Cost of Living in Aberdeen for Students [Updated 2024]

Aberdeen, Scotland’s third-largest city is a widely desired location for Foreign students. It is a thriving university city located in northeastern Scotland and is also known as the “Granite City” or “the Silver City with the Golden Sands”. Surprisingly Aberdeen is the only city in the United Kingdom to be on the list of the top 50 affordable cities for international students. Wondering about the cost of living in Aberdeen for students? If so, this guide will give you detailed insights into the different living costs students come across in the city.

Aberdeen is home to more than 20,000 students. Is Aberdeen a good place to live? Yes! Students are drawn to this coastal town every year, where there are enough prospects for young people who are planning to settle their careers. The University of Aberdeen (3rd) and The Robert Gordon University (12th) are in the top 15 of Scotland’s best universities, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2020. How much does it cost to stay in Aberdeen? The average cost of living in Aberdeen for students ranges between £971 and £1,283 per month. Here is a detailed breakdown of the living costs for international students in Aberdeen. When considering the cost of living in Aberdeen, Students should budget approximately £55 per week for personal expenses like clothes, travel, sports, and social activities. Allocate around £50-60 per week for essential items such as food and toiletries. Additionally, for academic necessities like books and stationery, expect to spend up to £500 over the academic year.

What Is The Cost Of Living In Aberdeen?

Apart from the Aberdeen tuition fees, a variety of factors are taken into consideration when choosing a place, which may include Aberdeen university halls of residence cost, student accommodation in Aberdeen, food and culture, life, and the living cost for international students in Aberdeen, and other variables. The living cost for international students in Aberdeen is one very important factor and a number of students forget to recognise this aspect at the onset of the shortlisting process at the place, and just keep running over the budget.

Particulars	Expenses (Per Month)
Off-Campus Accommodation	£553
On-Campus Accommodation	£680
Transportation	£76
Food	£359
Entertainment	£30
Groceries	£112
Clothes	£70
Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation	£1,200
Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation	£1,327

Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change.

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

The living costs in Aberdeen are inclusive of various expenses including food, accommodation, travel and many others that are beyond the tuition fees. As an Indian student pursuing your education in Aberdeen, your average monthly expenses can range between INR 1,40,000 – 1,56,000 which covers a wide assortment of costs. Here is a representation of the average total expense that Indian students will have to incur while pursuing their studies in Aberdeen:

Expense	Monthly Cost (INR)
Off-Campus Accommodation	58,182
On Campus Accommodation	71,537
Transportation	7,995
Food	37,766
Entertainment	3,157
Groceries	11,782
Clothes	7,364
Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation (Per month)	126,243
Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation (Per month)	139,604

Note: The costs mentioned above may fluctuate and are subject to change. 

Cost Of Tuition Fees

The University of Aberdeen features tuition fees ranging from £19,000 to £26,000 per year, depending on the programme of study. Robert Gordon University is an another esteemed university in Aberdeen which is likely to have a similar fee structure, with costs differing based on the chosen programme of study.

Cost Of Student Accommodation In Aberdeen

The prices of student accommodation in Aberdeen can vary depending on factors such as location, amenities, and the type of housing. Purpose-built student accommodations can range from approximately £97 to £200 per week depending on the property type. 

Aberdeen Accommodation
	Student Accommodation	Private Accommodation	University Accommodation
Cost	97-200 GBP/Per Week	249 GBP/Per Week + Utility bills	150 GBP/Per week
Safety	These are gated communities with utmost safety and 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	140 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.

Cost Of Transport

Aberdeen offers seamless connectivity to the major university campuses along with convenient transportation alternatives to travel within and around the city including:

Bus: Aberdeen has a well-connected bus network operated by First Aberdeen. Fares for a single trip costs around £2 which can vary depending on the distance.

Train: ScotRail operates train services in Aberdeen. A standard class single ticket from Aberdeen to Edinburgh is expected to cost around £30, while a trip to Glasgow will be approximately £25. 

Bike: Aberdeen has a bike-sharing scheme called Byke which is operated by Nexbike. Byke offers a pay-as-you-go option at £1 for 30 minutes of cycling.

Cost of Food and Groceries

Grocery shopping and dining out in Aberdeen can be reasonably affordable compared to other major cities in the UK. A grocery haul for a single person will cost around £45 – £55 per week on average.

Aberdeen offers a variety of options, from casual eateries to elite restaurants. A meal for one at an inexpensive restaurant will cost around £10 – £14, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost £35 – £50. 

Is Aberdeen Expensive To Live For Students?

While Aberdeen offers a bustling student life and top-notch educational institutions, the cost of living can be a significant consideration for those on a tight budget. Fortunately, the city provides various affordable options for students. Additionally, many scholarships offer financial assistance for students to cover their educational expenses which contribute to a major chunk of the costs. Thus, with the right planning, the living costs as a student in Aberdeen can be managed well. 

Factors Influencing Cost Of Living In Aberdeen

For students, the cost of living is influenced by a variety of factors specific to their lifestyle and needs. Here are some key factors that can impact the cost of living for students in Aberdeen:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Food & Groceries
• Entertainment & Leisure
• Health care expenses
• Study supplies
• Miscellaneous costs

How To Save Money As A Student In Aberdeen?

Saving money as a student in Aberdeen can seem to be challenging due to the higher living costs and several associated expenses. However, with some careful planning and mindful spending habits, there can certainly be scope for savings. Here are some helpful and practical tips:

• Look for purpose-built student accommodations as they are inclusive of the utility bills in the property pricing which makes them cost-effective and convenient. 
• Travel through public transportation to reach your university campus and explore areas within and around the city.
• Leverage your university library resources such as textbooks and online study materials.
• Always ask for student discounts and deals at restaurants, retail outlets and gym memberships.
• Opt for home-cooked meals instead of dining out frequently as a healthy swap while also saving money.

Working In The United Kingdom

International students who study for any longer than 6 months are allowed to work for 20 hours a week throughout the term, but this can be extended during the holiday season. The Students’ Association will help you find part-time jobs and provide other advice related to employment. Please notice that this must not be seen as a way to support your funding for the study. Students coming to study for just one semester (less than 6 months) are not generally permitted to work.

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