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To begin with, there is no doubt that the cost of living in Swansea as a university student can be expensive. Everything adds up, from the big expenses like rent to the small ones like society memberships. Thankfully, student financial loans, grants, and bursaries (as well as many other sources) can cover expenses to some extent. But be cautious that there will be times when you will need to rely on your overdraft or your family for financial assistance. The most important thing to remember is that having a safety net is perfectly fine. Second, making a list of everything you need to pay for and budgeting the cost of living in Swansea is a good way to start spending effectively. Here are some ideas to help you decide on your Swansea living costs.
Swansea Cost Of Living: Different Expenses To Consider
Accommodation
Everyone knows this is where the majority of your money will be spent. To be honest, the cost of living in Swansea student halls can be expensive, but you get what you pay for. In addition, the cost of stay varies according to the location. Rooms on campus are generally more expensive than those off-campus. Thus, students prefer living off-campus in a private student accommodation. In any case, whichever residence you choose, you’ll have a fantastic university experience in Swansea.
Transport
Another aspect to consider while budgeting the cost of living in Swansea is travel costs. Depending on the area, purchasing a bus pass may be necessary for the year if you plan to stay far from your university. Unfortunately, this isn’t cheap, and living near campus may be worth the extra tens of pounds a week to avoid purchasing a bus pass. Fortunately, if you need to travel between the two campuses, your monthly pass for the Swansea area will be free. If you’re only going to one campus, living within walkable distance of the university is your best bet for saving money. If you need a bus pass, the ‘UniBus Page’ will provide you with the best prices to meet your needs per term.
Textbooks
Academic textbook prices can vary greatly depending on the subject, the number of books recommended (some are optional), and how many second-hand books are available, thus lowering the price. During the first year of university, students from subjects like biology grab all of their recommended readings for around £100. Law and Psychology students, on the other hand, may need to budget up to £300-400 for book bundles, which are typically required in the first and second years.
But don’t let this deter you. If you’re on a tight budget, keep in mind that the library will most likely have copies of the books you need. Also, a few subjects (such as Psychology) have second-hand book sales around mid-October, so waiting a few weeks after classes begin may get you a better deal than buying a brand new one.
Also Read: How To Study In The UK Without IELTS
Societies
Getting involved with societies is a great way to meet new people and have a more active social life. The cost of living in Swansea is always determined by a society’s committee, which is formed each year. A society membership typically costs around £3, whereas a sports society membership can cost much more, for example, a £15 fee for joining Sports Swansea, which provides benefits such as the ability to join sports groups. Nonetheless, no student should be excluded from any society, and there are so many options you can choose from.
Other Living Costs
The final section of your cost of living in Swansea budget should be for any remaining funds. This should be used for food, emergencies, and nights out (if you enjoy them). Of course, how much you spend in this section is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that the more essential payments (such as rent, bills, and transportation) should always come first!
PS: If there’s anything more you’d like us to know about. Add it to the comments section!
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