University of East Anglia Cost of Living for Students in 2025

Introduction

The University of East Anglia (UEA), located in Norwich, is one of the UK’s most respected institutions, known for its research excellence, strong student community, and vibrant campus life. But while tuition fees are fixed, the cost of living varies and is a major concern for students planning their budget for 2025.

Living costs are influenced by accommodation type, lifestyle, and location. Fortunately, Norwich is significantly more affordable than London or other large cities — making UEA an attractive choice for domestic and international students. According to the university, rent prices in Norwich are over 50% lower than London, which means students can live comfortably on a modest budget while still enjoying everything the city has to offer.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living for UEA students in 2025, covering accommodation, bills, groceries, transport, and lifestyle expenses, alongside practical budgeting strategies.

Accommodation Costs at UEA

Accommodation is typically the biggest monthly expense. UEA offers university-managed halls and there are many private options in Norwich.

University Halls (2025–26 Rates)

Accommodation Type	Weekly Cost (£)	Annual Cost (40 weeks)
Standard Shared Bathroom	£173 – £182	£6,920 – £7,280
En Suite (Campus Halls)	£195 – £214	£7,800 – £8,560
Premium / Village En Suite	£220 – £235	£8,800 – £9,400
Studio (Self-contained)	£240 – £260	£9,600 – £10,400

Tip: En suite options are popular with international students for convenience, while shared-bathroom halls are more budget-friendly.

Private Rentals in Norwich

Shared student houses: £68 – £110 per week (excluding bills).
Private halls or studios: £150 – £250 per week (often with bills included).

Choosing the right balance between proximity, amenities, and budget is key to controlling monthly expenses.

Utility Bills

If you live in UEA halls, utilities (heating, electricity, Wi‑Fi, water) are included. In private accommodation, budget separately:

Electricity, Gas & Water: £60 – £90/month
Wi‑Fi & Internet: £25 – £35/month
Mobile phone plan: £10 – £25/month

Estimated total utilities (if not included): £100 – £150 per month.

Food & Groceries

Food costs depend on whether you cook at home or eat out. Norwich has budget supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl, Tesco) and student-friendly restaurants.

Groceries (self-catering): £120 – £160/month
Eating out (occasional): £30 – £60/month
Coffee & snacks: £20 – £40/month

Budget around: £150 – £200 per month for food. Tip: Batch cook and use UNiDAYS/TOTUM discounts.

Transport Costs

UEA Campus: Most halls and private houses are within walking/cycling distance.
Bus travel (student pass): ~£40/month
Bikes: Second‑hand bikes £80 – £150 upfront
Occasional trains (Norwich–London): £25 – £35 one way

Average transport budget: £30 – £60/month.

Lifestyle & Social Costs

UEA’s Students’ Union runs clubs, societies, and nightlife events, and Norwich’s social scene is affordable.

Gym (UEA Sportspark): £18 – £25/month
Society/club memberships: £5 – £15 per term
Cinema/Theatre tickets: £8 – £15
Night out: £20 – £35 (entry + drinks)
Shopping & personal expenses: £40 – £80/month

Average lifestyle cost: £100 – £200/month.

Academic & Study Costs

Books & supplies: £25 – £50/month (many books available via UEA library)
Laptop & tech (if needed): £500 – £800 one‑off
Printing & coursework: £10 – £20/month

Total Monthly Budget Estimate (2025)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (£)
Accommodation	600 – 900
Utilities	100 – 150
Food & Groceries	150 – 200
Transport	30 – 60
Lifestyle & Social	100 – 200
Study Materials	25 – 50
Total	£1,000 – £1,500

On average, UEA students can expect to spend £12,000 – £15,000 per year (excluding tuition fees). This is £3,000 – £5,000 cheaper than studying in London.

Budgeting Tips for UEA Students

Choose halls wisely — Standard shared halls can save ~£2,000/year vs studios.
Cook at home — Meal prep can save ~£100/month.
Use student discounts — UNiDAYS, TOTUM, and Railcards cut travel and shopping costs.
Buy second‑hand — Check student marketplace/Facebook for bikes, furniture, and books.
Plan social spending — Budget ~£30/week to avoid overspending.
Travel smart — Walk or cycle; buy a bus pass only if you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live at UEA in 2025?

Around £1,000 – £1,500 per month, depending on lifestyle and accommodation.

Is Norwich cheaper than London for students?

Yes — accommodation is ~50% cheaper, and overall living costs are significantly lower.

Can I live on a £1,000/month budget at UEA?

Yes, if you stay in shared accommodation, cook at home, and budget your lifestyle expenses.

Are bills included in UEA halls?

Yes, university halls include all bills and Wi‑Fi in the rent.

What is the annual cost of living at UEA (excluding tuition)?

Approximately £12,000 – £15,000 per year.

Conclusion

Studying at the University of East Anglia in 2025 offers a balanced experience: high‑quality education, a vibrant campus, and relatively affordable living compared to many UK cities. With average monthly expenses ranging from £1,000 to £1,500, students can enjoy Norwich’s cultural life, community spirit, and career opportunities without the financial strain of living in London.

By making smart choices in accommodation, food, and lifestyle, students can live comfortably and keep their budget under control while pursuing their academic journey at UEA.