2026/27 figures checked 29 Sept 2026 · First instalments are landing now – see payment dates
Maintenance LoanCalculator · UK
PremiumCalculate my loan

Student Budget Calculator 2026/27

For most students rent takes the biggest share of the maintenance loan. This planner adds your loan, job and family help, subtracts your real costs and shows what’s left each week – so you know about a shortfall before term starts.

Figures checked 29 September 2026By Ashish YadavHow we calculate

Money in

Example figures – replace them
£
Calculate yours
£a week
Take-home pay
£a month
£a year

Money out

weeks
Match your rent contract, e.g. 40–51 weeks
£a week
£a month
£a week
£a week
£a month
£a year
£a week
£a month
Shortfall for the year
−£1,150
! Your costs are higher than your money
Per week−£26over 44 weeks
Money in£11k
Costs£12k
Where the money goes (a year)
Rent£7k
Food and groceries£2k
Going out and hobbies£880
Clothes, toiletries, other£480
Travel£440
Phone and subscriptions£420
Books and course costs£300
Rent takes 69% of your loan. That leaves very little for everything else – check bursaries and hardship funds.

Your first instalment of about £3,610 has to last until January. Budgeting guide →

How to use the budget planner

  1. Enter your maintenance loan (use the main calculator if you don’t know it).
  2. Add any part-time work, family help and bursaries.
  3. Enter your costs. Rent is usually charged per week for a fixed contract length – check your contract.
  4. Read the weekly figure: that’s what’s left for everything else.

If the numbers don’t add up

  • Check your university’s bursary or scholarship – many give £500 to £2,000 a year to lower-income students.
  • Ask about hardship funds if you’re struggling mid-year.
  • If your household income has fallen by 15% or more, a Current Year Income assessment could increase your loan.
  • Budget per week, not per term: the first instalment has to last until January.

Frequently asked questions

Is the maintenance loan enough to live on?
For many students it isn’t. Save the Student’s research found that 56% of students say their loan doesn’t cover their costs. Rent is the main reason.
How should I budget my maintenance loan?
Pay rent first, then divide what’s left by the number of weeks until your next instalment. Keep a small buffer for unexpected costs.