Aberdeen Cost of Living: A Guide for International Students

If you landed on this page, you’re probably considering Aberdeen as your study destination, or you’ve already made up your mind about it. Either way, Aberdeen is a great city and an exciting place to be a student. With its welcoming atmosphere and renowned universities, it is a hotspot for international students. Before you pack your bags and be on your way to this charming city, you need to have a thorough understanding of Aberdeen cost of living. It’s one of the key factors to consider when studying in any city. In this guide, we break down the essential expenses you'll encounter as an international student living in Aberdeen. Let’s dive right in!

Aberdeen’s Overall Cost of Living

Compared to other major UK cities, Aberdeen has a relatively low cost of living. A student can expect to spend around £971–£1,283 per month. This figure excludes tuition fees, which can vary depending on your programme (typically ranging from £18,000 to £35,000 per year).

Aberdeen Cost of Living Breakdown

We know, we know. Numbers are usually no fun, but if you’re planning on studying in Aberdeen, it’s necessary that you know them. This section goes into detail about Aberdeen living cost for international students.

Your Home Away From Home

Student accommodation Aberdeen is likely to be one of your biggest expenses, coming in 2nd place right after your university tuition fees. There are many types of accommodation, and rent costs will depend on the type you choose and its location. There are two main types of accommodation:.

• University Halls: As the name suggests, these are on-campus accommodations, and they’re the most budget-friendly option. They usually offer single rooms with shared or private bathrooms, starting at £100/week. Advantages of on-campus accommodations include all-inclusive bills, being a part of a student community, and not having to commute.

• Private Rentals: If you’re a person who values their privacy above all else, private student accommodation is the way to go. These usually include studios and private apartments. On average, a room in a shared flat costs around £400 to £700 per month.

If you prefer more privacy, a one-bedroom flat or a studio may cost between £500 and £900 per month. It's worth noting that accommodation closer to the city centre or university campuses may be more expensive, and sometimes, utility bills are not always included in your monthly rental payment.

If you want to explore your private student accommodation options in Aberdeen, check out our article on the Top Student Rooms in Aberdeen.

Your Bills

If you’re unlucky enough to stay at an accommodation that doesn’t have all-inclusive bills, you’ll have to carefully budget utility expenses such as electricity, gas, water, and internet. Utility costs can vary depending on the size of your accommodation and your usage habits. On average, you can expect to pay around £100 to £150 per month for utilities.

Your Tastebuds Treats

Foodies will enjoy the food dining scene in Aberdeen; that’s a fact. However, students need to find the right balance between enjoying the city’s delicious food and budgeting wisely. Cooking meals at home is significantly cheaper than eating out regularly, and you can expect to spend around £30 to £60 per week on groceries. This amount may vary depending on your dietary preferences and eating habits, and it’s something to consider as part of the Aberdeen cost of living.

Your Way Around the City

Aberdeen has a reliable public transportation network, including buses and trains, which makes it easy to commute to your university, get around the city, and explore its hidden gems. As a student, you’ll get discounts on transportation, with monthly passes costing as little as £63. If you prefer cycling, you can also rent a bike for around £50 to £80 per month.

Your Time Off

We’ve made it to the slightly fun part of this section. While the main reason you’ve made it to this city is education, don’t forget that there are adventures that await beyond the classroom. Aberdeen has a vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of museums, galleries, and theatres to explore. You can expect to pay around £5 to £10 for a cinema ticket and around £10 for museum tickets.

There are also many free or low-cost activities available, such as hiking in the nearby countryside or exploring the city's parks and gardens. You’ll have so much fun on a budget, we promise!

Your Health

Last but not least, healthcare. If you want to do the Aberdeen experience right, you need to be in good health for it. As an international student, you will be eligible for free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS). This means that you will not need to pay for doctor's appointments, prescriptions, or hospital treatment. However, you may need to pay for dental treatment and eye care, so it's worth budgeting for these costs.

Tips for Saving Money in Aberdeen

We’ve made it to the last section of this blog: Tips and tricks to save some cash while studying in Aberdeen. Didn’t think we’d leave you hanging in there, did you? Anyway, the following tips will come in handy when you’re trying to budget wisely in Aberdeen as an international student:

1. Make use of student discounts offered on transportation, entertainment, and even shopping.

2. We know we’ve said it earlier, but we’ll say it again. Cooking at home is going to save you loads of money because eating out can quickly drain your budget. It’s okay to eat out every once in a while and explore the city’s exquisite food scene, but be mindful of the money you spend as well. You can also explore local markets and grocery stores for affordable ingredients.

3. Get a part-time job. This will allow you to earn money while gaining new skills that will definitely come in handy in the future. International students are allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week during term) to supplement their income.

That’s all, folks!

Aberdeen offers a high quality of life for international students, with a relatively low cost of living compared to other UK cities. By budgeting carefully and making use of student discounts, you can enjoy all that Aberdeen has to offer without breaking the bank. Remember, you can comfortably manage your Aberdeen cost of living while enjoying your student life in this vibrant city.

If you want to learn more about the city, places to go, and things to do, check out our Aberdeen City Guide for Students.