Pocket money
We currently advise students to bring approximately £300 per month as pocket money. Currency converter
| Supermarket food | Approximate cost (GBP) |
| loaf of bread | 0.30 to 1.20 |
| 1 kg rice | 0.50 to 1.00 |
| 500g pasta | 0.38 |
| packet of sausages | 0.49 - 1.80 |
| 1kg apples | 1.28 - 1.99 |
| packet of instant noodles | 0.08 - 0.39 |
| 1kg potatoes | 0.35 - 1.99 |
| tin of tuna | 0.29 - 0.82 |
| 500g minced beef | 0.60 |
| 6 eggs | 0.54 - 1.00 |
| 1 kg bananas | 0.79 - 1.50 |
| cheese (non-specialist) 200g | 2.00 |
| 1 pint of milk | 0.35 |
| 1 packet biscuits | 0.22 - 1.50 |
| 1 litre orange juice | 0.58 - 1.60 |
| 1 packet teabags (250g) | 1.50 |
| 1 jar instant coffee (200g) | 1.50 -2.50 |
Why are some prices given as a range? Many supermarkets offer a budget or basic line of essential foods at very cheap prices, which is why we give a maximum and minimum for many of the prices above. These basic products have plain packaging and will be of a tolerable quality. For example, a loaf of bread costing 30p may be a white, sliced loaf without much flavour; £1.20 would buy you a fresh-baked loaf with speciality ingredients. Thus it is possible for students to live very cheaply if they do not mind a slightly lower standard of food.
Popular supermarkets are Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Somerfield and the Co-op. Waitrose is considered slightly more expensive (and high quality) while Somerfield and the Co-op offer many low prices. Many supermarkets now have an online shopping service, with delivery costing a few pounds.
| Food in college (where available) | Approximate cost (GBP) |
| cooked breakfast | 2.00 |
| lunch with side salad, main course and dessert | 3.00 |
| can of fizzy drink | 0.60 |
| packet of crisps | 0.45 |
Our school cafeterias offer a wide choice every day with at least one vegetarian and halal option, plus a choice of salads, bread, juice, and desserts. Prices are kept low to allow for a student budget. Only our Oxford school does not have cafeteria, but it is situated in the centre of the city where it is easy to find a choice of snack bars of sandwich places.
| Entertainment | Approximate cost (GBP) |
| cinema ticket (full price) | 6.00 to 7.00 (more expensive in Central London) |
| theatre ticket | 7.00 upwards (more expensive in Central London) |
| bowling | 6.00 |
| nightclub entrance | 4.00 upwards (more expensive in Central London) |
| museum entrance | often free |
| pint of beer (570 ml) | 2.80 - 3.80 (more expensive in Central London) |
| can of Coke | 0.65 |
| Big Mac hamburger | 1.99 |
| Meal in a restaurant | basic: from 8.00; midrange: from 20.00. Add 10% tip. |
| Miscellaneous | Approximate cost (GBP) |
| notebook | 0.30 - 2.99 |
| disposable pen | 0.45 |
| shampoo | 2.00 - 4.00 |
| soap | 0.80 |
| launderette | 4.50 |
| newspaper | 0.65 - 1.10 (more at weekends) |
| magazine | 1.00 - 3.50 |
| haircut (men) | 7.00 upwards |
| haircut (women) | 25.00 upwards |
| phone call | 0.20 minimum |
| stamp for letter abroad | 0.40 - 0.68 (depends on size and weight) |
| mobile phone text message (within UK) | 0.03 upwards, depending on payment plan |
| mobile phone call (within UK, to same network) | 0.05 minimum, depending on payment plan |
| Clothing | Approximate cost (GBP) |
| shoes | 10.00 - 65.00 |
| tights | 2.50 - 6.00 |
| socks | 1.00 - 3.00 |
| jeans | 20.00 - 75.00 |
| sweater | 10.00 upwards |
| T shirt | 5.00 upwards |
Why are the prices given as a range? With the arrival of stores like Primark, George and Peacocks, it is possible to buy extremely cheap clothing. Mid-price clothes can also be found in high street stores such as H&M and New Look.
| Transport | Approximate cost (GBP) |
| taxi |
2.20 - 2.50 minimum and 20p for each additional minute (approx); more at night and weekends. It is usual to add a 10% or 15% tip. |
| bus |
Brighton: 1.80 single, 3.00 all day (Cheaper prices available for students and for season tickets); |
| Underground ( London ) |
4.00 per trip - 2.00 with an 'Oyster' card. |
Note: If you are planning to travel around the UK, the cheapest method is by coach. Certain companies offer trips for as low as £1; check our links page for further details. Train tickets vary widely in price depending on how early you book them (tickets bought a long time in advance, and also on the day of travel, tend to be cheaper). Our links page will take you to an online booking site for trains, where you can also plan your journey.
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