Curious about the cost of living in Nottingham? We’ve compiled a list of typical living expenses in Nottingham that students face, from tuition fees to accommodation, food, and entertainment. This should give you a good idea of what to expect financially while studying in Nottingham!
Cost of Living in Nottingham: Tuition
- For UK home students, the tuition fee in Nottingham is approximately £9,790 per year.
- International students can expect higher tuition fees, around £25,750 per year.
University of Nottingham
When it comes to tuition fees at the University of Nottingham, the costs vary depending on the type of course and the student’s residency status. For undergraduate courses in the 2025/26 academic year, UK home students can expect a fee of £9,535. International students, on the other hand, will encounter different fee structures depending on the program they choose. The international fees range from £24,300 to £47,000, depending on the specific course.
For postgraduate taught courses in the same academic year, UK home students will find that most fees are around £8,500, although some courses may have higher fees of up to £12,750. International students pursuing postgraduate taught courses can expect fees mostly around £23,000, with some programs having higher fees of £56,400 for specialised projects.
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) offers a range of tuition fees for different degree programs. For full-time undergraduate home students starting in the 2025/26 academic year, the tuition fee is £9,535.
International tuition fees at NTU vary depending on the subject and campus. For courses in the Nottingham School of Art & Design and Nottingham Business School, international students can expect to pay £17,500–£18,250+. For all other subjects, the fee is £17,500. Courses based at the Confetti London campus have a tuition fee of £18,700.
For full-time Master’s and other postgraduate courses at NTU starting in September 2025 or January 2026, tuition fees for full-time courses for UK students are around £9,900 per year.
International students pursuing Master’s and postgraduate courses at NTU can expect tuition fees of around £15,550 to £17,500+, with some courses being more expensive, exceeding £20,000.
Cost of Living in Nottingham: Accommodation
- The average cost of accommodation for students in Nottingham is around £900 per month. The exact cost can vary based on factors such as the type of housing, size, location, and other amenities.
On-Campus Student Halls
In Nottingham, on-campus student halls vary in price, typically ranging from £132 to £289 per week. On the higher end, you can find halls of residence priced at approximately £220 per week. There is a range of room types available, including en-suite, studio, and one-bedroom apartments, among others. Additionally, you have the choice between catered and self-catered accommodations, which determines whether meals are provided by the accommodation or if you have the flexibility to cook for yourself.
Off-Campus Student Accommodation in Nottingham
Typically, the rental price for student accommodation in Nottingham ranges between £120 and £230+ per week. The majority of student accommodations fall within the £150 to £250 per week range.
For those seeking luxurious and full-service amenities, Vita Station Street and Nottingham City specialise in high-end student accommodation, with prices ranging from £280 to £400 per week.
On the more affordable side, there are several options available. Nottingham Square, Castle Gate Haus, Bertrand Russell House, The Glasshouse, and The Village offer cheap student accommodations in Nottingham for less than £150 per week.
For moderately priced options, Carlton Building, Triumph House, Bromley Place, Talbot Street, iQ Newtown House, and iQ Newland House provide suitable student flats.
It’s worth noting that some studios allow double occupancy, but policies and charges may vary. For accurate details, it’s recommended to inquire directly with the staff.
Private Rental Property
Renting private rental property in Nottingham, whether it’s a self-contained flat or sharing with others, typically ranges from £600 to £1300 per person per month. Unlike purpose-built student accommodation, private rental property often requires separate payments for utilities. If sharing with others, utilities in Nottingham average around £100 per month. For those renting a property alone, such as a studio, utilities in Nottingham tend to be around £150-180 per month.
Cost of Living in Nottingham: Food and Groceries
- Students in Nottingham typically spend around £150–£220 per month for food and groceries. This estimate covers their regular living expenses related to meals and grocery shopping.
Here are some average prices for common food items in Nottingham: A small bottle of water (330ml) will cost you around £0.94, while a big carton of milk (1L) is about £1.19. If you’re in need of eggs, they can be bought for about £3.28 per dozen. When it comes to fresh produce, A head of lettuce usually goes for around £0.92. If you’re a meat lover, beef round (1lb) or a similar cut from the back leg can be found for about £4.86.
When you’re in the mood to eat out, a McMeal at McDonald’s or a similar combo meal will set you back around £8.00, but prices can range from £6 to £9 depending on what you choose. If you’re looking for a wallet-friendly dining experience at a local restaurant, expect to pay around £12 for a meal. Of course, prices can vary from £7 to £18 depending on where you go and what you order. And if you need your caffeine fix, a cup of coffee in Nottingham typically costs around £3.23.
Cost of Living in Nottingham: Transportation
- For students in Nottingham, bus, tram, and train travel are popular modes of transportation. Some students also use cars or taxis for commuting or traveling. Typically, students in Nottingham spend around £100 a month on transport.
Bus
Getting around Nottingham as a student is made easy with the extensive bus network provided by NCT (Nottingham City Transport).
For students aged 19 and over, the Standard Single ticket costs £2.00 for both the City Zone and Outer Zone. If you require unlimited travel throughout the day, the All Day Ticket is available at £5.50 for the City Zone and £8.00 for the Outer Zone, providing flexibility for your journeys.
If you’re planning on using NCT buses regularly throughout the academic year, consider purchasing an Academic Year pass. These passes, which have been on sale since August 2025, cost £349 for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Tram
Nottingham tram prices vary depending on the ticket type. For adults (19+), a single ticket costs £3.60, while an all day ticket is priced at £5.80. Students can purchase a single ticket for £3.00 or an all day ticket for £4.70. There is also an annual student ticket available for £415. For detailed ticket prices, it is recommended to visit the NET website.
