UQ0218

How much does university student life usually cost each month?

A university student’s monthly living costs vary greatly depending on whether they live at home or alone, the area and rent, food, transportation, and lifestyle. It is important to make a budget based on expected local costs for rent, food, utilities, communications, and transportation.

Key points

  • Students living at home may not have a rent expense.
  • For students living alone, major costs include rent, food, utilities, communications, and transportation.
  • Living costs can be higher in areas with high rents.

Things to check

  • Tuition, admission fees, textbooks and other study materials, and initial costs such as moving and furniture should be budgeted separately.