Portsmouth is an awesome place for students from all over the world to study in the UK. If you’re a new student, it’s important to know the cost of living in Portsmouth. In this blog, we’ll break down the expenses for food, education, and accommodation, giving you a clear idea of what to expect. So, let’s get started and find out what living in Portsmouth is all about!
Cost of Living in Portsmouth: Education
- For UK home students, the tuition fee in Portsmouth is approximately £9,000 per year.
- International students can expect higher tuition fees, around £19,000 per year.
Tuition Fees
For UK students and EU residents in the University of Portsmouth, the tuition fees for full-time undergraduate courses in the 2023/24 academic year are approximately £9,250 per year. International students can expect to pay around £19,000 per year for tuition fees.
Other Course Expenses
Apart from tuition fees, there are additional expenses to consider for your courses if you are going to study at the University of Portsmouth. You may need to read recommended books or textbooks for each unit, which can be borrowed from the Library. If you choose to buy them, they may cost up to £60 each.
Additionally, budget around £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding, and specialist printing. These expenses cover various course-related items and services.
Cost of Living in Portsmouth: Accommodation
- The average cost of accommodation for students in Portsmouth is around £780 per month.
- The precise expenses can differ depending on variables such as the housing type, size, location, and available amenities.
On-Campus Student Halls
If you choose to live in halls of residence in Portsmouth, the hall fees can range from £104 to £182 per week. The bills for gas, electricity, water, and internet are usually included in the halls rent. This means you don’t have to worry about separate payments for these utilities as they are already covered in your hall fees.
Off-Campus Student Accommodation in Portsmouth
Student accommodations in Portsmouth come in a wide range of prices to fit different budgets. On average, rental prices for student accommodations in Portsmouth range from £120 to £400 per week. Most of the student accommodations fall within the £160 to £230 per week range.
If you’re looking for more luxurious options, Middle Street offers luxury student accommodation with prices ranging from £215 to £314 per week.
For more affordable choices, 95 St Andrews Road provides cheap student accommodations in Portsmouth for less than £130 per week.
If you’re looking for moderately priced options, Europa House, Trafalgar Hall, Chaucer House, Crown Place, and Rosalind Franklin Halls offer suitable student flats.
Keep in mind that some studios may allow double occupancy, but it’s important to check with the staff for specific policies and charges. For accurate details, it’s best to inquire directly with the accommodation providers.
Private Rental Property
When it comes to renting private properties in Portsmouth, whether it’s a self-contained flat or sharing with others, the typical range is between £90 and £130 per person per week. Unlike purpose-built student accommodations, private rental properties often require separate payments for utilities.
If you’re sharing a rental property with others, the average monthly cost for utilities in Portsmouth is around £110. However, if you’re renting a property alone, such as a studio, the utilities tend to be around £150 to £180 per month.
Cost of Living in Portsmouth: Food and Groceries
- Students in Portsmouth typically spend around £700 per month for food and groceries.
- This estimate accounts for their usual spending on meals and groceries.
Here are some approximate prices for common food items in Portsmouth:
- A small bottle of water (330ml) typically costs around £1.26.
- A large carton of milk (1L) is usually priced at about £1.31.
- Eggs are available for approximately £3.33 per dozen.
- A head of lettuce generally sells for around £0.69.
- Beef round (1kg) or a similar cut from the back leg can be found for about £14.88.
When it comes to dining out, a combo meal like a McMeal at McDonald’s or a similar fast-food chain is typically around £6, although prices can range from £5.9 to £6.5 depending on your choices. At local restaurants, a budget-friendly meal will cost around £12, but prices can vary from £8 to £17 depending on the establishment and your order. For a cup of coffee in Portsmouth, you can expect to pay approximately £3.5.
Cost of Living in Portsmouth: Transportation
Typically, students in Portsmouth spend around £70 a month on transport.
Bus
In Portsmouth, the cost of bus transportation is relatively affordable. For commuters who use the bus frequently, a monthly ticket can be purchased at a cost of £62.7. This provides unlimited bus travel within the designated period.
If you only need to use the bus occasionally or for a single day, a day ticket is available for £4.9. This allows you to hop on and off buses throughout the day without additional charges.
Moreover, for those who prefer to pay for each bus journey individually, single bus fares are capped at £2.50 until November 2024. This means that regardless of the distance traveled, you will only be charged a maximum of £2.50 for a single bus trip.
Taxi
In Portsmouth, the cost of taking a taxi is determined by various factors. Here are some average prices for taxi services:
- The starting fare for a taxi ride is typically around £2.40 in normal tariff conditions.
- For every kilometer traveled, the fare is approximately £1.41.
- If you need to wait for an hour during the journey, there is an additional charge of around £13.80.
Cars
In Portsmouth, the cost of cars depends on market conditions and personal preferences. Gasoline is priced at around £1.52 per liter, impacting overall expenses. A new Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline or a similar model costs approximately £26,000. However, car prices can vary based on features and promotions. Fuel costs may fluctuate due to global oil prices and taxes. To get accurate information, consult local dealerships or online platforms when considering car purchase or ownership costs in Portsmouth.
Cost of Living in Portsmouth: Entertainment and Recreation
On average, students in Portsmouth allocate approximately £130 per month for entertainment purposes.
In Portsmouth, the cost of entertainment offers a range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some average prices for popular forms of entertainment:
The average cost of a pint of beer is around £4.51, which is approximately £1 cheaper than the prices in London. This makes enjoying a drink at a pub more affordable in comparison.
For fitness enthusiasts, the monthly fee for a gym membership for one adult is approximately £26. This provides access to various facilities and workout equipment to stay active and healthy.
If you’re in the mood for a movie, the price for a ticket to see an international release at a cinema is typically around £9. This allows you to enjoy the latest films on the big screen.
Portsmouth also offers a vibrant music scene, and the cost of attending a live gig can range from £20 to £50. This price range can vary depending on the popularity of the artist or band performing.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it’s crucial for students to be aware of the cost of living in Portsmouth. Understanding expenses related to accommodation, education, food, and groceries allows you to make smart financial choices. By having this knowledge, you can manage your money wisely and make informed decisions about their expenses.
FAQ
Compared to larger cities like London, living costs in Portsmouth are generally lower. Rent, transportation, and daily expenses tend to be more affordable, making it an attractive option for students.
Yes, Portsmouth offers various part-time job opportunities for students, both within the university and in the local area. Students can explore positions in retail, hospitality, tutoring, or other industries to supplement their income.
To manage expenses and save money, it’s helpful to create a budget, prioritize essential expenses, take advantage of student discounts, cook meals at home, and explore free or low-cost entertainment options available in the city. Additionally, seeking part-time employment can provide extra income to support your finances.
