Guides
Cost of Living in Cardiff for Students in 2025
October 13, 2025
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5 min read
Sheffield, often known as the “Steel City,” has become one of the UK’s most and affordable student destinations, attracting learners from across the globe to top institutions like The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Famous for its blend of industrial heritage, cutting-edge research facilities, and close proximity to the Peak District National Park, Sheffield offers students a rare balance of academic excellence and a high quality of life. But for those preparing to move, one critical question arises: What is the cost of living in Sheffield for students in 2025?
Whether you’re coming for your first undergraduate year or pursuing a postgraduate degree, understanding the Sheffield student cost of living is essential for budgeting. Compared to London, Oxford, or Edinburgh, Sheffield is significantly more affordable, particularly when it comes to rent and food. From shared housing in Crookesmoor for about £120 a week to premium studios in the city centre for £250+ a week, your accommodation choice alone will shape your monthly budget. These costs are not only important for everyday student life but also for visa applications, scholarship planning, and financial stability.
Average Cost of Living in Sheffield for Students
On average, most students in Sheffield spend between £900 and £1,400 per month on living expenses. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, internet, study materials, and leisure activities.
For international students, understanding the average cost of living in Sheffield is even more crucial. The UK Home Office requires proof of at least £1,023 per month for nine months outside London when applying for a visa, but in reality, actual living expenses in Sheffield often exceed this baseline depending on lifestyle and accommodation type.
Accommodation remains the single largest cost, usually taking up 40–50% of a student’s budget, followed by food and transportation.
Monthly and Annual Average Costs
Here’s a breakdown of what students in Sheffield typically spend:
Monthly Total: £800–1,080 (Budget) | £1,200–1,500 (Mid-range) | £2,000–3,000 (Premium)
Annual Total: £9,600–12,960 (Budget) | £14,400–18,000 (Mid-range) | £24,000–36,000 (Premium)
This gives a clear picture of the average cost of living in Sheffield for international students across different lifestyles.
Budget vs Mid-Range vs Premium Lifestyle Estimates
The Budget Student Experience (£800–1,000 monthly)
Students on a tight budget usually live in shared housing in areas like Crookesmoor, Broomhill, or Walkley, where rent stays below £130 a week. Groceries often come from Aldi, Lidl, or Sheffield Moor Market, with home cooking as the main option. Entertainment focuses on low-cost activities like hiking in the Peak District, free university societies, and student nights at local pubs. This lifestyle requires careful planning but is entirely manageable with part-time work.
The Mid-Range Student Experience (£1,200–1,500 monthly)
This is the most common lifestyle for Sheffield students. Many choose purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in the city centre or Ecclesall Road, with en-suite rooms and included bills. Food budgets allow for weekly meals at cafes like Tamper Coffee or The Cabin, and regular nights out. Students in this bracket can also afford gym memberships, concerts at the O2 Academy, and day trips to Manchester or Leeds. This reflects the average Sheffield student cost of living.
The Premium Student Experience (£2,000+ monthly)
Premium living includes luxury studios in central Sheffield, frequent dining at restaurants like Silversmiths, shopping at Meadowhall, and regular travel across the UK and Europe. This lifestyle provides maximum comfort but requires either strong family support or high-value scholarships.
Student Accommodation Costs in Sheffield
On-Campus Accommodation Costs
University-managed halls are popular, especially for first-year international students.
These options are close to campus and provide a supportive student community, though they are slightly more expensive than private rentals.
Off-Campus and Private Rentals
Sheffield’s rental market is student-friendly, offering a range of options:
Accommodation is the single largest factor shaping living expenses in Sheffield for students, so choosing the right area is key.
Food and Groceries Expenses
Average Grocery Costs
Students typically spend £120–200 per month on groceries. Smart shopping at discount supermarkets or open-air markets helps reduce expenses.
Eating Out
- Meal deals (Tesco/Sainsbury’s): £3–5
- Pub lunches: £6–10
- Mid-range restaurants: £12–20
- Coffee: £2.50–3.50
- Fine dining: £50–80+
Utilities and Internet Costs
- Electricity: £40–60 monthly
- Gas: £20–30 monthly
- Water: £20–30 monthly (often included in rent)
- Internet: £20–30 monthly per student in shared housing
Bills are usually included in PBSA but are extra for private rentals, affecting the Sheffield student cost of living.
Entertainment and Leisure Expenses
- Cinema tickets: £8–12 (student discounts available)
- Clubs: Free–£10 entry (e.g., Leadmill, Corporation)
- Concerts: £20–50 (international acts more)
- Sports: £15–30 for local gyms; £30–50 for premium gyms
- Free attractions: Peak District hikes, Sheffield Botanical Gardens, Weston Park Museum
Miscellaneous Costs and Personal Expenses
- Clothes (fast fashion): £15–25 per item
- Mid-range clothing: £40–80
- Charity shops in Broomhill & Ecclesall Road: £5–15 bargains
- Textbooks: New (£40–80), second-hand (£15–40)
- Stationery/printing: £15–25 monthly
Health Insurance and Medical Costs
International students pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of about £776 per year (equivalent to ~£65 per month), giving access to the NHS. GP visits, emergency care, and prescriptions are subsidized, making healthcare affordable compared to many countries.
Scholarships and Part-Time Work Opportunities
- University of Sheffield International Merit Scholarship – up to 50% tuition coverage
- Sheffield Hallam Transform Together Scholarship – partial tuition reduction
- Part-time jobs: retail (£10–12/hr), hospitality (£11–13/hr), tutoring (£12–18/hr), campus jobs (£12–15/hr). Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term.
Tips to Save Money While Living in Sheffield
- Live in Crookesmoor or Walkley for affordable rent.
- Use student discounts on buses, trams, and at shops.
- Shop at Aldi, Lidl, and Moor Market for cheaper groceries.
- Explore free outdoor attractions like the Peak District.
- Track spending with budgeting apps like Monzo or YNAB.
How Amber Can Help You Find Affordable Accommodation in Sheffield
Amber makes finding student accommodation in Sheffield simple and secure by offering verified listings starting from £110–200 per week. With utilities included, flexible contracts, and no hidden fees, Amber ensures you get the best housing option for your budget. Here are a few student housing choices in Sheffield:
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