When you move to a new country to live, the cost of living should always be the primary thing for everyone to know. From this comprehensive guide, you can see the factors influencing the cost of living for a student in Coventry, the ultimate list of every expense that may cost your life, and some useful tips on how to save student living expenses.
Cost of Living in Coventry: Overall View
Coventry is the tenth largest city in England and the 13th largest in the United Kingdom. As the city where history meets innovation, its roots in the automotive industry stretch back to the late 19th century when the first British-made car, the Coventry Simplex, was produced in 1896. Today, Coventry continues to thrive as a hub for major car manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover, alongside thriving aerospace, engineering, and service industries.
Conventry is the second-largest city in the West Midlands, also the third-largest in the wider Midlands after Birmingham and Leicester. Coventry is a key player in the region. The city is also a significant center of education, home to prestigious institutions like Coventry University, the University of Warwick, and the private academic institution, Arden University. Each year, Coventry attracts nearly 24,000 international students from over 160 countries, drawn by its high-quality education and vibrant student life.
Compared to the bustling metropolis of London, Coventry offers a more affordable cost of living, making it an attractive option for students. Here’s how the life expenses compare:
- Cost of Living in Coventry is 27.5% lower than in London (without rent)
- Cost of Living, Including Rent, in Coventry, is 41.2% lower than in London
- Rent Prices in Coventry are 60.9% lower than in London
- Restaurant Prices in Coventry are 25.9% lower than in London
- Groceries Prices in Coventry are 10.5% lower than in London
- Local Purchasing Power in Coventry is 50.9% higher than in London
*Compared with the biggest city, London, the data is referenced from NUMBEO.
Average Cost of Living in Coventry
Learning about the average cost of living in Coventry will help students budget their pockets and stand at the ultimate point before they decide to move to a new place.
| Cost Living | Average cost (monthly) | Student Living Costs Range |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/accommodation | 1,035.71 £ | 900–1400 |
| Restaurants | 15 £ | 8–30 |
| Transportation | 55 £ | 50–60 |
| Personal care | 25£ | 20–55 |
| Entertainment | 34£ | 20–54 |
| Utilities | 204£ | 150–321 |
| Essentials | 78£ | 30–129 |
Factors Effect Cost of Living for Students in Coventry, UK
Beyond the tuition fee, the cost of living for students in Coventry, UK, could be mainly influenced by each student’s personal living level. Several factors affect the students’ living costs, which could be included as:
- Housing Options & Accommodation Costs for Students
- Utilities
- Grocery Expenses
- Transportation Expense
- Cost of Personal Care
- Entertainment
- Healthcare
- Education Expenses & Tuition Fee
Average Accommodation Costs for Students in Coventry
The average accommodation costs for students in Coventry can range from £350 to £1,200 per month. Regarding the rent, the general cost of accommodation in Coventry is not as high as accommodation in Manchester or London. It is the medium level of living expenses for students in the UK. Mutual factors that may affect the price of houses are location, housing types, room types and the extra facilities and amenities they may offer. Coventry has various houses for students, varying from luxury to normal, even cheap. Generally speaking, we can divide all types into 3 main parts, which are university resident halls, student accommodation in Coventry/purpose-built-student-accommodation, and private housing share.
Besides, referring to the room types, you can find plenty of student studios, ensuite flats and shared apartments.
- Student studios: it offers private bedroom, an ensuite bathroom and an open kitchen within one flat.
- Ensuite flats: there are 4-8 rooms within one flat, and each room contains a private bedroom and a bathroom.
- Shared Apartments: the apartment is always shared by 6-10 people, except for the bedroom, students should share all room zone with other roommates.
