Cost of Living in Hatfield, UK – A Student’s Budget Guide

As a global hub for education, the UK is one of the top destinations among international students. Students eager to study in the UK must carefully plan all aspects of their stay. The high cost of living is a major concern for many international candidates. The solution is to choose affordable cities like Hatfield for your educational journey. Hatfield in Hertfordshire provides premium educational opportunities and student accommodation on a budget. There is a drastic reduction in the cost of living for students in Hatfield compared to London. Living in Hatfield is ideal for balancing your finances with your academic aspirations. 

Hatfield: An Affordable City for Students

If you are wondering where Hatfield is in the UK, here is a simple answer. Hatfield is located in England and is a charming city in the United Kingdom. The city presents a blend of both history and modern living. Hatfield is a town in Hertfordshire, located 20 miles North of London. It started as a Saxon settlement, which is a mix of tribes from Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The city became famous in the 20th century for developing the world’s first jet airline, the Comet.

Hatfield is home to the University of Hertfordshire. It offers a variety of courses including BA (Hons) Accounting and BA (Hons) Architecture for students at all levels. The city is well-connected by road, rail, and bus, making it easy to get around. With its blend of history, education, and convenience, Hatfield is a great place to live, work, and study.

Benefits of Estimating the Cost of Living for Students

• Budgeting and financial planning make it easy to build a realistic budget and manage your finances. 
• A clear understanding of the cost of living helps alleviate financial stress. 
• Students can easily focus on their academics while managing living expenses. 
• Estimating the cost of living helps create awareness about your average expenses. 
• Students get into the habit of tracking monthly expenditures to avoid overspending.  

What is the Cost of Living in Hatfield?

The cost of living in Hatfield is measured by the average cost of living comfortably. Tuition fees are the primary expense for students. The rent for accommodation is also a massive investment. Students can book in advance to find great prices and affordable living options. The other expenses include food, transportation, and more. Together, all these factors paint a picture of what we call the “cost of living”.

Estimating the cost of living across the different areas allows you to know the exact range you would need to pay the rent. Students can choose a place that is within their budget. You can also look for accommodation near your university to reduce the cost of transportation. Student accommodation in the city centre affords complete access to local shops and restaurants.

University in Hatfield

The University of Hertfordshire is the only university in Hatfield. It has vibrant and dynamic campuses including College Lane and De Haviland. The university ensures that students get comprehensive support regarding career opportunities and academics. Students can thrive in undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses. Fees for international students are:

Undergraduate Tuition Fees at University of Hertfordshire

Postgraduate Tuition Fees at University of Hertfordshire

Research Degree Tuition Fees at University of Hertfordshire

Student Accommodation in Hatfield

There are plenty of comfortable and classy student accommodation available in Hatfield. The warm atmosphere and secure housing provide the perfect environment to focus on academics. 

Luna in Hatfield is a premier student accommodation that includes a 2-bed apartment and studio rooms. The vibrant and spacious rooms provide the perfect setup for students on a budget. Students can access a range of amenities including bike storage, cinema, and game rooms. This relaxing environment boosts student productivity. Moreover, utilising the bike storage facility reduces the need for private storage. The cost of student accommodation in Hatfield, near London, ranges from £200 to £300 per week. 

Students should note that the cost of accommodation may vary depending on the location, facilities, and room types of the property.

Food in Hatfield

Hatfield near London offers several affordable supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi. Students can consider buying groceries for fresh and healthy meals. Some properties provide shared kitchens with modern amenities including a hob, microwave, and an oven. The shared kitchen not only unites the students but also allows them to eat a healthy and nutritious diet. The budget for groceries ranges from £30 to £40 per week. 

For those weekends when you feel like pampering your taste buds, you can visit nearby restaurants and cafes. Explore the mid-range restaurants that are in the town centre and hang out with friends in Hatfield. The cost of dining out is around £15 to £20 per person. 

Transportation in Hatfield

Students can use different modes of transportation including bus, train, and bicycle to travel to and from the University and explore the city. Transportation significantly contributes to the cost of living in Hatfield.

Bus

Students can use buses for a hassle-free experience that helps in easy transportation. There are plenty of bus services available in Hatfield that connect Hertfordshire and other prime areas. Uno and Arriva are bus services in Hatfield and the cost for a single journey is around £2.2.

