{"id":358,"date":"2025-06-10T08:11:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T07:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/?p=358"},"modified":"2025-06-10T08:39:40","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T07:39:40","slug":"budgeting-for-accommodation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/budgeting-for-accommodation\/","title":{"rendered":"Budgeting for accommodation"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"lead\">Tuition fees and living costs are your two main expenses at university. Budgeting early for everyday outgoings like accommodation, household bills, food and leisure, means you can focus on enjoying your time at Kent.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"166\" data-end=\"219\">Choosing accommodation that works for your budget<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"221\" data-end=\"496\">With the rising cost of living on everyone&#8217;s mind, it\u2019s more important than ever to find accommodation that suits both your lifestyle and your budget. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together some helpful tips to guide you through what to consider when planning for next year\u2019s housing.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"498\" data-end=\"501\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"503\" data-end=\"527\">What\u2019s my budget?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"529\" data-end=\"763\">Before making any decisions, take time to calculate your finances. Your maintenance loan, savings, part-time income, and any bursaries or grants need to cover not just rent, but all your living costs &#8211; from groceries to socialising.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"765\" data-end=\"1179\">It\u2019s a good idea to sit down and estimate your monthly outgoings early, so you know how much you can comfortably afford for accommodation. There are plenty of helpful tools out there, including from independent providers like <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blackbullion.com\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"991\" data-end=\"1036\">Blackbullion<\/a> and <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moneysavingexpert.com\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1041\" data-end=\"1098\">Money Saving Expert<\/a>, as well as budgeting advice and tools tailored for University of Kent students.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1181\" data-end=\"1184\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1186\" data-end=\"1231\">Accommodation options for every budget<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1233\" data-end=\"1598\">You\u2019ll find a wide range of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/canterbury\/find-my-room\">accommodation options<\/a> at Kent to suit different price points. All prices are clearly listed on our <a class=\"\" href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1360\" data-end=\"1390\">accommodation prices page<\/a>, and we publish them in January for the following academic year, so you can budget with confidence. Once prices are set, they\u2019re fixed for the year, regardless of inflation or energy price changes.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1600\" data-end=\"1603\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1632\">More than just a room<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1634\" data-end=\"1798\">While campus accommodation might not always be the cheapest option on paper, it offers real value and peace of mind. Here\u2019s what\u2019s included when you live on campus:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"2104\">\n<li data-start=\"1800\" data-end=\"1854\">\n<p data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1854\"><strong data-start=\"1802\" data-end=\"1832\">All utility bills included<\/strong> \u2013 no unexpected costs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1898\">\n<p data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"1898\"><strong data-start=\"1857\" data-end=\"1881\">24\/7 campus security<\/strong> for added safety<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1899\" data-end=\"1952\">\n<p data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1952\"><strong data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1936\">On-site maintenance and repairs<\/strong> for quick fixes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2007\">\n<p data-start=\"1955\" data-end=\"2007\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/sports\/free-student-membership\"><strong data-start=\"1955\" data-end=\"1985\">Free Kent Sport membership<\/strong><\/a> is included in your rent<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2008\" data-end=\"2041\">\n<p data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2041\"><strong data-start=\"2010\" data-end=\"2032\">No upfront deposit<\/strong> required<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2042\" data-end=\"2104\">\n<p data-start=\"2044\" data-end=\"2104\"><strong data-start=\"2044\" data-end=\"2072\">A short walk to lectures<\/strong> \u2013 save on travel time and costs<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2042\" data-end=\"2104\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/student.kent.ac.uk\/life\/living-on-campus\/reslife\">ResLife<\/a> activities<\/strong> &#8211; make friends and socialise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2106\" data-end=\"2279\">Plus, our straightforward application process means you can secure your accommodation early and focus on the rest of your university prep with one less thing to worry about.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-1308\" src=\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/files\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2048788181.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"14167\" height=\"8750\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"152\" data-end=\"198\">How much will I spend on accommodation?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"200\" data-end=\"389\">Accommodation is likely to be one of your biggest expenses while at university, but the good news is there are plenty of options both on and off campus to suit different budgets and needs. Read more about our accommodation options in:<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"391\" data-end=\"394\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"396\" data-end=\"429\">\ud83d\udcdd Start with your essentials<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"431\" data-end=\"666\">When choosing where to live, begin by deciding what matters most to you. Do you need to be close to your classes? Is fast Wi-Fi a must? Do you want your own en-suite bathroom? Knowing your priorities will help narrow down your options. For more on this, read our blog: <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/options\/\">Your Guide to University Accommodation.