Mariana Cardenas Gaviria - My experience living at Bede Hall as a first year and international student

 

When I first arrived in the UK, I knew I wanted accommodation that felt safe, reliable, and close to campus. Bede stood out immediately. Not only was it the most affordable option on campus, but because it’s managed directly by the university, it gave me a sense of security during those first few months of adjusting to a new country. As an international student, that connection to the university really mattered.

I chose a single-gender flat, which helped me feel much more comfortable sharing a kitchen and bathroom. The location is unbeatable, I can walk to the library, Campus Centre, and local supermarkets in under five minutes, which makes everyday life incredibly convenient. For the price, the shared facilities are genuinely good: a big, spacious kitchen, weekly cleaning from the accommodation team, and 24/7 security that always made me feel safe. Of course, sharing a bathroom and a kitchen with nine other people can be challenging at times, but it also pushed me out of my comfort zone. Over time, it became an opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and create memories I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Budgeting and cost of life

Managing money in a new country is its own learning curve. On average, I spend around £20 a week on groceries, £5–£8 on transport when the weather forces me to take an Uber, and £10–£15 on social activities. Course materials are cheap for me, £3 of printing lasts the whole year and my gym membership adds about £20 a month so with that we’re talking about (£250-£300 a month)

The strategy that works best for me is the 50/30/20 rule:

• 50% for essentials like groceries and course-related costs
• 30% for personal spending like social life, eating out, or shopping
• 20% for savings

I also plan my weekly meals and buy only what I know I’ll use. Choosing one or two proteins per week helps me avoid overspending and reduces waste, this is a small habit that makes a huge difference.

Working on campus

I’m really grateful for the work opportunities the university offers students. I have two part-time roles, I’m a Student Ambassador and a Frontrunner intern with the library team. I work around 10 hours a week in my Frontrunner role, and with the ambassador team I pick up 2-5 hours depending on my schedule. As an international student with a 20-hour limit, these roles are ideal.

Working has helped me financially, of course, but it has also helped me grow. I’ve become much more organised, learned how to balance responsibilities, and gained skills I know I’ll carry into my future career. My dad also sends a small monthly contribution that covers basic essentials like food and medicine. The money I earn from my jobs goes toward social activities and savings.

Advice for future students

Adjusting to life in uni takes time, especially financially. At first, everything feels expensive, and comparing prices to your home will only stress you out. My biggest advice is: don’t convert currencies (if you’re an international student) just adapt to UK prices and trust the process. And if you’re a home student, organize your budget from the start or you’ll find yourself spending a lot over the first few weeks at uni.

Living in halls, especially somewhere affordable like Bede, is a smart way to start. You save money, stay close to campus, and have a built-in support network around you.

Balancing work and studies can be tough, but if you stay focused on your goals and use your time wisely, it becomes manageable. One thing I wish I had known earlier is how winter can affect your mood and habits. Seasonal depression is real, you may spend more on food, buy extra clothing, and feel your energy dip. But there are ways to handle it, like taking Vitamin D, keeping yourself active, and trying new recipes or hobbies.

Why I chose to live on campus

For me, living on campus offered everything I needed: convenience, safety, affordability, and community. As someone new to the country, I wanted a place that felt reliable and connected directly to the university. Bede gave me exactly that, and it played a huge role in helping me settle into my new life with confidence. If someone asks me I would recommend living in a uni accommodation at the start, you will save money and be inside campus.

With all of this in mind, choosing to live at Bede and building my life around campus has shaped my entire student experience for the better. It gave me the stability I needed as an international student, the opportunities to grow through work, and the daily routines that help me manage my budget and wellbeing. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. Looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I genuinely believe that anyone considering this path can thrive here too, with the right mindset, good planning, and a willingness to embrace the journey.