Rent is likely to take up the largest part of your accommodation budget, but it is not the only expense to consider. Food, travel, mobile costs and social activities can add up quickly, so it helps to work out your weekly spending before signing a contract.
The supplied figures place typical living costs in Southampton, excluding rent, at around £110-£150 per week.
Weekly Student Expenses
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Expense
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Estimated weekly cost
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Groceries & food
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£30-£40
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Local transport
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£12-£18
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Socialising
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£8-£15+
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Mobile plan
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£3-£5
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Household bills
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Depends on accommodation
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Course-related costs
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Depends on course
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Groceries and food: Around £30-£40 per week is a reasonable working figure. Cooking most meals yourself can help keep this under control, while regular takeaway meals and eating out will push the total higher.
Transport: Students living close to East Park Terrace may spend very little on daily travel because many journeys can be made on foot. Those living farther out should allow roughly £12-£18 per week for local bus travel.
Household bills: Many PBSA properties include utilities and internet within the weekly rent. Students renting a private house or flat may need to pay these separately, so the advertised rent does not always represent the full housing cost.
Socialising: A casual meal or evening out might cost around £8-£15 before additional spending on drinks, entertainment or transport. Your actual figure will depend on how often you go out.
Mobile: A standard UK SIM-only plan may cost around £3-£5 per week.
Course expenses: Some Southampton Solent courses can involve additional spending. Maritime and engineering students may need specialist equipment, while media and film courses can involve production-related expenses. It is worth checking course-specific requirements before setting your budget.
Southampton Solent University Accommodation Costs and Visa Funds
Students comparing Southampton Solent University accommodation costs should separate rent from the maintenance money required for a Student visa. They are not the same measure.
For international students studying outside London, the UK Government's maintenance requirement from 11 November 2025 is £1,171 per month, or roughly £270 per week, for up to nine months. This is the amount used for visa purposes rather than a typical student's weekly spending figure.
When comparing Southampton Solent University accommodation fees or Southampton Solent University accommodation prices, check what is included in the quoted rent. A slightly higher weekly price can sometimes work out better if Wi-Fi, electricity, heating, water and other bills are already covered.