Wakefield is a city in West Yorkshire, England, located on the River Calder. It is a lively city with a rich history and a diverse population. Wakefield is also home to several universities and colleges, making it an ideal destination for students looking to study abroad. But before you move, you need to be familiar with the monthly living expenses in this English city. So read this blog to discover the cost of living in Wakefield for international students. Let’s get started!
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Why Study in Wakefield?
So why choose Wakefield to pursue your education in 2024? The city is ground to Wakefield College, University of Leeds, and University of York, which offer numerous internationally recognized academic programs. Also, the cost of living in Wakefield is relatively low compared toLondon and Edinburgh. As for top hangout spots, the city sits on the picturesque River Calder, surrounded by breathtaking Yorkshire countryside. From rolling hills to charming villages, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice.
Also Read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students
Cost of Living in Wakefield
For a single student, the cost of living in Wakefield comes to around GBP 800-1200/month. Given below is a general breakdown of the monthly living expenses that come under this cost, such as food, rent, utilities, transportation, and entertainment:
Category | Average Monthly Cost (in GBP) |
Living Accommodation | £400 – £600 |
Food | £150 – £200 |
Entertainment | £50 – £100 |
Utilities and Bills | £100 – £150 |
Transportation | £50 – £100 |
Living Accommodation
The cost of living accommodation in Wakefield varies depending on the type of accommodation and location. Here is a breakdown of the average monthly rent for different types of student accommodations in Wakefield:
Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rent |
University Hall of Residence | £400 – £500 |
Shared Apartment | £300 – £450 |
Studio Apartment | £450 – £600 |
Private Room | £500 – £600 |
Since sharing an apartment will cost the least, here are some apartment options for students based on their location:
Type of Apartment | Monthly Rent |
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | £750 |
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | £525 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | £1,600 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | £1,183.33 |
Food
Food as a cost of living in Wakefield is relatively affordable, around GBP 150-200/month. Here is a list of grocery items along with their prices in Wakefield:
Grocery Item | Price (in GBP) |
Milk (1 gallon) | £5.02 |
Bread (1 lb) | £0.91 |
Rice (1 lb) | £0.81 |
Eggs (12) | £2.50 |
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | £2.45 |
Apples (1 lb) | £0.92 |
Banana (1 lb) | £0.45 |
Oranges (1 lb) | £0.68 |
Tomato (1 lb) | £1.20 |
Potato (1 lb) | £0.38 |
Onion (1 lb) | £0.40 |
Lettuce (1 head) | £0.70 |
Water (1.5 litre bottle) | £0.84 |
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | £7.25 |
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre bottle) | £1.67 |
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | £1.73 |
Also Read: Top 20 Universities in the UK 2024: A Guide for International Students
Entertainment
Entertainment as a cost of living in Wakefield varies with the type of activity, typically costing GBP 50-100/month. Here is a list of different types of entertainment along with their monthly costs in Wakefield:
Type of Entertainment | Monthly Cost |
Cinema | £10 |
Fitness Club | £26.5 |
Tennis Court Rent | £10 |
Pub Visit | £20 |
Utilities and Bills
Utilities and bills contribute around GBP 100-150/month to your cost of living in Wakefield, depending on the type of utility. Here is a list of different types of utilities and their costs in Wakefield:
Type of Utility | Monthly Cost |
Electricity | £50 – £100 |
Gas | £50 – £100 |
Water | £20 – £30 |
Internet | £25 – £40 |
Transportation
Transportation as a cost of living in Wakefield is GBP 50-100/month, depending on the mode of transportation. Here is a list of different modes of transportation along with their monthly charges in Wakefield:
Mode of Transportation | Monthly Charge |
Bus | £50 |
Train | £100 |
Taxi | £100 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | £70 |
Cost of Living in Wakefield: Average Tuition Fees
The average tuition fees for international students in Wakefield range from £10,000 – £15,000 per year. This cost of living in Wakefield will vary with the type of institution and program you choose.
Also Read: Why Do You Want to Study in UK Essay: Samples, Do’s and Don’t’s
Things to Consider Before Moving to Wakefield to Study
Before embarking on your Wakefield adventure, here are some points to keep in mind:
- Wakefield experiences all four seasons, with winters getting chilly and summers being mild. Pack accordingly!
- Ensure you have the appropriate visa to study and work in the UK.
- Prepare for cultural differences, like driving on the left and adapting to British humour.
- Consider opening a local bank account for convenience.
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FAQs
Yes, Wakefield has a significantly lower cost of living compared to major cities like London or Edinburgh. You can expect to spend £800 – £1200 per month on average, much lower than the national average for student living in the UK.
Sharing an apartment with other students is a great way to cut down on housing costs. Opting for a university hall of residence can also be affordable, while still offering a social and convenient living experience. Remember, the further you live from the city center, the cheaper the rent tends to be.
Yes, several universities in Wakefield offer scholarships and financial aid specifically for international students. The UK government also provides various scholarship programs and student loans. Make sure to research scholarship opportunities well in advance and contact the student services department of your chosen university for guidance.
We hope that this blog gave you a complete overview of the cost of living in Wakefield in 2024. Keep following Leverage Edu for more updates on student life abroad. Thank you for reading!