With a chart, we can see all the facilities that different types of student housing offer. It shows the pros and cons of what you can choose from.
| University Halls | Student Accommodation | Private Housing Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnished | √ | √ | part of or semi-furnished |
| Bills (utilities: mainly include the cost of water, gas, heating, electricity and internet) | √ | √ | None; only so limited private housing shares may include the bills |
| Amenities | study room and the lounge, laundry room | Gym, Cinema, game rooms, vending machine, laundry room, study lounge | none |
| Location | Near or at the university or city centre with convenient transportation commute | Close to the university campus or city centre with convenient transportation commute | Far from the campus but close to the transportation lines |
| Safe issue | Reception, CCTV | Reception, CCTV, maintenance team, door entry system | Some are located in a quiet community and should pay more attention to safety. |
| Room types | Ensuite flats | Studios/ensuites/shared apartments | Shared housing |
| Commute Convenience | Most are within walking distance. Some are not | All are within walking distance of the university campus, close to the city centre. | Should take by public transportation |
Best Student Accommodation in Coventry
Refer to the form of accommodation in Coventry, you can see the different facilities they offer. Students always pursue the best student accommodation in Coventry, and the factors we mentioned are what students should really consider when budgeting their accommodation costs in Coventry.
Student accommodation in Coventry offers sufficient types of rooms to choose from. Not like the private housing or the limited choices of living in university, living in the best student accommodation in Coventry not only offers students the most comfortable community but also the most affordable budget plan to limit students costs.
Here are the Top 5 best student accommodation options in Coventry.
1. iQ Weaver Place, Coventry
- Location: 9 Bishop Street, Coventry, England CV1 1AQ.
- Basic Info: Weaver Place Coventry has four room types: en-suit, Non-EN-Suit, studio and 1B. The iQ Weaver Place will provide students with WiFi, heating, washer/dryer, etc., to meet their basic needs.
- Price of Living Range: From £111 to £225/week.
2. CODE Fairfax Street
- Location: Fairfax Street, Coventry, England CV1 5GA.
- Basic Info: CODE Fairfax Street is an affordable student accommodation in Coventry. Just 150 metres from the Coventry University campus, it has luxury studio flats, around the clock staffing, all bills included and top-quality amenities.
- Price of Living Range: From £152 to £283/week.
3. 33 Parkside, Coventry
- Location: 33 Parkside, Coventry, England CV1 2NE.
- Basic Info: 33 Parkside is opening in 2018. The flat offers luxury double room suites, various luxury Studio suites, and more balcony-view rooms and duplexes, giving you an unprecedented accommodation experience.
- Price of Living Range: From £170 to £325/week.
4. Trinity View, Coventry
- Location: Friars’ Road, Coventry, England CV1 2JE.
- Basic Info: Trinity View student accommodation features ensuite and studio room types and one- and two-bedroom rooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and full amenities, including a free-to-use washer and dryer which can be used free of charge so that students can save time and money.
- Price of Living Range: From £109 to £300/week.
5. Canvas Coventry Arundel House
- Location: Whitefriars Lane, Coventry, England CV1 2NA.
- Basic Info: Canvas Coventry Arundel House all lift rooms with Laundry Room, Study Room and Conference Room. Fitness and recreational facilities are also plentiful, with a Gym, Table Tennis, Table Football and a Pool Table. There is also a Courtyard and the rooftop in the flat where you can walk in the courtyard for relaxation.
- Price of Living Range: From £109 to £232/week.
