Useful info

Students spend on average £29.52 per week on groceries, according to the 2008 NUS Student Experience report.

Eating at home costs less than eating out. Click here for sample prices.

Whether you're someone who eats to live or who lives to eat, your food budget will be an important part of your cost of living in the UK.

Info on eating out

Sample shopping list



Cooking at home

£ per week
  hrs per week

Eating out

£ per week
  hrs per week

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Useful info

  • Food in big supermarkets is cheaper than from small corner shops
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables are often cheapest in local markets
  • Supermarkets sometimes cut the price of any unsold food at the end of the day. Watch out for bargains
  • You don't need to buy drinking-water in bottles. It is safe to drink tap-water in the UK
  • Freeze food if you have some left over
  • If you live in halls, why not cook with friends. You learn tips, save money and it's more fun
  • It is usual to tip 10% in restaurants if you've had good service. But check that service isn't already included in your bill. In pubs, people don't usually tip
  • Get a part-time job where food is included
  • And when you feel the need for some food from your own country, ask around. There's probably a speciality shop selling it somewhere nearby
  • Students can keep their food budget low by choosing full-board accommodation because this includes all meals.

Balance by year / month / week

Based on  weeks per year

Shorter courses

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If you want to budget for less than a year (52 weeks), enter the number of weeks here

View your
balance here