You've got your place at university, and now you're thinking about where to live and how much it'll cost. Not to worry, we've put together information to help you think about all the different aspects of university life and what makes Falmouth such a unique location in which to study.

Please be aware that the information below offers general guidance. Costs will vary depending on whether you are studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and whether you are studying on campus or online.

Key costs to consider

There are lots of things you'll want to include in your budget for university. We've included a few of the key ones below, but this list isn't exhaustive, so it's best to consider your current outgoings and anything additional you'll need to budget for when studying with us.

Tuition fees vary depending on the programme you’re studying and on your fee status. Visit our Tuition fees page for a breakdown of fees by study level.

Another significant factor to consider is your additional course costs. This can include costs for things like materials, field trips or specialist equipment. You can find a guide to these typical course costs under the Fees, Costs and Funding tab on your course page.

It's also helpful to have a look at the most recent Welcome Letter for your course. These are letters new students receive, explaining in more detail what the costs for year one of study will be on that specific course.

If you're a first-year student you may choose to stay in University-owned or managed accommodation. The cost usually includes most bills, and can vary depending on your needs and preferences. You can look at options and prices on our accommodation page.

Second and third-year students usually choose to live in privately owned houses in Penryn and Falmouth. These vary in cost depending on the size of the property, its location and specifications. 

If you're living in university accommodation, you'll usually have your bills included in your rent. Other living costs to consider are: 

  • Food
  • Social spending
  • Commuting and other travel
  • Household costs
  • Mobile bills and digital subscriptions

We recommend considering your accommodation and living costs before you arrive, so you know how you're going to manage your money. Costs can vary between students, so consider these things according to your unique circumstances.  

There are funding opportunities depending on your eligibility, you can explore more in our Student Funding section. 

  • The minimum living cost allowance required by UKVI is insufficient for 12 months living costs in the UK, as it is based on 9 months. Consider the cost of accommodation in Falmouth and your own lifestyle when estimating your living costs. 
  • Be aware that private accommodation costs typically exclude utilities and taxes. Energy costs can be high in the UK, especially if you are coming from warmer climes. 
  • It is easy to get around Falmouth and Penryn with a bus pass costing. Don’t forget to budget for sightseeing around Cornwall and the UK if possible. 
  • Be realistic about income available via part-time jobs. Unlike some other countries there is no tradition of “Earn & Learn” in the UK and the University does not permit more than 15 hours work per week during term time. Part-time job rates of pay in the UK will typically be around the UK minimum wage. As Falmouth is an area of tourism so this increases job availability over the summer. 
  • You will have to pay the NHS surcharge to access health services in the UK. This must be paid when you apply for your Visa for the full duration of your degree. 
  • If you are staying in Falmouth University managed accommodation you will be given the opportunity to purchase a bed pack for when you arrive, this not only ensures comfort on your first night in your new home but also can save you large luggage costs. 
  • For those staying in shared flats, consider waiting to see what cooking and cleaning equipment is available in your flat to avoid unnecessary purchases. Please note you can also purchase a kitchen pack of essentials, like the bed pack previously mentioned. 
  • If you’re from a country with a warmer climate, it’s important to consider purchasing a warm coat, likewise those from a colder climate may need to purchase lighter clothing (we recommend they buy clothes in the UK as they will find more suitable items - they can even access charity shops for good deals). 
Phone, calculator and bank card on blue background
Budgeting guide

Your university budgeting guide


The 2023 National Student Money Survey revealed that 64% of students wish they'd had a better financial education before going to university. Boost your money management confidence with advice, tips and resources for budgeting as a university student.

Budgeting Guide

Advice from our students

Discover budgeting tips and how to make the most of student life in Cornwall.

Blue signpost on Penryn Campus with trees and path
Penryn campus sign

How to save money while studying at Falmouth

11 June 2024

I’ve studied and lived in Falmouth for the past three years, in this blog post I’ll share some m...

How to save money while studying at Falmouth
Students sit and read on the grass outside the Stannary
Students on grass

Making the transition from school to University

10 June 2024

Going to university can feel like a really big and scary step in your life. For many young people, u...

Making the transition from school to University
Courtyard with two benches and umbrellas
Falmouth Town square

My experience settling in at Falmouth

10 June 2024

We are quickly approaching the start of a new year at Falmouth University, meaning that thousands of...

My experience settling in at Falmouth
Falmouth Town Photo Credit Lee Stephens
Falmouth Town Photo Credit Lee Stephens
Credit: Lee Stephens

My top 5 tips for settling in at Falmouth

10 June 2024

Before coming to Falmouth, when enrolling online there is more information given to you, so do keep ...

My top 5 tips for settling in at Falmouth
Lot's of students hanging out on the grass at Penryn campus.
Penryn campus group of students on grass

Transitioning from school to University

10 June 2024

For those of us just beginning or making our way through our uni years, it can regularly feel diffic...

Transitioning from school to University
Students sit in a cafe
Fox Hill cafe

Falmouth Town will help you: making your finances stretch!

10 June 2024

For those of us just beginning or making our way through our uni years, it can regularly feel diffic...

Falmouth Town will help you: making your finances stretch!
Penryn Campus Stannary interior with students dining
Stannary dining

University student money diary

06 June 2023

We asked Katie, a second-year Acting student what she spends in a typical week at Falmouth Universit...

University student money diary
Falmouth
Falmouth

Making your money go further at university

02 June 2023

Whilst at university I discovered some tips to battle the cost of living while also enjoying my time...

Making your money go further at university
Three groups of Falmouth students sitting at tables at Koofi cafe
Students at Koofi cafe

Budgeting tips from a Falmouth student

02 June 2023

Find tips on how to budget while studying at Falmouth.

Budgeting tips from a Falmouth student
Beach
Beach

How university taught me to manage my money

02 June 2023

Before coming to uni, I wasn’t very good with money. I regularly went out for dinner and coffee sh...

How university taught me to manage my money

Studying and working

Working part-time while studying can be a good way to earn money and learn transferable skills such as teamwork, communication and customer service.

However, you should be mindful that a new job shouldn't interfere too much with your studies. If you are thinking about working part-time while you study, many of our students work around Falmouth and some are employed by the University as Student Ambassadors or in other commercial roles on campus.

Visit our Studying and Working page for more advice on balancing part-time work with a degree.

Find out more

Man working behind the counter at a coffee shop
Studying & Working - Coffee Shop

Making the most of going to university in Cornwall

There's an incredible creative culture in Cornwall, a vibrant social scene and a buzzing Students' Union. Our beautiful county can be explored on land and on sea and has been the inspiration to some of the greatest creative talent in the last hundred years.

If you want to celebrate that creative culture with others, then Cornwall is home to theatres and performances by national and international acts, a whole host of festivals from music, to film to food, and a thriving gallery and exhibition scene.

Explore student life

Useful information

Student discussing finance with advisor.
Will Wears and student

Student Funding

Explore your funding opportunities so you can make an informed plan about how to cover the costs of ...

Student Funding
Falmouth University Architecture student working at a desk, wearing a blue shirt
Architecture student working at desk

Tuition Fees

Find out the tuition fees for your course, when and how you'll pay them.

Tuition Fees
Phone, calculator and bank card on blue background
Budgeting guide

Budgeting

Boost your money management confidence with advice, tips and resources for budgeting as a university...

Budgeting
Open AIR people working
Open AIR people working

Studying and Working

Our flexible degree options give you the opportunity to work alongside your studies.

Studying and Working
Two students speaking a staff member in The Compass
Employability service

Employability Service

Access career support and advice from your Employability Service from day one of your studies, right...

Employability Service