Cost of Living in Aberdeen for Students 2025: Your Complete Budget Guide

Are you looking for a great student life in Aberdeen? Pack your bag and head to one of the top cities in the UK. Aberdeen offers affordable living for students, whether it’s university costs, travel, or food. The city makes it easy for students to enjoy a quality lifestyle without overspending. 

With a welcoming student community, reliable public transport, and plenty of part-time job opportunities, Aberdeen strikes the perfect balance between academic focus and vibrant social life. Whether you're budgeting for essentials or looking for ways to save, Aberdeen has you covered. Book a student accommodation in Aberdeen and start your journey with comfort, convenience, and everything you need right at your doorstep.

A Quick Look at Aberdeen

• Aberdeen student living costs range £800-1,300/month total.
• Aberdeen ranks top 4 UK for student affordability. 
• Scottish students pay £1,820 per year in tuition, and international students pay between £19,000 and £ 26,000 per year. 
• Best money-saving tips: cook at home, use student discounts, and live in shared accommodation.

The Real Numbers: What Students Spend

Planning a monthly budget helps students manage their finances wisely. The cost of living in Aberdeen covers essential aspects depending on a lifestyle and accommodation choices. To get a clearer picture, students can use a cost of living calculator to estimate their monthly expenses and plan accordingly. 

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Accommodation Costs: Your Biggest Expense

Aberdeen landed 4th in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 for affordability. That's not just marketing, it's genuinely noticeable when you're here. The student accommodation guide of Aberdeen will help in finding better options suiting your lifestyle and budget. 

University Accommodation 

Top universities in Aberdeen offer presentable housing options with convenient room features. Students benefit from the remarkable amenities for a well-rounded living. 

University of Aberdeen Halls:

• Elphinstone Road Flats: £103/week (£447/month)
• King's Hall: £148/week (£641/month)
• Hillhead Student Village: £90-148/week (£390-641/month)

Robert Gordon University Halls:

• Single room, shared bathroom: £198/week (£858/month)
• Ensuite room: £184-230/week (£797-996/month)
• Studio apartments: £250-280/week (£1,083-1,213/month)

University halls at the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University include utilities, internet, and often basic contents insurance.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Purpose-built student accommodation offers a modern and comfortable living experience. These places are usually located in popular areas, close to universities and local shops, making it easy for students to get around. Students who want to save money can go for affordable accommodation in Aberdeen.

Are you wondering why live in Aberdeen student accommodation? Here are the key benefits. 

• All-inclusive rent: £340 - 760/month
• Modern facilities with gyms and study spaces
• Social events and community activities
• Professional management and 24/7 support
• Prime locations near both universities

Food and Groceries: Eating Without Going Broke

Food is one area where you can either save a lot or quickly go over budget. Cooking at home is a great way to manage expenses while also enjoying healthier meals. But if you're taking a break from your usual routine, you can treat yourself by visiting one of the top restaurants in Aberdeen and enjoying a variety of delicious options to satisfy your cravings.

Best Supermarkets 

• ASDA: It is cheapest for bulk stuff. Their own brand pasta is 30p and tastes fine.
• Tesco: It is available everywhere with decent prices.
• Sainsbury's: A bit pricier but better quality. 
• ALDI:Cheapest by miles, but weird opening hours and limited choice.

Eating Out 

Reality Check on Restaurant Prices:

• Student meal deals: £4-8 (actually decent value)
• Casual dining: £12-18 per meal (for when you're feeling fancy)
• Takeaway pizza: £8-15 (Friday night sorted)
• Coffee: £2-4 (expensive habit but necessary)
• Pub food: £10-16 (good atmosphere, filling portions)

Transport Costs: Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank

The transport system in Aberdeen is excellent, with convenient buses and trains that make commuting to universities and around the city easy and safe. This reliable transport, combined with a welcoming community and vibrant student life, makes Aberdeen an ideal destination for students.

How Much You'll Spend on Getting Around

First Bus Aberdeen (The Main One):

• Single journey: £2.20 (a bit steep for short trips)
• Student FirstDay ticket: £4.30 (unlimited travel, actually decent)
• First Week pass: £18.60
• First Month pass: £63 (best value if you use buses regularly)

Train Stuff (For Going Further):

• Aberdeen to Edinburgh: £15-35 (book in advance, seriously)
• Aberdeen to Glasgow: £20-40
• Young Person's Railcard: Saves 1/3 on everything, pays for itself

Free Options:

• Walking: Aberdeen's small enough that you can walk from Old Aberdeen to the city centre in about 20 minutes
• Cycling: Students often prefer cycling for commuting short distances.

