Exeter has been crowned the UK’s second best “value for money” university, according to new research.
The findings, released by MoneySuperMarket, took into account the cost of accommodation, car and home insurance and the average price of a local pint.
While Durham took the top spot, Exeter and St Andrews ranked second and third respectively.
Despite concerns about the rising costs of student accommodation, an average of £127 per week according to the study, Exeter secured its place with consistently low scores for insurance, crime and average pint price (£2.80), which all fell within the lowest five institutions.
London undergraduates have less luck, however, with accommodation prices soaring up to £185 per week at UCL and a pint of beer costing £3.80.
Kevin Pratt, insurance expert from the price comparison site, reminded students: “Although tuition fees don’t vary a huge amount among the top universities, the cost of accommodation, bills and even the price of a pint differ dramatically”.
He added: “with average debt totalling £40,000 for most graduates these days, budgeting and smart money management has never been so important, wherever you decide to study.”
Top 10 best value universities:
- Durham
2. Exeter
3. St Andrews
4. Bath
5. Warwick
6. East Anglia
7. Lancaster
8. York
9. Loughborough
10. Cambridge