Grocery Expenses
| Grocery Expenses | Average costs | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | 1.13 £ | 0.80-1.89 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.20 £ | 0.80-2.00 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | 1.79 £ | 1.10-2.00 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | 3.62 £ | 2.35-4.80 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | 8.38 £ | 5.00-11.00 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | 6.00 £ | 4.60-10.00 |
| Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) | 11.00 £ | 7.00-20.00 |
| Apples (1kg) | 2.47 £ | 1.50-3.00 |
| Banana (1kg) | 1.39 £ | 0.97-3.50 |
| Oranges (1kg) | 2.00 £ | 0.65-3.50 |
| Tomato (1kg) | 2.60 £ | 1.20-5.00 |
| Potato (1kg) | 1.49 £ | 0.90-2.00 |
| Onion (1kg) | 1.35 £ | 0.75-2.00 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | 0.78 £ | 0.50-1.00 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | 1.15 £ | 0.50-2.00 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | 8.00 £ | 5.00-15.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) | 1.92 £ | 1.00-3.33 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) | 1.43 £ | 0.80-2.20 |
Transportation Expenses
Coventry is well served by a well-developed public transport network of road, rail and air transport and an excellent public transport system within the city. The main means of transportation to school for international students are walking and driving in town and trains if students need to travel out of the town. If you study at Warwick University and live in the student accommodation near the University of Warwick, the shuttle bus will help you commute between the campus and downtown. The average cost of transportation varies from:
| Transportation Expenses | Range | |
|---|---|---|
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | 55.00 £ | 2.00-2.30 £ |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 55.00 £ | 50.00-60.00 £ |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | 3.00 £ | 2.80-3.80 £ |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1.50 £ | 1.24-1.50 £ |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | 1.46 £ | 15.60-18.75 £ |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.46 £ | 1.42-1.66 £ |
Cost of Personal Care
Personal care mainly includes your cost of hair cut, fitness, skin care, teeth care, etc. This kind of cost is super depended on the personal style. Cost of personal care may not the output per month, as the international students, you can limit your budget from this section. Well, there are some a few items you have to pay, such as some essencials like toothbrush, shampoo, etc.
Haircuts and Grooming
- Short-hair Haircuts: Typically range from £10 to £20.
- Long-hair Haircuts: Often cost between £20 and £40.
**Student Discounts: Many salons offer discounts for students, which can reduce the cost by 10-20%.
- Beauty Treatments: Services like manicures, pedicures, and facials vary in price.
- Manicures/Pedicures: Around £15-£30.
- Facials: Typically range from £20 to £50, depending on the treatment.
Toiletries Expenses:
- Basic Toiletries: Essentials like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and soap can be found at supermarkets for about £3.82 per bottle, varying from different brands. Expect to spend around £10-£20 per month on basic toiletries, depending on the brands you choose.
- Skincare Products: Budgeting around £10-£30 per month should cover basic skincare products like cleansers and moisturizers.
- Laundry: If you’re living in student accommodation without free laundry facilities, using a laundrette typically costs around £3-£5 per load (washing and drying).
- Dry Cleaning: Prices vary but expect to pay around £10-£20 for items like suits or dresses.
Cost of Entertainment
Entertainment for students is diverse and vibrant in Coventry. You can include this in sports, outdoor hiking, tourist attractions, and the nightlife in Coventry, close to the university campus for students, is diverse and colourful.
Finding things to do in Coventry for students who live in student accommodation near universities is just a piece of cake. Whether you are single or find something interesting with your friends, you can find your place in Coventry within your budget.
- Tickets to the movies — £10~£20
- Go to the theater — £20
- Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert — £45
- 1 cocktail drink in downtown club — £8
- Cappuccino in expat area of the city — average £2.95~3.04
- 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) — £4.05
- Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle in restaurants) — £1.48
- Water (0.33 liter bottle in restaurants) –£1.07
Healthcare Expenses
Health is the most important thing for everyone to care about. Before you move to a new city, you need to know more about the local healthcare institution and plan your health cost in advance. As the international students, the school will offer you some help to plan your health insurance, you can check on your universities website or contact your school to get some related information.
Moreover, the National Health Service (NHS) provides free or low-cost medical services. However, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This surcharge grants you access to the NHS throughout your stay. The current IHS fee is £470 per year for students. Upon arrival, register with a local General Practitioner (GP) in Coventry. GP services are free, and your GP will be your first point of contact for non-emergency medical issues. They can also refer you to specialists if needed.
Another care is your dental insurance. It is expensive for students to visit dentists living in Coventry. Routine dental check-ups cost around £25.80, while more extensive treatments are more expensive. Consider getting additional dental or optical insurance to cover these costs.
Tuition Fee & Education Expenses
Coventry is home to the famous academic institutions of the University of Coventry and the University of Warwick. Both universities offer a wide range of programs at various academic levels, and tuition fees can vary depending on the exact program and level of study. For international students, the average tuition fees range between £15,300 and £31,000.
University of Coventry
- Bachelors: The tuition fees for international undergraduate students at Coventry University typically range from £15,300 to £18,050 per year.