University Costs: The Big Ticket Items

What You'll Pay for Tuition (2025/26 Academic Year)

Scottish/EU Students (The Lucky Ones):

• Tuition: £1,820/year
• SAAS usually covers this completely
• Living cost support up to £8,000 available
• If you're Scottish, university is nearly free

International Students (Expensive but Worth It):

• Undergraduate: £19,800-22,800/year
• Postgraduate: £19,000-26,000/year
• Medicine costs even more
• But Aberdeen's still cheaper than most other decent unis

Study Costs (The Sneaky Expenses)

What You'll Need for the Academic Year:

• Books: £300-500 (or £0 if you're smart about library usage)
• Printing: £100-200 (depends on your course)
• Software: £50-150 (though universities give you loads for free)
• Lab fees: £100-300 (only if you're doing science-y stuff)

Entertainment and Social Life

Aberdeen offers plenty of student-friendly entertainment options, and the clubs and nightlife in Aberdeen are among them. From lively student nights to music events and themed parties, the city’s nightlife is vibrant and welcoming for students.

Nightlife Costs

Typical Night Out Budget:

• Pre-drinks at home: £5-10
• Club entry: £5-15 (often free with student ID)
• Drinks in clubs: £3-5 per drink
• Late-night food: £5-10
• Total night out: £20-40

Student Night Deals:

• Monday student nights: 50% off drinks
• Wednesday student club nights: £2 entry
• Thursday pub quizzes: free entry, drink prizes

Other Entertainment Costs

Monthly Entertainment Budget:

• Cinema tickets: £6-12 (student price)
• Gym membership: Free at RGU, £20-40 elsewhere
• Sports clubs: £20-50/year membership
• Society events: £5-15 per event
• Streaming services: £8-15/month

Aberdeen ranks as one of the UK's safest cities. You can enjoy nightlife without expensive taxi fares home. Additionally, you can check the Aberdeen student safety guide and stay informed about tips and emergency contacts. 

Seasonal Cost Variations

Winter Additional Costs (October-March)

Higher Expenses:

• Heating bills: +£30-50/month
• Warm clothing: £100-200 one-time
• Comfort food cravings: +£20/month
• Indoor entertainment: +£30/month

Want to save on heating bills? Read our blog on energy suppliers in the UK to find an affordable deal.

Summer Savings (April-September)

Lower Expenses:

• Reduced heating: -£40-60/month
• Outdoor activities: Free beach/park time
• Fresh local produce: Cheaper groceries
• Longer daylight: Less indoor entertainment needed

Students can plan things to do in Aberdeen during the summer, like a park walk, and explore the historic places. 

Holiday Period Costs

Christmas Break:

• Many students go home: Save on local living costs
• Travel home: £50-300 depending on location
• Accommodation is still charged in halls

Summer Break:

• Option to work in Aberdeen: Offset living costs
• Opportunity for internships: Potential income
• Some accommodations offer summer discounts

Our guide to student jobs in the UK offers tips on where to find part-time work, internships to help you earn while you study.

Money-Saving Strategies That Work

Food Shopping Hacks

Weekly Planning:

• Plan meals around supermarket offers
• Cook large batches on Sunday
• Share bulk purchases with flatmates

Student Discount Apps:

• UNiDAYS: 10-20% off at major retailers
• Student Beans: Restaurant and entertainment discounts
• Honey browser extension: Automatic coupon codes
• TopCashback: Money back on purchases

Accommodation Savings

Shared Living Benefits:

• Split utility bills 4-6 ways
• Share household items (cleaning supplies, kitchen equipment)
• Group shopping for bulk discounts
• Shared streaming service subscriptions

Bill Management:

• Set up direct debits to avoid late fees
• Monitor usage to catch issues early
• Choose fixed-rate energy deals for budgeting
• Use student-specific utility providers

Transport Economics

Smart Travel Choices:

• Walk or cycle when the weather permits
• Use student bus passes for unlimited travel
• Plan journey timing to avoid peak fares
• Share taxi costs for late-night returns

International Student Financial Considerations

Make sure your setup is in place for a smooth start. Use our UK student visa guide to stay on track and avoid missing any key steps. 

Visa and Setup Costs

One-Time Expenses:

• Student visa application: £363
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £470/year
• Biometric appointments: £19.20
• Travel to UK: £200-1,500 depending on origin

Initial Setup in Aberdeen:

• Bank account opening: Free with student status
• Phone contract: £15-40/month
• National Insurance number: Free application
• Council tax registration: Student exemption available

For more details,  check our blog on student bank accounts in the UK to find the best options and learn how to manage your money effectively while studying.

Currency and Banking

Managing International Finances:

• Use student bank accounts with no fees
• Consider international money transfer services
• Budget for currency fluctuation (5-10% buffer)
• Set up direct debits to avoid foreign transaction fees

Additionally, Forex cards for students are a simple and safe way to carry money before opening a UK bank account.

