Cost of Living and Money Support

What's included

• Wi-fi and wired internet access 
• Utility bills (internet, water, heat, electricity) included with rent 
• Gym membership for St Mary's and Ffriddoedd
• Campus Life membership
• Insurance
• Pastoral care

Gym and Campus Life membership are included for all students living in University accommodation. You can use the main sport centre, Canolfan Brailsford at Ffriddoedd Village or the fitness room at St Mary's Village. Campus Life is a programme of events that runs throughout the year, including film nights, quizzes, trips and outdoor activities. We're sorry that this does not apply to students living on the Wrexham Campus, and hall fees in Wrexham are adjusted accordingly.  

For the private sector our information comes from Studentpad and were current as of 22/01/2024. Costs are reviewed in January and August. Included utilities are gas/oil, electricity and water. This is an outline of the likely cost of accommodation and utilities for a single individual.

The cost of food will also vary depending on your eating habits. Students who cook at home will typically spend less than students who eat out frequently.

You'll find almost all the major supermarkets here in Bangor. Comparison pages like Which?: Supermarket price comparison will help you choose one that suits your needs and budget best.

First time food budgeting? Have a look at food planners like this £25 Meal Plans from Debra at Savvy Bites or, if you like TikTok, check beckyexcell and her 5 Meals for £25.

Recommendations and advice for students on how to save money on food:

• Plan your meals and shop accordingly. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and make sure you're only buying the food you need.
• Buy in bulk when possible. This can save you money in the long run, especially on non-perishable items like rice, pasta, and beans.
• Cook at home more often. Eating out can be expensive, so cooking at home is a great way to save money.
• Cook in batches. This is a great way to save time and money. Cook a large batch of food and then freeze it for later.
• Take advantage of student discounts. Many grocery stores and restaurants offer student discounts, so be sure to ask about them.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you're struggling to afford food, don't be afraid to ask for help from your friends, family, or Money Support.

The cost of utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, will vary depending on the size of your accommodation and your usage.

If you are living in University Halls you won't have to budget for additional costs such as electricity and water rates. The same applies if you have an inclusive tenancy, but please make sure that you are aware of any utility cost spend limits which will be listed in your tenancy agreement.

If your tenancy isn't inclusive, your Landlord may be able to estimate your electricity, gas and water rate amount to help you budget for these costs.

Utility costs can be a significant expense for students, especially if you are living in a rented property. Energy  can vary depending on the size of your accommodation, the number of people you are living with, and your energy usage habits.

Here are some tips for saving money on utility costs:

• Compare energy providers. There are many different energy providers available, so it is worth comparing prices to find the best deal. You can use a price comparison website to do this.
• Switch energy providers. If you are not happy with your current energy provider, you can switch to a new one. This can save you money, especially if you are on a fixed-term contract.
• Get a dual fuel deal. A dual fuel deal means that you get your gas and electricity from the same provider. This can often save you money.
• Use energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy, which can save you money on your bills.
• Unplug appliances when you are not using them. Even when they are turned off, appliances can still use energy. Unplugging them when you are not using them can save you money.
• Set your thermostat to a lower temperature in the winter and a higher temperature in the summer. This can save you money on your heating and cooling bills.
• Open the curtains during the day to let in natural light. This can help to reduce your energy usage.
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room. This is a simple way to save energy.

By following these tips, you can save money on your utility costs and reduce your environmental impact.

Here are some additional tips that are specific to student accommodation:

• If you are living in a shared house, agree on a set of rules for energy usage. This could include things like turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging appliances when they are not in use, and setting the thermostat to a lower temperature in the winter.
• If you are living in a privately rented property, check the terms of your tenancy agreement. Some landlords may include a clause that states that you are responsible for paying the utility bills.
• If you are struggling to afford your utility bills, there are a number of organisations that can help. These organisations can provide financial assistance or energy efficiency advice.

Your possessions are precious and we encourage you to insure them against loss or damage. Insurance costs can vary from £66 upwards per annum. Use a comparison website such as Endsleigh or Compare the Market to find a policy.

Insurance is an important financial protection for students. There are many different types of insurance available, and the best type for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances.

Some of the most important types of insurance for students include:

• Contents insurance: This can help to cover the cost of replacing your personal belongings if they are stolen or damaged.
• Tenants' liability insurance: This can help to cover the cost of damages you cause to your landlord's property.
• Car insurance: If you drive, you will need car insurance to legally drive on the road.

It is important to compare different insurance policies before you buy one. Make sure to read the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.

Here are some additional tips for students about insurance:

• Get quotes from multiple insurers. This will help you find the best deal.
• Consider your needs and budget. When you are comparing policies, think about what you need to be covered for and how much you can afford to pay.
• Read the policy carefully. Make sure you understand what is covered and what is not.
• Keep your policy up to date. If your circumstances change, make sure to update your policy.

By taking out the right insurance policies, you can protect yourself financially in case of an unexpected event.

A TV licence is a legal requirement if you watch live TV or catch-up via the iPlayer app. Please note that a TV licence is not included in University accommodation rent.

A TV license is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom for anyone who watches or records live TV programmes on any channel, TV service or streaming service, as they are being shown. This also applies to using BBC iPlayer.