Train
Nottingham Station is the busiest hub in the East Midlands, connecting you to various destinations. Whether you want to go home or explore nearby cities, you’ll find frequent trains to London, Leicester, Derby, and Birmingham. And if you’re under 25, don’t forget about the 16-25 railcard that helps you save a third on most of your journeys. It’s a great way to cut down on travel costs!
Taxi
In Nottingham, the starting fare for a taxi ride in the normal tariff is around £2.00 (day) and £2.00 (night). For every kilometer traveled, the average cost is approximately £1.12 (day) or £1.37 (night).
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to wait, such as heavy traffic or a quick stop, the waiting time charge is typically around £15.00 per hour. These prices give you an idea of what to expect when taking a taxi in Nottingham.
Cars
When it comes to the cost of cars in Nottingham, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the price of gasoline is around £129.5p to £132.2p per litre, which gives you an idea of the ongoing fuel expenses. If you’re looking to purchase a new car, the prices can vary depending on the model and specifications. For instance, a Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline or an equivalent new car may cost upwards of £30,000. Similarly, a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort or an equivalent new car could be priced at approximately £23,000–£26,000. These prices provide an estimate of the costs associated with buying a car in Nottingham.
Cost of Living in Nottingham: Entertainment and Recreation
- On average, students in Nottingham spend between £66 and £170 per month on entertainment.
When it comes to entertainment in Nottingham, the city offers a variety of options for music and live performances. For example, Rock City, the renowned independent club and live music venue in Nottingham, has been a staple of Nottingham’s entertainment scene for 30 years. The ticket prices for most gigs at Rock City are typically around £30-£45.
Another notable example is the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, which has a capacity of 2,500. Ticket prices for events held at this venue range from £20 to £50, depending on the performance.
If you’re in the mood for a film night, the average cost of an adult ticket at local cinemas in Nottingham is approximately £7 to £10.
When it comes to enjoying a drink at a neighborhood pub, prices can range from £4 to £6 for a single beer.
Conclusion
As we conclude our updated 2026 guide on the cost of living in Nottingham for students, we hope that the information provided has been helpful in preparing you for your education journey. By carefully planning your living expenses and exploring cost-effective choices, you can make the most of your student experience without breaking the bank.
Also, remember to take advantage of student discounts, budget wisely, and actively seek out affordable opportunities. Wishing you all the best as you embark on this exciting adventure in Nottingham!
Nottingham Living Expenses FAQ
Nottingham is widely regarded as one of the more affordable cities in the UK. On average, a single person spends about £1,370 per month on living expenses, not including rent. For students, the overall monthly cost of living — including accommodation, usually falls between £800 and £1,200.
The University of Nottingham is currently dealing with serious financial challenges. In the 2024–25 period, it reported a deficit of more than £80 million. This shortfall is linked to several factors, including losses from selling campus properties, increasing operational costs, a drop in income from international students, and reductions in government funding.
Nottingham is generally considered to be an affordable city for students compared to other major cities in the UK. For instance, the cost of living in Nottingham is estimated to be approximately 20-40% lower than in London. Rent prices for student accommodation in Nottingham are relatively reasonable, with options available to suit various budgets. Additionally, groceries and dining out are also more affordable compared to some other UK cities. Nottingham offers a range of budget-friendly supermarkets and eateries, making it easier for students to manage their expenses.
Living in Nottingham offers several advantages for students. Nottingham is known for its excellent academic institutions, including the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, both of which consistently rank highly in national and international university rankings. Additionally, Nottingham boasts a rich cultural scene, with numerous theaters, galleries, and music venues to explore. The city’s central location in the UK makes it easily accessible by train, bus, and car, allowing students to explore other parts of the country with ease. Moreover, Nottingham is relatively affordable compared to other major UK cities, offering students a range of affordable accommodation options, dining choices, and entertainment venues.
Yes, Nottingham is a great city for international students. It’s home to two prestigious universities, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University. It also has a vibrant student community with numerous cultural events, festivals, and social activities throughout the year. Additionally, Nottingham is known for its affordable cost of living compared to other UK cities, such as London and Edinburgh. Nottingham’s central location in the UK also provides easy access to other major cities, making it convenient for travel.
Yes, Nottingham has various grocery stores and supermarkets where you can find affordable options. Popular choices include Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, offering budget-friendly groceries.
Yes, Nottingham offers a range of student discounts. Many shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and public transportation services provide discounted rates for students. Make sure to carry your student ID card and inquire about available discounts.
Yes, Nottingham has a range of part-time job opportunities for students. The university’s career services and local job boards can help you find part-time work to supplement your income.
Nottingham’s crime rate is higher than the UK average in many cities. Data from sites such as crimerate.co.uk and Get Licensed suggest there are roughly 105–118 reported crimes per 1,000 residents. Some people feel the city can seem a bit rough at night. That said, Nottingham’s city centre has been awarded the Purple Flag for maintaining a safe and well-managed nightlife. Crime levels tend to be higher in areas such as Radford, Hyson Green, and St. Ann’s, so it’s usually recommended to stick to busy, well-lit places after dark.
Living in Nottingham is considerably more affordable than in major cities such as London or Manchester. For example, rental prices in Nottingham are about 63% lower than those in London. If you’re planning your budget, most people find that monthly living costs typically fall between £800 and £1,200.
