Fees & Funding: Cost of living

Student during Fresher's fair in a crowd, looking at phone

Studying a degree or diploma is about improving your opportunities in the future - but that shouldn't have to mean struggling to pay your bills while you study.

What makes Hereford an affordable place to study


While most tuition fees are set, the cost of living is a major consideration for many students. Choosing to live in an affordable city means that you don’t have to compromise on your student experience.

Here are a few ways you can save your money wbile studying in Hereford - and reasons why the city is so affordable for students.

Cheap travel

Hereford has a free, electric bus service - but in reality the city is so easy to walk around, you will rarely need to use it. Whether you walk, bike or go by bus, living in Hereford means not having to fork out for weekly travel cards just to get to campus, or into the city centre. (And it’s good for the planet).

Great local markets

Herefordshire is famous for its great food and drink. Shopping at the daily indoor and outdoor markets can make a big impact on your weekly food costs. (And when convenience is king - there is a Lidl across the road from the student accommodation.

Small city rents

If you are considering staying in private accommodation while studying, rent will likely be your biggest outgoing. In Hereford, you can choose from a range of options without having to pay big city prices.

Part-time work oppertunities

Hereford’s food and drink culture means the city has a thriving independent restaurant, cafe and bar scene - which many students take advantage of by picking up part-time work. There are also student ambassador and intern roles available at HCA, and many students also earn some extra income by selling their creative work online or at art shows.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

All of our courses are passionate about reducing their carbon impact - and part of that is cutting down on waste. All of our workshop teams manage scrap stores that you can dip into as you explore new ideas. While there will be materials costs associated with most courses, reusing supplies is a great way to reduce your costs at the start of a project.

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