- Masters: Tuition fees for international postgraduate students generally range from £16,600 to £20,050 per year.
University of Warwick
Warwick University has consistently ranked among the top ten in the UK and is a top research university among the top 50 in the world. It is also a member of the Russell University Group, known as the British Ivy, and a member of the M5 University Alliance. Though it is located out of the town, student accommodation near the University of Warwick is sufficient and affordable.
- Bachelors: Tuition fees for international undergraduate students at the University of Warwick typically range from £25,000 to £29,000 per year, depending on the course. For specialized courses, such as those in Medicine, the fees can be higher.
- Masters: Tuition fees usually range from £23,000 to £30,000 per year. Specialized courses such as MBA or certain engineering programs may have higher fees.
Tips for Saving Money for Students in Coventry
The cost of living in Coventry varies based on your lifestyle choices, but with careful budgeting, students can find ways to save money. Consider finding affordable student accommodation in Coventry, enjoying free activities with friends, and getting a part-time job to earn some extra cash. Additionally, purchasing medical insurance is essential for every international student to ensure you’re covered during your stay.
Cheap Accommodation Coventry for Student
For those who would like to save their budget on the cost of rent in Coventry, you can search for cheap student accommodation in Coventry from the online rent portal, like uhomes.com. Though the rent price is low, they still provide sufficient amenities like a gym, study room, cinema and game rooms. Besides, uhomes.com cheap accommodation in Coventry is also equipped with secure facilities, like the reception, door close system, CCTV and so on.
The Top 5 cheap student accommodations in Coventry are:
- Merlin Point (from £80 per week)
- Greyfriars House (from £84 per week)
- Calcott Ten (from £89 per week)
- Canvas Coventry City Point (from £96 per week)
- Millennium View (from £99 per week)
Free Things to Do in Coventry
Coventry is a city rich in history, culture, and green spaces, offering plenty of activities that won’t cost you a penny. There are plenty of fun but free things to do in Coventry.
Here are the Top 5 free things to do in Coventry:
- Visit Old Cathedral Ruins
- Travel War Memorial Park
- Take a look at St. Mary’s Guildhall
- Take a trip to Fargo Village
- Explore the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, which features a wide range of art, historical artefacts, and temporary exhibitions.
Part-Time Jobs
Students can search for part-time work to supplement their income. Also, working part-time increases the social experience. Here are some common part-time jobs:
- Retail Assistant
- Restaurant Server
- Tutor/Teaching Assistant
- University Ambassador
- Customer Service Representative
- Rental Assistance
Furthermore, the rental assistant would be a popular part-time job, especially among international students. Most online portals offer this opportunity to international students. uhomes.com, as a popular and reasonable online rental portal all over the world, offers the best part-time job position for international students, which helps students to adapt to the foreign environment better and earn more.
Medical Insurance
To understand the healthcare system and its associated costs, you can ensure that your health and well-being are well-managed during your time in Coventry. Here are some tips for international students:
- Register with a General Practitioner (GP) early to ensure you have access to healthcare when needed.
- Learn about National Health Service (NHS) services available to you, including out-of-hours care and mental health support.
- Keep emergency numbers handy: In case of emergencies, call 999 for immediate assistance or 111 for non-emergency medical advice.
Conclusion
In short, Coventry offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, making it an attractive option for students. By carefully managing your budget and making informed choices under our detailed guide, we hope you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city without breaking your pocket.
FAQ about Cost of Living in Coventry for Students
Is coventry a good place to live as students?
Definately! Coventry is a good place fo students to study and live in. It is a charming city with the medium level in living costs, the rich history culture, and sufficient fun things to do.
What is the life expenses comparison between Coventry and London?
Cost of living in Coventry is times cheaper than that in London. You would need around 3,999.8£ in Coventry to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 6,800.0£ in London.
How much do you plan to spend on cost living expenses per week in Coventry as a student?
For student living costs in Coventry for academic year 24/25, you need plan the budget around £130-300 per week on average, as though it depends on your personal choices and lifestyle.
