Studying at University of Plymouth? Here's the 2025 student cost of living guide — covering rent, food, transport, and lifestyle with budgeting tips.
University of Plymouth, located on England's stunning south coast, combines coastal life with affordable student expenses. In 2025, Plymouth is one of the better-value student cities in the UK.
Living in Plymouth offers students the unique advantage of seaside living, vibrant maritime culture, and budget-friendly costs compared to larger UK cities. This blog provides a detailed look at the cost of living in 2025 for Plymouth students, including accommodation, food, transport, study costs, and entertainment, along with budgeting strategies for coastal student life.
Accommodation is the biggest student expense, but Plymouth offers excellent value with coastal living benefits.
| Accommodation Type | Weekly Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| University Halls of Residence | £140 – £190 | £560 – £760 |
| Private Student Halls | £180 – £240 | £720 – £960 |
| Shared Private Housing | £110 – £140 | £440 – £560 |
| Budget Options (shared rooms, outer areas) | - | £400 – £500 |
Food costs in Plymouth are reasonable, with access to fresh seafood and local markets adding variety to student dining.
| Food Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Groceries (Aldi, Lidl, Asda) | £140 – £180 |
| Mid-range supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's) | £160 – £200 |
| Eating out: Meal deals | £4 – £6 per meal |
| Restaurants & Pubs | £12 – £18 per meal |
| Coffee | £2.80 – £3.50 |
Plymouth's compact city center makes walking and cycling popular. Public transport connects all major areas efficiently.
| Transport Type | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Bus Pass (Plymouth Citybus) | ~£50 |
| Train (local connections) | ~£6 return (with railcard discounts) |
| Cycling/Walking | Free and popular for waterfront routes |
University of Plymouth provides excellent library and digital resources, with modern facilities supporting student learning.
| Study Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Books & Stationery | £30 |
| Printing & Coursework | £10 |
| Laptop/Software | Free Microsoft Office 365 and digital resources |
Plymouth offers unique coastal entertainment, from waterfront walks to vibrant nightlife, all at student-friendly prices.
| Entertainment | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cinema | £8 – £12 |
| Gym Membership | £20 – £25/month (student discounts available) |
| Night Out | £20 – £30 |
| Coastal Activities (free) | Waterfront walks, beach visits, harbor tours |
| Monthly Entertainment Budget | £100 – £150 |
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £620 |
| Food & Groceries | £160 |
| Transport | £50 |
| Bills/Internet | £30 |
| Lifestyle & Social | £120 |
| Study Supplies | £40 |
| Total | £1,020 |
The cost of living for students at University of Plymouth in 2025 averages around £1,000 – £1,100 per month, making it budget-friendly with seaside living perks.
With affordable housing options, access to coastal activities, and reasonable living costs, Plymouth students can enjoy both academic success and the unique benefits of seaside student life. The combination of maritime culture, budget-friendly expenses, and excellent university facilities makes Plymouth an attractive choice for students in 2025.