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Student living costs explained

For many of you, university is the first time you’ll be managing your finances and it can be hard to predict what will be affordable for you. Of course there’s your accommodation, if you aren’t staying at home, but also groceries, bills, phone, books, and other costs like going out with friends. Below you’ll find a few things to consider as a student here at DMU.

Here’s a guide to what your monthly estimated living costs might look like while studying at DMU. Whether you are looking to spend £95 pw at Bede Hall or £161 pw at Glassworks accommodation, see the important considerations below.

Accommodation (halls)
£500–£650
Food and groceries
£120–£180
Travel (bus, bike, train)
£30–£50
Study costs (books, printing, materials)
£20–£40
Bills (phone, Spotify)
£30–£60
Social life and leisure
£80–£150
Other essentials (toiletries, household items)
£20–£40
Laundry (laundrette)
£5–£10
Total
£800–£1,120 per month

There are pros and cons to the question of whether you should commute to uni (if you have the opportunity to) or build your independence and live in halls.

There are a few things to be considered immediately. Those include the cost of accommodation, bills, food and laundry. On the flip side, while some are paying for accommodation and food, others are paying for commuting to and from campus, which does add up!

It’s important to choose what you feel most comfortable with. While some might feel more at ease staying at home, others might want the independence of of staying on campus. There is a lot of support available on campus for those living away from home for the first time.

Finding a part-time job

A lot of students at university have part-time jobs to supplement their income and add new skills to their CV. There are loads of jobs available for students both within the university and in local shops, bars, restaurants or entertainment venues. There are even opportunities to work at DMU, check out what options are available to you through Unitemps.

Most UK undergraduate students can apply for a maintenance loan from Student Finance to help cover accommodation and everyday living expenses. This loan is separate from your tuition fee loan and is paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term, giving you control over how you budget.

The amount you receive depends on your household income, where you live while studying, and whether you’re studying full-time. The maximum available is £10,544 for the 2025/26 academic year.

Many students use their maintenance loan to pay for rent first, then budget the rest for food, travel, study costs, and social life. If your loan doesn’t fully cover your rent, you may need to top it up with part-time work, family support, or savings.

Our top tip: Plan your budget around when loan payments are made, so you know how much you have each term for accommodation and other essentials.

More living tips

Leicester city is easy to get around on foot, which can save you money on travel. From campus to the city centre, is only a 10 minute walk.

Save money by cooking in your accommodation instead of eating out. With plenty of supermarkets close to campus - and a wide choice of multicultural grocery stores nearby - it’s easy to find everything you need at affordable prices.

Don’t forget to budget for one-off costs, like society memberships or course trips.

 

FAQs

DMU-sourced halls

 

  1. How much does it cost?

    Weekly prices range from £95 - £161, though the contract length will affect the overall contract fee. Please note that you will have to commit to paying for the whole contract length as an accommodation contract is legally binding.

  2. What are the start-up costs likely to be?

    Start-up costs will vary, but for essential items like bedding, cutlery, crockery, kitchen utensils etc., £150 would be an average cost.

  3. When do I pay the rent?

    The rent payment schedule varies depending upon which hall you book, so it is important for you to consider this before choosing your hall. All payment options and schedules are detailed on the individual hall pages of the website.

    For DMU managed halls contracts you will not be required to make the first rent instalment until after you enrol and have received your first loan payment.

    Whilst the halls do not require a payment prior to arrival check the instalments dates and ensure you have your finance available to make the payments. Your student loan is not usually be deposited until after you have enrolled on your course. Some useful links while considering your options and budget:

    The amount due and the instalment options available depend on which hall you select and the type of guarantor you have. In some cases you may be required to pay the full rental amount for the entire contracted period if you do not have a suitable guarantor. The first rent payment due is in addition to the booking payment.

  4. I've booked and confirmed my room, but now do not think I can make the first rent payment. What should I do?

    The dates of the instalments listed on the website are when the payments are due once you are contracted to the room. In certain circumstances, halls can be flexible with the initial instalment date. Please contact your hall of residence directly to discuss.