Uno is a bus service provided by the University of Hertfordshire. Students can use this bus service and reduce the cost of transportation for private buses. 

How to book a bus in Hatfield?

• Students need to download the “Uno buses” in the app store.
• The online journey planner gives you a clear idea about the buses and their routes.
• Check for the buses and let the driver know that you are getting in. 
• Students will get a notification as the bus approaches. 
• To save on the cost of transportation, students can opt for student passes.
• If you don't have a pass, you can either pay with cash or scan an M-ticket. 

Train

Hatfield Railway Station is directly linked to London and other metro areas. If you are heading to London from Hatfield, on average it will cost you £10. The 16-25 Student Railcard provides discounts of up to 30% to reduce travel costs in Hatfield.

Cycling

Students may prefer cycling for short-distance journeys. Not only does it save money but it is also a great way to stay fit. Students can consider cycling to class, the library or a coffee shop. Students can rent a cycle or purchase their own. Some properties like Luna in Hatfield offer secure bike storage. You can park your cycle safely in the designated bike storage area. 

Utilities 

Utilities include electricity, WiFi, heating, and water. The average cost of utilities for students living in Hatfield, Hertfordshire is about £130 to £150. Students can save on utilities by choosing student accommodation that provides an all-inclusive bill policy. There is no need to pay extra; everything is included in the monthly rent. 

Personal Expenses

Personal expenses refer to costs related to individual living. They include spending on entertainment and clothing.

Entertainment 

There are countless things to do in Hatfield. The most thrilling options are live music and movie screenings. In addition, students can luxuriate in the vibrant atmosphere of the local pubs and restaurants. Students can expect the cost of entertainment to be about £45 to £55 per month.

A trip to the cinema may cost about £10 to £15 for a ticket.  Students should note that eating out at a local restaurant could cost around £20 to £25. For those who enjoy going for a night out in pubs and clubs, the inexpensive drinks may cost around £10 to £15. Most of the time, there are student discounts available, so make sure to keep an eye out for those fantastic deals.

Clothing

When it comes to clothing, students should consider the weather in Hatfield. This will help students choose the right outfit by purchasing only what’s needed for the season. For instance, in the colder months, students can buy warmer coats. Altogether, the cost of clothing may be around £50 to £60 per month.

How to Analyse the Cost of Living in Hatfield

Students in Hatfield can take control of their finances by analysing their cost of living, making it easier to plan and budget wisely. Keeping track of your spending is a smart way to see where you are utilising money, helping you spot areas where you can save or cut back. Whether it’s on groceries, entertainment, or travel, knowing your exact expenditure brings clarity and helps you make better financial decisions.

Multiple options are available to track expenses. Students can use apps to manage their finances.

To make life even simpler, Best Student Halls offers a handy cost-of-living calculator. It is designed to help you manage and monitor your spending with ease. The cost of living calculator makes budgeting less stressful, allowing you to focus on the necessary aspects.

Tips to Save Money in Hatfield as a Student

• If you are on a tight budget and in search of opportunities to save your money, then here are some options to consider.
• University fees account for a major part of expenses. Students can opt for scholarships that make university fees manageable.
• Considering budget-friendly options like ensuite and shared apartments helps to save on student accommodation.
• Food is a basic need for living; students may prefer living in an accommodation that offers a kitchen. You can reduce food costs by cooking healthy and nutritious meals at home.
• You can reduce the cost of travel in Hatfield with the help of student passes and discounts. You can also cycle to the university.
• Students can choose accommodation that includes electricity, water, internet, and heating in their room. Several properties include all bills in the rent; students don't have to pay any additional cost for utilities.
• You can manage your expenses by shopping at sales. You can also use student discounts at supermarkets and shops to reduce your expenses.

Conclusion

For a student, managing expenses is another essential skill after academics. It involves planning and keeping track of multiple expenditures. Tracking everyday purchases like groceries to massive costs like university fees makes the process easy. A detailed record of your expenses helps you stay on top of your budget ensuring you don’t overspend. Best Student Halls offer helpful tools and resources to manage your finances efficiently. Start planning your budget today and take control of your financial future with Best Student Halls!