The cheapest student cities in the UK

New research has revealed that Cardiff is the cheapest city in the UK for students to live in. 

The Welsh capital was closely followed by Aberdeen and Durham as the most cost-effective cities for students, according to the latest Natwest Student Living Index.

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The Student Living Index 2017 surveyed almost 3,500 students across 35 popular university cities to determine the most affordable place to study. The survey examined a number of different factors such as how much students spend on food, rent and bills, how much time they spend studying, working and socialising, and how much term-time income they receive. 

Students in the top three cheapest cities are among those receiving the most money – from a range of different sources – during term time. Students in Cardiff and Aberdeen received the majority of their income form part-time work, while students in Durham received most of their income from their parents.

Hull students, however, receive the least from their mum and dad but the most from bursaries and scholarships.

The biggest expenditure for students is food shopping, toiletries and household items, spending an average of £78.10 a month. The average student spends £43.30 a month on going out and socialising with friends. 

Students in Reading spend the most time socialising a month (38.6 hours) and students in Aberystwyth spend the most per month on alcohol (£50.87) compared with the national average of £38.61. Students in Cambridge, Canterbury and Norwich spend the least on alcohol. 

In terms of budgeting, 65 per cent of students either budget carefully and keep track of their spending, or try to budget but don't always stick to it. Some 29 per cent of the respondents do not budget at all but say that they’re not frivolous with their money, and only six per cent do not consider what they’re spending at all. 

The cheapest UK cities for students

Read more: 'Best value universities in the UK' revealed