Cultural Integration Costs

Social Integration Budget:

• International student society memberships: £10-30/year
• Cultural celebration events: £20-50/event
• Home country food shopping: +£30-50/month
• International calling/data plans: £20-40/month

International students need to plan carefully for extra costs, manage their budget and avoid financial stress. Getting involved in student societies in Aberdeen can help build friendships and make student life more enjoyable and connected.

Emergency Fund and Financial Safety

Emergency Fund Essentials

How Much to Save:

• Minimum: £200-300 emergency fund
• Comfortable: £500-800 emergency fund
• Ideal: 1-2 months of living expenses

Common Student Emergencies:

• Laptop repairs: £100-400
• Unexpected medical costs: £50-200
• Emergency travel home: £100-500
• Accommodation deposit disputes: £200-500

Building Your Emergency Fund

Quick Fund-Building Tips:

• Sell unused items online
• Take on occasional part-time work
• Participate in paid research studies (common in Aberdeen)
• Return items bought but not needed

Explore our blog on top student-earning apps to find easy ways to boost your savings.

Financial Support and Scholarships

University Financial Support

University of Aberdeen:

• Hardship funds: Up to £1,000 emergency support
• Academic merit scholarships: £1,000-5,000/year
• International scholarships: Up to £3,000/year
• Sports scholarships: Funding + facilities access

Robert Gordon University:

• Student hardship fund: Emergency financial support
• Academic excellence awards: Merit-based funding
• International student bursaries: Partial fee remission
• Care leaver support: Additional financial assistance

External Funding Sources

National Support:

• Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS): Scottish students
• Student Finance England: English students
• Student Finance Wales: Welsh students
• Student Finance Northern Ireland: NI students

Charitable Funding:

• Educational trusts: Field-specific scholarships
• Local council grants: Area-specific support
• Professional body funding: Course-related assistance
• Community organisation grants: Local connections

Want to explore more funding options? Check out our guide to UK scholarships for a full breakdown of available support.

Part-Time Work Opportunities

There are plenty of opportunities for part-time jobs in Aberdeen. This helps students in managing their expenses and provides a valuable experience. Want to know more? Don't miss our blog on the benefits of part-time work in the UK.

On-Campus Jobs

University Employment:

• Student ambassador: £10-12/hour
• Library assistant: £9-11/hour
• Campus tour guide: £10-13/hour
• Research assistant: £12-15/hour
• Student union roles: £9-12/hour

Work-Study Balance:

• Maximum 20 hours/week during term time
• Flexible scheduling around classes
• Understanding the priorities of students priorities

Off-Campus Opportunities

Popular Student Jobs:

• Retail (shopping centres): £9-11/hour
• Hospitality (restaurants/pubs): £9-12/hour + tips
• Tutoring other students: £15-25/hour
• Delivery driving: £10-15/hour + expenses
• Event staff: £10-14/hour

Earning Potential:

• 10 hours/week at £10/hour = £400/month
• 15 hours/week at £11/hour = £660/month
• 20 hours/week at £12/hour = £960/month

Technology and Communication Costs

Mobile and Internet

Phone Contracts:

• Basic student plans: £15-25/month
• Unlimited data plans: £25-40/month
• SIM-only deals: £10-20/month
• International calling add-ons: £5-15/month

Home Internet:

• Shared house broadband: £8-15/month per person
• Student halls: Usually included
• Mobile hotspot backup: £10-20/month

Essential Technology

• Laptop for studies: £300-800
• Printer for assignments: £50-150
• Study accessories: £50-100
• Software licenses: Often free through the university

Annual Tech Costs:

• Laptop maintenance: £50-100
• Software subscriptions: £50-150
• Cloud storage: £20-60
• Device insurance: £50-100

Healthcare and Wellbeing Costs

NHS and Health Services

Free NHS Services:

• GP appointments: Free with registration
• Emergency treatment: Free at A&E
• Prescription medications: Free in Scotland
• Mental health services: Free counselling available

Additional Health Costs:

• Dentist check-ups: £25-50 (some free)
• Eye tests: £20-40 (free for students)
• Private healthcare: £20-50/month (optional)
• Health supplements: £20-40/month

Fitness and Wellbeing

Exercise Options:

• University gyms: Free for RGU students, £20-40 for others
• Public sports centres: £5-10 per visit
• Running/walking: Free (Aberdeen Beach, parks)
• Cycling: Free after initial bike cost

Mental Health Support:

• University counselling: Free for students
• NHS mental health services: Free
• Private therapy: £40-80/session
• Wellness apps: £5-15/month

Final Words

The cost of living in Aberdeen for students doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s a student-friendly city that gives you a real university-town feel, mixed with Scottish charm and a lively but affordable social scene. From cosy cafes and budget-friendly supermarkets to fun nights out that won’t break the bank, Aberdeen is a great place to live and study. Sure, the weather can be unpredictable, but that’s just part of the UK experience!