fitness, Nottingham provides plenty of opportunities to stay active without breaking the bank. Monthly gym memberships in Nottingham vary depending on the facilities and services offered, with prices typically ranging from £20 to £40 per month for basic memberships at local gyms. Many gyms also offer student discounts or promotional rates, making it more affordable for students to prioritize their fitness.

Factors Influencing Cost of Living in Nottingham for Students

The cost of living in Nottingham for students is influenced by several key factors, which students should consider when budgeting for their expenses:

Accommodation Costs

The largest expense for students in Nottingham is typically accommodation. Factors such as the location, type of accommodation (shared apartment, student halls, private rental), and amenities offered can significantly impact rental prices. Living closer to university campuses or the city centre may come at a higher cost compared to suburban areas.

Tuition Fees

For international students or those attending universities outside their home region, tuition fees are a major consideration. Nottingham is home to several universities, each with its own fee structure for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students need to budget for tuition fees, which can vary depending on the course of study and the institution.

Transportation Expenses

Getting around Nottingham involves various transportation options, including buses, trams, and cycling. Students should budget for transportation costs, including bus fares, tram tickets, or cycling expenses such as bike maintenance and repairs. Opting for student discounts or travel passes can help reduce transportation expenses.

Food and Groceries

Students need to budget for food and groceries, taking into account factors such as dietary preferences, cooking habits, and meal plans. Nottingham offers a range of supermarkets, local markets, and affordable dining options, allowing students to manage their food expenses effectively.

Entertainment and Leisure

Nottingham offers a variety of entertainment and leisure activities, including cinemas, theatres, sports events, and cultural attractions. Students should budget for leisure activities to ensure they can enjoy socialising and exploring the city while managing their expenses responsibly.

Job Opportunities in Nottingham for Students

Nottingham offers a range of job opportunities for students, providing valuable work experience and extra income while studying. Some popular job opportunities for students in Nottingham include:

Retail

Nottingham has a bustling retail sector, with numerous shops, department stores, and shopping centres offering part-time and seasonal employment opportunities. Students can work as sales assistants, cashiers, or stockroom associates in clothing stores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, and more.

Hospitality

With its buzzing nightlife and thriving food scene, Nottingham offers plenty of opportunities for students to work in the hospitality industry. 

Customer Service

Many companies in Nottingham hire students for customer service roles, both in-person and remote. Students can work as customer service representatives for retail stores, call centres, or online businesses, assisting customers with inquiries, orders, and complaints.

Event Staffing

Nottingham hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, sports matches, and conferences. Students can work as event staff, helping with event setup, ticketing, merchandise sales, and other event-related tasks.

Office Administration

Nottingham has a thriving business sector, with many companies hiring students for administrative and office support roles. Students can work as receptionists, administrative assistants or interns, gaining valuable experience in a professional environment.