Skip to main content

Cost of living crisis support and provisions

Birkbeck, University of London, and the Birkbeck Students’ Union are working together to support students with the effects of the rising cost of living. We recognise that many of our students may be facing difficulties with finances with an impact on their mental health and wellbeing. Birkbeck is committed to providing support to our diverse community of scholars.

The College is making changes to its teaching and service delivery informed by student feedback, as well as putting in place new measures in response to the effects of the pandemic and rising cost of living. This work is all aimed at improving your experience with us and includes:

  • The formation of the Cost of Living Working Group, comprising both College and Students' Union (SU) staff to respond to the rising cost of living and improve support for students (chaired by Samantha Commons, Student Services Manager and Yousuf Joondan, Chief Executive of Birkbeck Students’ Union).
  • The delivery of Food Pantry events, where students can access non-perishable goods at no cost, run by the SU and Student Advice Service, with more dates being planned.
  • Changes to our teaching model to provide more flexible learning that combines in-person and online teaching with the highest quality online learning resources and services, reducing the frequency, time and cost of travelling to campus and allowing for a better work-life-study balance overall.
  • Piloting a Student Engagement and Success Programme, including ongoing focus groups to hear directly from students about their changing needs.
  • Microwave and kitchenette facilities in the Clore Management Building and the basement of 373 Euston Road for all students to use, ensuring students can have warm food while on campus.

Additionally, students can find a list of London boroughs offering cost of living support to its residents on the Birkbeck Students' Union website. 

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING COSTS

The costs of living and studying in London will depend on the type of accommodation you choose, where in London you live, your travel and day-to-day expenses, and the associated costs of your course, including books, field trips, equipment and travel. Accommodation in central London - where the Birkbeck campus is located - is usually more expensive than living further out from the centre. The Greater London Authority has created a useful rent map that compares the average price of renting in different areas of London. The University of London Housing Service can give you professional guidance and support in finding private rented accommodation in London. 

When you plan your budget, you need to also consider the costs of food, bills (water, electricity, gas, broadband, TV license), travel to and from Birkbeck, personal and leisure-related expenses (including mobile phone bills, clothes, toiletries, sports and hobbies, subscriptions, and social activities) and books and equipment. It's also a good idea to allow extra money for unexpected expenses. We strongly advise you to make full provision to cover the costs of living and studying in London before you begin your course at Birkbeck.

As a rough guide, and to help you begin your budget, we recommend that you allow for £16,000 to £17,000 per year (around £1,300 to £1,450 per month) to meet essential accommodation and living costs (not including tuition fees) - please see the breakdown of essential costs below. International students under a Student Visa are required to demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves throughout their studies in line with UKVI requirements.Learn more about the financial requirements for international students.

Accommodation costs

  • A room in a partner hall of residence can cost from around £200 to £400 per week.
  • A room, flat or house rented privately can cost from around:
    • 600 to £900+ per month to rent a room in a shared flat or house
    • £1,000 to £1,650+ per month to rent a one bedroom flat, depending on how close you are to the centre
    • £1,300 to £1,700+ per month to rent a two bedroom flat.

Living costs

  • When you plan your budget you also need to consider these essential costs:
    • food: £35 to £50 per week
    • bills (water, electricity, gas, broadband, TV licence): £20 to £40 per week
    • travel to and from Birkbeck: £20 to £40 per week
    • books and equipment: £20 per week.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE

There are several financial support services available to students, including funds, which are listed below. Please contact Student Services for any questions relating to financial support and advice. If you require additional support with applications, students can contact Student Advice.  

FUNDS AND BURSARIES

BIRKBECK BURSARIES

ACCESS TO DIGITAL LEARNING FUND

CHILDCARE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

CHILDCARE GRANT FROM STUDENT FINANCE ENGLAND

MARY TREVELYAN HARDSHIP FUND (ISH)

FEE REDUCTION SCHEME

  • Selected students, who would otherwise be required to pay overseas fee rates, will be eligible to pay the Home tuition fee rate
  • You must have one of the following statuses: asylum seeker, Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) or Limited Leave to Remain (LLR), and also meet other eligibility requirements
  • Read more about the fee reduction scheme

FEES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT ON MOODLE

ACCOMMODATION SERVICE

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON HOUSING SERVICE

BUDGETING FOR YOUR STUDIES

COUNCIL TAX EXEMPTIONS AND REDUCTIONS

  • Full-time students are normally exempt from paying council tax, but are expected to provide proof in the form of a council tax exemption certificate when they apply to their local authority. These certificates can be obtained via the Student Advice Service.
  • Part-time students can also be eligible for council tax exemption, but this depends on the course studied. To find out if you're eligible, please contact the Student Advice Service.
  • Students living in halls of residence are automatically exempt from council tax.

WELLBEING SUPPORT AND ADVICE

Birkbeck also recognises that students’ mental wellbeing has been hugely affected by the emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the current cost of living crisis. The Wellbeing Services have many resources that can help students struggling with a range of problems, including mental health. 

Please contact the Wellbeing Services Team for anything relating to wellbeing, mental health and disability support. 

SUPPORTIVE RESOURCES - BIBLIOTHERAPY

MENTAL HEALTH ADVISORY SERVICE

COUNSELLING SERVICE

DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ON MOODLE

BALANCING WORK, LIFE AND STUDY

DISABILITY SUPPORT

HEALTHCARE SERVICES SUPPORT

This webpage will be updated as the College and SU continue to take action on the cost of living crisis, and the support available for students widens. Any developments will also be communicated to students via the Student Bulletin and other appropriate communication channels.