Top 10 Universities that are Perfect for Broke Students
Jul 23, 2018
Unless you’re really rich, you’ll know that studying in the UK can be very expensive. From dealing with the high tuition fees to managing the rising living expenses, the life of a University student is pretty pricey.
But being a student doesn't mean you should have to struggle financially. Yes, you're more likely to live on a budget, but you can significantly cut costs and expenses and enjoy your experience at Uni. Here are the top 10 Universities in the UK that are perfect for both domestic and International students who are broke:
1. Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University is located in Stoke-On-Trent, in the North-West of England. It has other campuses in Stafford, including Lichfield and Shrewsbury. With approximately 15,000 students studying here, it’s a small university but it offers a variety of degree programmes, postgraduate courses and professional courses, including accounting and finance, drama, English, fashion, law, journalism and forensic science. You can even complete an accelerated two-year degree.
The cost of living is relatively affordable as the University is located south of Manchester. If you choose to live privately near the main campus, the average cost of renting near Manchester is approximately £550 a month. If you choose to live in accommodation provided by the University, then the rental price includes all utility bills, insurance and internet access. Plus, with a vibrant atmosphere, living on or near campus will definitely enhance your experience at Staffordshire.
2. Teesside University
Teesside University is a University located in the North-East of England. Its main campus is based in Middlesbrough, and its other campus is based in Darlington. Consisting of five academic schools, this University is a vibrant and modern place and has a lot to offer its students. After all, student satisfaction was rated 4.04 out of 5, according to The Complete University Guide.
Graduate destinations are varied, with alumni working at top companies such as Aston Martin, the BBC, Delta Airlines, Disney, HSBC, Microsoft, the NHS, Rolls-Royce and Vodafone. For students studying at the university, they can enjoy the buzzing atmosphere on campus as well as the low cost of living, meaning that your money will go a lot further in comparison to the other towns and cities in the UK. The average cost of accommodation is just £85 a week and commuting costs are low as many people live within a walking distance from the campus and the town centre. Public transport is cheap too, and it allows access to some of the most beautiful coasts, countryside and historical cities in the UK, so you can enjoy immersing yourself in nature and history, as well as enjoying student living.
3. Harper Adams University College
Harper Adams University College gained University-status in 2012. Harper Adams University College gained University status in 2012. Based near the village of Edgmond, Shropshire and set within a 550 hectare working farm, this is the place for you if you desire to live somewhere rural during your studies. Degree programmes are available in specific subject areas such as: food, agriculture, wildlife, sciences, engineering, environmental science, animal welfare, veterinary nursing, geography and land management. You can also complete an extended degree with a foundation year to help you access higher education if you don’t have traditional qualifications.
Shropshire is beautiful place to live, work and study – and it’s affordable too. For a student living off-campus, you can expect the average cost of rent to be between £155 to £275 per week.
4. Leeds Trinity University
Leeds Trinity is located in Horsforth, Leeds, in West Yorkshire. The higher education institution offers a variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, foundation, apprenticeship and short courses. As Leeds is a popular city with a bustling social scene, it’s become one of the most popular cities for students in the UK. Plus, in comparison to London, it is a lot cheaper and you can get good value for money on housing, bills, food, and leisurely pursuits. The average cost of living in Leeds is 15.95% lower than living in London.
5. University of Cumbria
Established in 2007, the University of Cumbria is based mainly in Carlisle in Cumbria, with other campuses located in Lancaster, Ambleside, Barrow-in-Furness and London. While the University offers a variety of courses but the location is one of the highlights. The University of Cumbria is set in one of the most awe-inspiring areas of the UK and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and heritage sites. In addition, the Uni offers outstanding employability prospects, world-leading research, financial support for students (in the form of bursaries and scholarships) and affordable on-campus accommodation, which starts at £10 per night.
6. University of Boston
Having gained University status in 2004, the University of Bolton has become one of the most prominent higher education institutions in the North-West of England. This University is also a member of the North West Universities Association and Universities UK and Million+. It offers a range of academic and vocational courses from art & design and accounting, to textiles and fashion. As for accommodations, the standard contract is £3,040 for the academic year.
The University of Bolton has invested millions of pounds in its on-campus facilities and the University won What Uni? Student Choice Awards 2018’s University of the Year Greater Manchester. The University has a lot of local social spots as well as Manchester city centre, so you can enjoy the student lifestyle - but at a relatively low cost.
7. Buckinghamshire New University
Buckinghamshire New University (not to be confused with the University of Buckingham) is located in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire and Uxbridge, Middlesex. It offers a variety of courses that will lead to long-term employment. Even though it is located in the South-East of England (which is the most expensive region of the UK) you can enjoy affordable life as a student here. If you choose to live off-campus, the average price of a one-bedroom flat is £765 per month. This price range isn't so bad considering that it is the equivalent cost of a room in a cramped flatshare in London. However, you can live on campus, with the lowest range averaging around £107 to £110 per week.
8. Coventry University
As one of the fastest growing universities in the UK, Coventry University is one of the popular choices for students. With a lot of courses on offer and a thriving environment, for some students, it’s the place to be. You can also receive financial support here, from bursaries to scholarships. The average cost of accommodation (including bills) is £400 to £600 per month and private accommodation (bills not included) costs £320 to £530 per month.
9. York St. John University
In the historical city of York, York St John University is a small University with almost 6,000 students in attendance. It offers degree programmes in several departments, which include Art and Design, Education, Health Sciences, Humanities, Religion and Philosophy, Languages and Linguistics, Performance and Media Production, Psychological and Social Sciences, Sport and Business, etc.. York may be one of the most expensive places to live in Yorkshire, but as a student, it doesn’t have to drain your bank balance. You can claim scholarships and bursaries, and you might be able to access the YSJ Opportunity Fund.
10. University of Lincoln
Lincoln is a cathedral city located in the East Midland and steeped in history. Lincoln is gradually becoming a highly sought after place to live, work and study, but the costs of living here are economical. The University of Lincoln is a TEF Gold Standard University that has a lot to offer its students, from a wide variety of degree programmes to a wonderful and supportive student campus lifestyle. Over 14,000 students study here and based in the heart of the city, the University’s campus and accommodations are both essential in helping students enjoy their time.
Honorable Mentions
- Leeds Beckett University
- University of Bedfordshire
- The University of Suffolk
- University of Wales, Trinity St. David
- University of Chester
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Southampton Solent University
- University of Sunderland