You do not need a TV licence if you only watch catch-up TV on BBC iPlayer, or if you only watch on-demand content from other services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+.

The current cost of a TV licence is £159 per year.

There are many different streaming services available in the UK, each with its own price and content. Some of the most popular streaming services for students include:

• Netflix from £4.99 per month
• Amazon Student Prime Video: £5.99 per month
• Disney+: £7.99 per month (15% on a year subscription for students with Unidays)
• Apple TV+: ££5.99/month

There are some free streaming services including these listed below. You may need to already signed up to another service to get these for free.

• PlutoTV
• Freevee
• Kanopy
• Rakuten TV Free

When choosing a streaming service, it is important to consider your needs and budget. Think about what kind of content you want to watch, how many devices you want to watch on, and how much you are willing to pay.

You can also save money by subscribing to a streaming service with a friend or family member. Many streaming services allow you to create multiple profiles, so you can each watch your own content

Socialising is an important part of student life, but it can also be expensive. The amount of money you spend on socialising will vary depending on your lifestyle, but it is important to be aware of the costs so that you can budget accordingly.

Some of the most common expenses associated with socialising:

• Going out to eat: This can be one of the most expensive ways to socialise. A meal at a restaurant can easily cost £20 or more per person. Check Eat and drink Bangor for most up -to-date prices at Bar Uno, Teras Lounge, Pontio Food and Drink, Café Teras, The Management Centre and Barlows.
• Going to bars or clubs: This can also be expensive, especially if you buy drinks. With free entry for students living in University Halls and discounted entry for sponsored team members, Academi, our official student nightclub, is a great place to meet and hang out with friends.
• Going to concerts or movies: This can be a more affordable way to socialise, but it can still add up if you do it often. Tickets to a concert or movie can cost £20 or more so check Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre where student tickets cost you £6.
• Going out for coffee or tea: This is a more affordable option, but it can still add up if you do it every day. A cup of coffee or tea can cost £2 or more so check Eat and drink Bangor for coffee prices - and remember to use Teya App on campus you get the 10th coffee for free.
• Buying drinks or snacks for friends: This can add up quickly, especially if you are buying for a group of friends.

If you are on a budget, there are still many ways to socialise without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips:

• Join a sport club or a society.  With over 150 free to join clubs and societies there is something for everyone.
• Take advantage of Campus Life activities. Campus Life offers a calendar of events for students living in University Halls. Most of these events are free but you may be asked for a small fees to attend some of the off campus events.
• Enjoy Treborth Botanic Gardens. Bangor University has an Accredited Botanic Garden with  15ha of native woodland, 2ha of species rich unimproved grassland and 1ha managed orchard and many mature trees and shrubs and six glasshouses of varying temperatures, with special collections including orchids, cacti, succulents and carnivorous plants that are free for students to access.
• Host potluck dinners or game nights at home. This is a great way to save money and have fun with friends.
• Go for walks or hikes. This is a fun and free way to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors we have on our door step in North Wales. Check our city centre walks recently developed Mindfulness Trails.
• Go to free events. There are many free events happening in most cities, such as concerts, festivals, and art shows - we recommend you check Pontio, our centre offering an exciting and unique blend of Arts and Culture, Innovation, Education and Community.
• Volunteer your time. This is a great way to give back to your community and meet new people so check our volunteering pages and sport volunteering options to find something that would suit you.
• Take advantage of student discounts. Many businesses offer student discounts, so be sure to ask about them.

By being creative and resourceful, you can find ways to socialise without spending a lot of money.

The good thing about Bangor is that our student accommodation is within walking distance of main University buildings so you won't need a car or use public transport to get from halls to your lectures.  

Transport costs can be a significant expense for students, especially if you are not living at home. The cost of transport will vary depending on where you live, how often you travel, and what mode of transport you use. 

Here are some of the most common ways that students travel:

• Public transport: This is a popular option for students, as it is relatively affordable and can get you to most places you need to go. The cost of public transport will vary depending on the city or town you live in. For Bangor and the surrounding area the costs are: Weekly Bus pass £14.00 / Annual Bangor Bus pass £490.00 with Arriva.
• Car: This can be a more expensive option, but it gives you more flexibility and freedom. The cost of owning a car includes the purchase price, insurance, fuel, and maintenance plus if you bring your car onto campus or you drive into Bangor you'll need to purchase a parking permit to park in any University car parks or on university campus including the halls of residents. The annual cost of a parking permit is approximate £40.00. 
• Walking or running: This is the cheapest option and very convenient if you live in Bangor where everything is within walking distance, but it may not be practical if you live far from campus or your home town.

If you are travelling home from university, the cost will vary depending on how far you are travelling and how you are travelling. The cheapest option is usually to take public transport, but this may not be the most convenient option.

Here are some tips for saving money on transport costs:

• Plan your journeys in advance. This will help you to avoid making unnecessary journeys.
• Use public transport. This is usually the most affordable option. 
• Share lifts with friends or family. This can help to reduce the cost of petrol or train tickets.
• Walk or cycle. This is the cheapest option, and in place like Bangor you will get some amazing views along the way. 
• Take advantage of student discounts. Many public transport providers offer student discounts.

By following these tips, you can save money on transport costs and budget accordingly.