Cost of living

Preparing your budget for the whole duration of your studies is probably the most important thing you can do before leaving home.  It is vital that you make realistic financial provision as there is little chance that you will get financial support from the University or from any other source in the UK if you get into difficulty.  Please do not expect to supplement your income by working part-time.

Many students receive scholarships which may seem very generous when compared to the cost of living in their own country. However, scholarships are usually calculated to assist only a single person (the student). The cost of living in Glasgow is surprisingly high. You should not rely on finding ways to supplement your income while in the UK, e.g. working.

Budget/Cost of Living

Although Glasgow is one of the least expensive cities in the UK , you may find that living here is more expensive than in your home country. It is important that you plan your budget in advance and take into consideration all expenses you may have whilst you are here as there is little financial support available if you run into difficulties. Work out your finances for the entire duration of your studies as underestimating the cost of living will cause you a great deal of stress.

If you are bringing your spouse or any dependants with you, you have to provide £400 per month living costs for each person who accompanies you. (This statutory figure, set by our Government, applies to students who study outside of London )  

Whilst most international students are entitled to work part-time, do not expect to rely on these earnings to support you during your studies.

C ost of Living 2009 -2010
This estimate is based on the cost of a single room (heating and lighting included) in self-catering University accommodation.

Nine months /37 weeks
Undergraduate academic year, Postgraduate Diploma

Twelve months/50 weeks
Postgraduate academic year, taught Masters Degree, PhD

*one or two University residences do not include the cost of heating in the  cost of rent so keep this in mind.

Note: The UK Government’s statutory level of maintenance for students living outside of London is a minimum of £600 per month and £400 per month for every dependant who accompanies the student.
These figures are basic averages based on costs current students have given us. When working out your budget you may need to adjust these figures - especially if you wish a more expensive lifestyle.  We have not made any allowance in this estimate of costs for any travel you might undertake, or for the cost of shipping your belongings back to your own country at the end of your period of study.  If your studies will last for more than one year you should take into account the annual increase in the UK cost of living – usually between 2-3%. Tuition fees also increase each year by a similar amount.

Private rented sector accommodation
A room in a shared flat can vary between £50 and £70 per week plus your share of bills. For example it may cost £300 per year for heating *(one or two University residences do not include the cost of heating in the cost of rent so keep this in mind)

Work during Studies 

Most international students coming to the UK to study for 12 months or longer are entitled to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during vacations. If you are a research student, you are not permitted to work full time during university vacations as you will be expected to continue with your research during vacation periods. You can work full time for the four month ‘extra’ period on your visa as long as you finish your study on time.

Council Tax
The Council Tax is set by local authorities to help pay for certain services they provide. It is based on the value of the house, flat or other dwelling in which you live. If you are living in University accommodation or a flat which is shared by other students you will be exempt from paying this tax. If you are married and your wife/husband is with you in Glasgow they will be given exemption if they are not a British citizen and are prevented by the terms of their leave to enter and remain in the UK from taking paid employment or from claiming benefits. All students (married or single) who will be living in rented flats in the private sector should seek more information about payment of this tax when you are negotiating contracts for renting your room or flat. Ask the International Student Advisers for further clarification when you arrive in Glasgow .

Personal Finances
You should think about how you are going to get your money to the UK – having a member of your family transfer your funds to your UK bank account once it is opened is probably the safest method.

Remember, you will need to bring sufficient funds to pay your initial accommodation rent (e.g. temporary accommodation), buy food and general expenses until your UK bank account is set up (This may take 2 to 3 weeks). It is not advisable to bring large sums of cash. Instead bring traveller’s cheques and only a small amount of cash. You should be able to use your credit/debit card from home.