Here are my Experience as an International Student…
I remember being worried about budgeting before I arrived in Wolverhampton.
Welcome again to the Dairy of an International Student
As an international student, managing the cost of living in a new country was one of my top concerns. I had so many questions how much would I need for food, transport, and just enjoying life in the UK? So, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Setting Up a Budget: My First Month
During my first month, I kept track of every expense to figure out a realistic monthly budget. It helped me get a feel for how much I’d need for essentials. On average, I found myself spending between £600-£800 per month. That covers accommodation, groceries, transportation, and a little extra for social outings or personal expenses.
Wolverhampton, compared to cities like London or Manchester, is quite affordable, which is a huge plus. I could stretch my budget much further here without feeling like I had to cut out too many things.
Accommodation: The Biggest Expense
The largest part of my budget goes to accommodation. Since I live on campus, I pay around £400-£550 per month, depending on the type of room. It’s great because I don’t have to worry about utilities they’re included, so there are no surprise bills. If you choose to live off-campus, you might find a shared flat for a similar price, especially if you share with other students.
There’s an option to rent a studio apartment a bit further from campus for around £500-£650 a month, but you have to factor in utility costs there.
Check out on-campus accommodation here.
Groceries and Food: Staying on Budget
For groceries, I spend around £100-£150 each month. Shopping at stores like ASDA and Aldi has helped me save, and I’ve even started to pick up a few recipes that are budget-friendly but still remind me of home. I usually cook with friends or batch cook meals for the week. Eating out can be a bit pricey, with meals costing between £8-£15 depending on where you go, so I try to keep that as a treat for the weekends.
There are some affordable cafes and takeaways around campus, though, and we even have some restaurants that offer student discounts if you show your student ID.
Transport: Easy to Manage
One thing I love about Wolverhampton is how walkable it is. I can walk to my classes, the library, and most places on campus. When I need to get into the city center or nearby areas, I use the West Midlands student bus pass, which is only around £30 per month. It gives me unlimited travel on buses within the region.
Some of my friends who commute from neighboring towns use the train, but it’s a bit pricier, so they try to take advantage of student rail discounts whenever possible.
Personal Expenses and Entertainment
As a student, I still want to have some fun and enjoy my time here. For entertainment things like going to the cinema, exploring nearby cities, or attending student events on campus I usually budget about £20-£70 per month. The university often hosts events or movie nights on campus, which are either free or heavily discounted, so you don’t have to spend much to have a good time.
Academic and Miscellaneous Costs
While the university provides a lot of resources, I did spend a bit on stationery, printing, and study materials during my first semester. I budget around £20-£30 per month for any academic supplies or occasional expenses that pop up. The library has most of the books we need, but sometimes I’ll buy a book or two if it’s a core text for my course.
Staying Within Budget
Overall, Wolverhampton has allowed me to balance my budget while still experiencing a full student life. Here are a few tips I picked up along the way:
• Cook at home whenever you can; it saves so much!
• Use student discounts—from food to travel, there are a lot of student-friendly deals around.
• Take advantage of the free events on campus. The university’s student union organizes social and cultural events that don’t cost much, if anything.
• Make use of student support services. They offer workshops on budgeting and managing finances, which were super helpful for me.
The Bottom Line
Living in Wolverhampton has helped me feel financially secure without sacrificing my social life or study needs. You’ll find that it’s very possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle here on a student budget, especially if you plan ahead and use all the resources available to us.
I hope this gives you a clearer picture of what to expect. Budgeting in a new country can feel daunting, but once you get settled, it becomes much easier. Wolverhampton really is a great city for students, both for its affordability and the community it offers!
Let me know if you have any other questions I’m happy to help.
As an international student ambassador, I offer personalized counseling services to help guide you through the application process at the University of Wolverhampton.
From admissions to visa applications and settling into student life, I’m here to make your transition smooth and stress-free.
If you’re ready for hands-on guidance with your application, I’d love to work with you one-on-one to ensure everything is done right.
SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH ME TODAY
Best of luck…☺️
