Plymouth among most affordable UK cities for students

High quality education in a great value setting
Aerial view of Plymouth Hoe

An article by degree comparison site, WhatUni, highlights that Britain’s Ocean City is one of the best value cities in the UK to live as a student, with day-to-day costs around 26% cheaper than London.
Meanwhile a table by student review platform, StudentCrowd, has put Plymouth in its top 25 for cheapest UK cities for student accommodation, also having the lowest cost in the South West peninsula.
The affordability rankings follow recognition for the University’s teaching, with a triple gold rating awarded in the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), and a Damehood for Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Petts in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours 2024.

We know it’s a challenging time financially for everyone and people are weighing up what their study, and accommodation, options are.

As well as being high quality, friendly and in a stunning location, the University and wider city of Plymouth does offer great value, whether you’re looking for dynamic activities every day, or something lower key. 
Whatever your preferences, or even if you’re not sure, I’d encourage anyone to come to an open day to find out more, or to contact our friendly accommodation teams for advice. 

John CurnowProfessor John Curnow
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Education and Student Experience

As well as outlining rental prices, WhatUni details average prices of groceries, going out and transport, with the aim of empowering students to find the right course and city for them amid nationwide cost of living concerns.
When studying at the University of Plymouth, students can also apply for funding in the form of means-tested scholarships and bursaries, some specific to particular subjects.

Plymouth is a fantastic city to be a student, not just because of its affordability compared to larger cities like London, but because of its many and varied features. Our stunning coastal location provides an inspiring backdrop, with the city's vibrant culture and natural beauty enriching the student journey.

Whilst Plymouth is a city, it doesn’t feel like it has the same tensions and pressures of a traditional city. The University is a great community of both staff and students that really do show that they care for each other, delivering an exceptional educational experience. 
Through close collaboration with the Students' Union, the Uni ensures that the voices of our diverse student community are amplified, shaping an inclusive environment where academic excellence thrives hand-in-hand with personal growth. Plymouth is truly a place where ambitions soar and lifelong memories are forged.
Tonari Arikekpar, President of the University of Plymouth’s Student Union 
 
 
 
DB students Plymouth Hoe