Life as a PhD Student

Cost of living

Fixed living costs are regular costs relating to where you are living (either in University accommodation or private accommodation), typically incurring on a monthly basis. 

Some fixed (regular payments) will include:

• rent
• internet charges
• electricity and gas contracts
• council tax bills (students living in University accommodation are exempt from paying Council Tax)

Additional (regular payments) may include: 

• mobile phones
• TV licence
• digital TV subscription
• insurance costs

Not all of the costs outlined above will be relevant for every student and costs will vary depending on your preferences.

You should research most of these costs in advance and add them to a budget before arriving in Edinburgh.