The North East is one of the best value places in the UK, and living comfortably on a budget is much easier at Sunderland than other universities.

Sunderland house prices are lower than in other parts of the country, which means lower-cost private renting and university accommodation.

Travel costs are low too - the two campuses are within walking distance from each other and the centre of town.

There is also a free campus bus which travels between both campuses and the halls of residence, and students have special discounts on Metro travel in the local area.

Typical monthly living costs

Below are some typical monthly costs for a student at Sunderland in 2013/14, to help you work out your own budget.

How much you spend is up to you and your budget - for this reason we've provided three versions: a budget option, an average option and an expensive option.

You can also use this online student budget calculator to help you put together a budget for living and studying at the University of Sunderland.

Living costs in detail

Click on each heading below to see more information about some of the typical monthly living costs you will face as a student at Sunderland.

• Accommodation: £272 - £508 per month
• Everyday travel: £0 - £17 per month
• Food: £100 - £200 per month
• Course materials: £15 - £50 per month
• Clothes, toiletries and grooming: £15 - £75 per month
• Social life: £40 - £150 per month
• Other miscellaneous costs: £15 - £52 per month