<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"1071\">Then, look carefully at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/living-in-university-accommodation#included-canterbury\">what\u2019s <strong data-start=\"699\" data-end=\"729\">included in the total cost<\/strong><\/a>. For example, some off-campus housing may seem cheaper at first glance, but be sure to read the small print. If utility bills (like water, heating, and electricity) aren\u2019t included, you could end up paying more than expected, and you\u2019ll also need to manage splitting and paying those bills with housemates. Other hidden costs could include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1162\">\n<li data-start=\"1073\" data-end=\"1105\">\n<p data-start=\"1075\" data-end=\"1105\">Wi-Fi setup and monthly fees<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1128\">\n<p data-start=\"1108\" data-end=\"1128\">Contents insurance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1162\">\n<p data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1162\">Travel costs to and from campus<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1303\">On the plus side, there are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/transport\/travel-discounts\"><strong data-start=\"1192\" data-end=\"1235\">discounts available on local bus travel<\/strong><\/a>, which can help ease transport costs if you\u2019re living further away.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1308\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1366\">Campus accommodation: All-inclusive peace of mind<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1368\" data-end=\"1438\">When you live on campus, everything you need is included in your rent:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1440\" data-end=\"1592\">\n<li data-start=\"1440\" data-end=\"1473\">\n<p data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1473\"><strong data-start=\"1442\" data-end=\"1471\">No utility or Wi-Fi bills<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1474\" data-end=\"1505\">\n<p data-start=\"1476\" data-end=\"1505\"><strong data-start=\"1476\" data-end=\"1503\">Free personal possessions insurance<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1506\" data-end=\"1566\">\n<p data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1566\"><strong data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1551\">Free Premium Plus Kent Sport membership<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1567\" data-end=\"1592\">\n<p data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1592\"><strong data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1592\">No deposit required<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1594\" data-end=\"1706\">Plus, you\u2019ll benefit from <strong data-start=\"1620\" data-end=\"1636\">24\/7 support<\/strong>, dedicated <strong data-start=\"1648\" data-end=\"1671\">on-site maintenance<\/strong>, and a <strong data-start=\"1679\" data-end=\"1705\">short walk to lectures and dedicated study spaces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1708\" data-end=\"2063\">You\u2019ll also be part of a vibrant residential community. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/student.kent.ac.uk\/life\/living-on-campus\/reslife\"><strong data-start=\"1768\" data-end=\"1800\">Residential Life Ambassadors<\/strong><\/a> organise events and create opportunities to meet your neighbours and settle in. If you want to take a more active role, you can <a href=\"http:\/\/student.kent.ac.uk\/life\/living-on-campus\/reslife#apply\">apply to be a Residential Life Ambassador<\/a> &#8211;\u00a0a great way to build connections and receive a <strong data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2062\">discount on your accommodation fees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2065\" data-end=\"2068\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2070\" data-end=\"2099\">Check contract lengths<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2101\" data-end=\"2251\">Another important detail to look at is <strong data-start=\"2140\" data-end=\"2159\">contract length<\/strong>. If you\u2019re planning to head home during the summer, shorter contracts can save you money.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2524\">At Kent, undergraduate contracts typically run from <strong data-start=\"2305\" data-end=\"2326\">September to June<\/strong>, while postgraduate contracts run from <strong data-start=\"2361\" data-end=\"2387\">September to September<\/strong>. We also offer shorter-term, <strong data-start=\"2417\" data-end=\"2443\">non-vacation contracts<\/strong> for undergraduates, a simple way to cut costs if you&#8217;re not staying year-round.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2526\" data-end=\"2529\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2531\" data-end=\"2574\">Tools and tips for smarter budgeting<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2576\" data-end=\"2871\">Not sure what you can afford? The <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.savethestudent.org\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2610\" data-end=\"2677\">Save the Student rent calculator<\/a> is a helpful tool to find your ideal price point. And don\u2019t forget to explore our <a class=\"\" href=\"#\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2793\">cost of living support pages,<\/a>\u00a0they&#8217;re packed with advice, tools, and resources tailored to Kent students.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2873\" data-end=\"2876\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2878\" data-end=\"2921\">Remember: Your room isn\u2019t everything<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2923\" data-end=\"3224\">While it\u2019s important to find accommodation that meets your needs, it\u2019s also worth remembering that <strong data-start=\"3022\" data-end=\"3050\">living within your means<\/strong> is key. That might mean giving up an en-suite bathroom in favour of saving a bit more each month &#8211; money you can then use for a social event or night out.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3226\" data-end=\"3325\">And if you&#8217;re struggling or unsure about anything, don\u2019t hesitate to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/contact\">reach out<\/a>. We&#8217;re here to help.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tuition fees and living costs are your two main expenses at university. Budgeting early for everyday outgoings like accommodation, household bills, food and leisure, means &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/budgeting-for-accommodation\/\">Read&nbsp;more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74974,"featured_media":1312,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[246077,246709,247356,246446,247082,19109],"tags":[247871,247870,247872],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74974"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=358"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":603,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/358\/revisions\/603"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1312"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/accommodation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}