This week we are looking at the cost of living whilst studying at the University of Exeter, as well as accommodation fees and deposits.
Cost of Living at Exeter
The International Student Support team have compiled a really useful guide, and regardless of whether you are a UK or International student then it is well worth a read; particularly the section about finance, fees and budgeting for life in the UK. They recommend that a single student studying at Exeter will need approximately £1,075 per month to meet basic living expenses such as accommodation costs, food, books and equipment and other necessities. This figure is intended as a guide only and will depend a lot upon your personal lifestyle. Take a look at 2020/21 International Student Guide to find out more.
If you choose to live in catered halls then most of your meals will be covered within your rent; all you will need to buy are your weekday lunches plus any additional snacks. For self-catered students, covering the cost of breakfast, lunch and an evening meal that you prepare yourself is estimated at £50-60 per week. If you eat out at one of the many food outlets on campus then this is very convenient but the figure may end up higher.
If you are receiving a Student Loan, it might be worth looking into how much you will receive prior to applying for accommodation as knowing your budget could impact your residence preferences.
Accommodation costs
We list all the total contract costs online for our catered residences and self-catered residences (undergraduate and postgraduate), but you may also find it useful to look at the comparison tables which we have on our accommodation guides. These also give an approximate weekly rent which you may find easier when you are planning your budget. We have separate guides for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
What about an accommodation deposit?
If we make you an offer of accommodation in one of our university residences then we no longer require you to pay to deposit at the time of accepting your offer. Your first payment that you will need to budget for will be the first instalment of rent – these dates are shown on your accommodation offer and also on our How to Pay webpage. Just remember – although we don’t ask you for a deposit, accepting your offer of accommodation online still creates a legally binding contract.
If we make you an offer of accommodation within a nominated property, or you apply directly to a third party or private hall of residence, then you are likely to be asked to pay a deposit and/or advanced rent in order to secure your bedspace. Read any pre-contract and contractual information carefully so that you know what is expected.
When are University Accommodation Fees due?
The total cost and instalment amounts will be detailed in your accommodation offer and it is best to review this. Accommodation Fees for our residences are due in the following instalments:
- Term one – 5 October 2020
- Term two – 11 January 2021
- Term three – 3 May 2021
- Term four – 21 June 2021 (51 week contracts only)
You can pay in full at the start of the academic year, but there are no discounts for doing so. These dates are available on our ‘How to pay‘ webpage along with information on the different payment methods that we are able to accept.
*Please note* All of the information provided above was correct at the time of writing. If, due to the situation with Coronavirus, any of the payment dates or arrangements are subsequently amended then we will provide an update.
Accommodation Meridith