Planning your Expenses
Planning your finances is an important part of preparing for university life. This guide provides an overview of average living costs to help new students estimate their expenses and create a realistic budget for their time at university.
We recommend all students plan for their own expected costs and ensure they have enough funds to meet their living costs. For more information or advice on living costs in Cardiff and budgeting for student life, please contact the money advice team on moneyadvice@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
Council Tax
Full-time students in Higher Education are exempt from paying Council Tax. Once you have enrolled, you can download an exemption letter from the Cardiff Met App.
If you live with someone who is eligible to pay Council Tax, your local Council will confirm the annual charges applicable.
Examples of Estimated Costs
National and local estimates have been used in the illustrative examples below to help you plan your estimated costs as an undergraduate for the 2026/27 academic year.
The figures provided should be used as a guide to help you plan your own personal budget. Your actual costs will depend on the type of accommodation you choose, transport usage, and how much and where you plan to socialise while at university.
| Accommodation Type | Typical Equivalent Monthly Charge | Typical Occupancy Duration | Typical Cost Over Occupancy Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Met Halls – catered [1] | £975.00 | 42 weeks | £9,450.00 |
| Cardiff Met Halls – self-catered [2] | £728.00 | 42 weeks | £7,056.00 |
| Other private Halls (lower range) [3] | £693.33 | 44 weeks | £7,040.00 |
| Other private Halls (higher range) [4] | £1,313.25 | 51 weeks | £15,759.00 |
| Private house share including bills [5] | £700.00 | 51 weeks | £8,238.46 |
| Other ‘Essential’ Costs* | Typical Monthly Cost | Annual Cost (based on 39 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel around Cardiff [6] | £36.00 | £324.00 |
| Mobile phone – lower range [7] | £15.00 | £135.00 |
| Groceries and toiletries [7] | £129.00 | £1,314.00 |
| Printing and course materials [8] | £42.00 | £378.00 |
| TV Licence [9] | £15-£30 (see below) | £180.00 |
| Laundry [10] | £19.07 | £171.63 |
| ‘Non-essential’ costs* | Typical Monthly Cost | Annual Cost (based on 39 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| TV/music subscriptions – lower range (per subscription) [7] | £11.00 | £99.00 |
| Socialising in Cardiff [7] | £51.00 | £459.00 |
| Takeaways and eating out [7] | £48.00 | £432.00 |
| Holidays and events [7] | £32.00 | £288.00 |
- Costs for Cardiff Met Halls – illustrative example based on Herbert, Clare, Bute and Ellis buildings catered en-suite premium rooms in Cyncoed (42 week contract). Room prices vary.
- Costs for Cardiff Met Halls – illustrative example based on Pembroke and Radnor self-catered en-suite premium rooms at Plas Gwyn (42 week contract). Room prices vary.
- Based on self-catered en-suite 3 bedroom shared flat at Ty Pont Hearn. Charges, deposit amounts and contract durations can vary considerably between private accommodation providers. These are example costs only: please refer to the website of the private halls provider for exact figures.
- Based on platinum studio 21sqm (self-catered single occupancy) at Bridge Street Exchange. Charges, deposit amounts and contract durations can vary considerably between private accommodation providers. These are example costs only: please refer to the website of the private halls provider for exact figures.
- Based on typical estimated house share rent of 4 bed house shares advertised by Uni Homes in May 2026 including approximately £100 for bills – charges can vary.
- Based on information from Cardiff Bus, Met Rider passes available, National Student Money Survey for 2026 and feedback from students. We strongly recommend that students use public transport wherever possible rather than taking cars to university. Students under 22 are eligible for £1 single bus ride fares anywhere in Wales with My Travel Pass. For students living outside of Cardiff who plan to commute to Cardiff, more details on local transport links can be found on National Rail, National Express and Cardiff Bus websites.
- Based on the latest National Student Money Survey for 2026 published by Save the Student.
- Printing and course materials costs can vary – your Programme Director and your course information will confirm if anything is essential to purchase. Our learning centres are fully stocked with books and journals, so we advise not to buy materials in advance unless deemed essential. You may be able to purchase essential items at a lower cost by buying second-hand.
- The annual 2026 full cost is £180 – find out more about TV licences for students on the TV Licensing website. The fee can be paid monthly with 6 instalments of £30 then £15 per month payments.
- Based on one wash and dry load per week at the laundry facilities on Cyncoed campus.