The University of Sheffield
Welcome to New Students

Budgeting and Living Costs

Living Costs

1. You need this much money to live in Sheffield:

  1. £600 per month.
  2. Your tuition fees.
  3. £400 per month for each dependant (spouse or child).

2. You must provide us with evidence of your source of funding.

3. Major items of expenditure

Typical and detailed costs can be seen on the "Budget" link on the right hand of this page. These are based on 2010 figures. Everyone has their own standard of living but our web pages give a rough idea of how much is needed.

  1. You cannot make significant economies or savings on these figures. Do not plan on managing on figures much lower than these.
  2. If at all possible, bring about 10% more than estimated expenditure in case of unexpected costs and increases in UK prices.
  3. Inflation or devaluation of your currency against the pound may increase your costs in the UK. Fees cannot be reduced as a result of this.
  4. Life is more expensive at the beginning of the course. Many items (warm clothing, books, items for room etc.) are needed almost immediately on arrival.

4. Maintenance

  1. International students are required to guarantee to us that they have the figures given in point 1 above.
  2. A detailed example of an international student budget can be seen on our web pages
  3. You can estimate your costs by using our online money planner www.sheffield.ac.uk/moneyplanner/
  4. See also www.studentcalculator.org.uk/ international/

Budget

5. Important rules

  1. Do not rely on finding paid employment while studying in Britain. Although most students are allowed to work part-time, it is not easy to find employment.
  2. International students are not allowed “recourse to public funds” (i.e. most welfare benefits).
  3. Sponsors, scholarships and grants will not be found after arrival in the UK.
  4. If you cannot pay fees promptly, you may have to leave the University.

    (Remember that the University has to report all students who are not attending.)

Further details are available in "Welcome to The University of Sheffield: International 2011-12" and on these web pages