Other Essential Costs

Food

It is essential that you eat well to stay well and there are plenty of ways of saving money on food. The University Refectories on both campuses are open during the day and offer reasonably priced meals and snacks.

All University halls are self-catering, and cooking your own meals is a lot cheaper - and often healthier - than relying on takeaways. Try to do a weekly shop to cover your food needs, and stick to a list when you shop. There are plenty of supermarkets within easy reach of both campuses and for top-ups there is a shop run by the Students' Union at Newton Park.

Travel

Significant savings can be made on local bus fares by buying a season ticket which entitles you to travel anywhere in Bath, and costs approximately £90 for 13 weeks. Anyone travelling between town and the University more than three times a week will save money. We recommend you buy one before your loan gets used on other things.

Running a car is an expensive alternative which you should only consider if you have to travel from a long distance outside Bath, or if you have childcare or other responsibilities which make a car essential. Car parking permits, without which you cannot park on site, are not issued to students living on the Newton Park campus or at Waterside Court.

However the bus service from Newton Park campus is very good and runs late into the night. At Sion Hill Campus there are no parking restrictions as most of the parking is on-street (although be aware of Residents' Parking Schemes in operation in residential areas).

You should also budget for your journeys to parents or friends for weekends and vacations. Consider buying a Student/Young Person's Railcard which is available to all young people aged 16 to 25, and to mature students studying a minimum of 15 hours a week for 20 weeks a year. This railcard entitles you to 34% off most fares but is not valid before 9.30 in the morning. It is a very good proposition if you intend making longer journeys during the year.

Social & Leisure

A social life is not an extra, it is an essential part of being a student and making the most of your time here. It's important you try and maintain a good work-life balance. However a good social life doesn't have to be expensive - and remember that your student friends will be just as keen as you to find social activities that don't cost too much.

You will find that the Students' Union features in your social life - the SU organises many events during the year and there are lots of clubs and societies you can get involved in.

And remember that your NUS card will entitle you to lots of student discounts in a variety of shops, takeaways and restaurants.