Students Battle Living Costs

Students at two universities are facing very different financial conditions despite being just 50 miles apart.

A league table compiled by a high street bank has revealed that Exeter University students have the highest cost of living for students while those at Plymouth University have the most cost-effective place to study.

The cost of living index, published by NatWest Bank, found that Plymouth students were, on average, £3,510 better off than those in Exeter.

Researchers say the figures are down to cheaper rental costs in Plymouth and the fact that there is more part-time work available.

The average Plymouth student will spend £217 on housing and other living costs such as food while also making about £115 a week from part-time work.

Exeter students, on the other hand, will spend £294 on living costs but make just £67 from part-time work, making it even more expensive to study there than at London universities.

Mark Worthington, Head of Student banking for NatWest said there is a "disparity" between Plymouth and Exeter.

"The main reason is the availability of part-time work. About 47% of students in Plymouth have part-time jobs," he said.

The hardest working students are in Belfast, where 64% of undergraduates work during term time.

Overall, the top three cheapest places for students to live were Plymouth, Liverpool and Dunee, while the most expensive were Exeter, Southampton and Manchester.

The bank estimates that over the next academic year, the UK's 1.8 million university students will spend £10.8b on living expenses and rent compared with £10.3b this year.

The poll questioned 2,600 undergraduates in 20 towns.

(DS)