For many people considering studying in the UK, the cost of living in London can seem too expensive, but did you know that you don’t have to pay London prices to study at a top UK university?
The Telegraph newspaper reported last year that the average student in London spends £287 a week on essentials including accommodation, food, transport, and study materials.
The University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses, and is one of the top 7 universities in England for graduate employability. The average cost of living in Bristol is estimated at an average of £222* per week, making Bristol an affordable alternative to London without compromising on lifestyle or culture.
A vibrant, multicultural city renowned for its festivals, food, and culture, Bristol was named the best place to live in the UK by the Sunday Times newspaper in 2014.
With an international airport and excellent transport links, Bristol is well-connected to the rest of the UK, Europe, and beyond, making it a convenient destination for international students. Located in the West of England only 90 minutes from London and within easy reach of the coast and countryside, exploring Britain and its attractions from Bristol is accessible and affordable.
Famous for its festival spirit, Bristol hosts a number of markets, carnivals, and festivals each year. From world music to delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Festival highlights include the International Balloon Fiesta and Kite Festival, Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Festival of Nature, and the wonderfully colourful St. Paul’s Carnival.
A popular shopping hotspot in the West of England, the historic city of Bristol boasts a huge variety of shops, restaurants, museums, theatres, parks, and plenty of street art to discover on foot, by bicycle, or public transport.
Voted the European Green Capital for 2015, Bristol will be taking leadership this year with an exciting year-long programme of events promoting sustainability and healthy living in the city.
Living costs in Bristol will vary depending on your lifestyle and choice of accommodation, and UWE Bristol recommends a general budget of £9,100* per calendar year for full-time students.
UWE Bristol offer different accommodation options to suit a variety of budgets, and while prices differ depending on the type of accommodation and location, students can expect an average cost of £120* per week, with choices ranging from living on campus in the student village to shared city centre and private accommodation. The cost of accommodation is generally cheaper in Bristol than the English capital, as noted by website StudyLondon who estimate the average student accommodation costs in London at £150 a week.
When it comes to other living costs such as utility bills, food, transport, and study material, Bristol is again more reasonably-priced than London. Some UWE Bristol accommodation options include gas and electricity costs in the rental price, as well as a free bus pass and gym membership at present. Students living in Bristol can expect to budget an average of £102* (excluding rent) a week, compared to those living in London requiring £135 on average every week in addition to accommodation costs.
Each year, UWE Bristol offer a number of scholarships to help international students finance their studies. In addition to granting scholarships based on academic, entrepreneurial, or sports excellence, there are a number of country-specific scholarships available, with funding varying from discounted tuition fees to fully-paid scholarships.
Living and studying elsewhere in the UK doesn’t mean compromising on culture, lifestyle, and most importantly, graduate employability. As well as being listed as one of the top 7 universities in England for graduate employability, UWE Bristol students benefit from prominent leading employers on their doorstep, including the BBC, Ministry of Defence, Airbus and Rolls-Royce.
Bristol is brimming with welcoming societies and organisations, and as a student-friendly city, there are dozens of free museums, galleries, cinemas, and events running throughout the year. UWE Bristol’s Global Student Support team also organise a wide range of day trips for international students, visiting popular British attractions including London’s Harry Potter Studios and Stonehenge.
Why not take a look for yourself and explore the city on UWE Bristol’s interactive map?
*cost estimations based on UWE Bristol living cost estimations of £90 – £150 per week for accommodation, £70 – £135 for other costs. Please also refer to UK Border Agency guidelines for living funds required to study in the UK.
All costs and estimations are subject to change, and StudyLink.com or UWE Bristol cannot be held responsible for your use or interpretation of the information.
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