Money diary: a year 2 international PhD researcher
After a stressful start to life in Manchester that included applying for the University’s Cost of Living Support Fund, explore how this second year international PhD researcher has come to feel more at ease living in a shared, rented flat.
Money diaries series for postgraduate researchers in science and engineering
We’ve asked three of our researchers to share their experiences with money, work and managing their finances since coming to the university. The goal of these diaries is to destigmatise the conversation around the costs associated with postgraduate research and to provide a space for current and prospective researchers to better understand the different ways in which we manage our relationship with money while researching.
Please note that this is an individual’s account of their personal experience and is intended to be used only as a reference, not as a guide.
I'm currently in the second year of my PhD as an international researcher in the Department of Materials as part of a Centre for Doctoral Training. My studies are fully funded, with tuition covered and a monthly stipend provided by my sponsor. I live in a rented flat with a housemate, and we share rent and bills. My weekdays are spent at university, often in the lab working on experiments or reading, with a schedule that varies depending on the day, as I don’t stick to a fixed routine. On weekends, I unwind by spending time with friends or watching something at home, and I try to fit in some yoga when I can. Balancing social life and study can be tough—especially after a fun weekend—but I've learned to manage it. My relationship with money used to be a bit rocky, but after some trial and error, things feel much more stable now.
What are your monthly expenses?
- £725 per month on rent (after split with flatmate).
- £120 per month on gas, electric, water and Wi-Fi (after split with flatmate).
- £12 per month for my phone contract.
- £4.99 per month on Amazon Prime.
- £4.99 per month on Disney+.
- £2.50 per month on Storytel.
- £7.99 per month for YouTube.
- £200 per month on medical expenses (I must see a doctor every month because of my health condition).
Do you budget your money? If not, what do you do instead?
“My relationship with money used to be a bit rocky, but after some trial and error, things feel much more stable now.”
Yes, I do budget my money. I manage my PhD stipend by keeping rent and other monthly expenses in a separate bank account and paying bills as soon as I receive the payment, so I don’t risk spending that money elsewhere. I transfer the remaining amount to my Revolut account for everyday expenses. I also keep the income from my extra jobs (teaching assistant, student ambassador, exam invigilator) in a different account, which I try to save for things like plane tickets to visit my family in my home country. As an international student, I also need to plan ahead and save for upfront rent payments, since many landlords require them unless I have a UK guarantor.
Where does your money come from?
My money comes primarily from my PhD stipend, which provides £1,603.08 per month. I also take on part-time roles at the university—such as teaching assistant work, being a student ambassador, or exam invigilating—which together usually bring in around £300 a month (excluding months not in term time). Due to my student visa, I’m limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week. I don’t receive any financial support from my family, so I rely entirely on my stipend and part-time work to cover my expenses.
What I spent last week:
I spent £129.99 (£7 below budget).
Tap a card to see what was spent each day!
On Mondays I prefer to go onto campus a bit later unless I have a meeting. So, I prepared a breakfast at home. Since I had a nice breakfast at home, I didn’t feel hungry at lunch time. I stayed late in the lab since I arrived late. I cook at weekends so had what I brought as dinner. No spending today.
I spent the entire day in the lab. I couldn’t cook yesterday so I got some food from a supermarket (£8) and microwaved it on campus. No spending for the rest of the day.
Another day on campus in and out of the lab. I cooked yesterday to take lunch in with me today so no expenses there. I bought some fruit, though, which cost £3.99.
I spent the morning searching for my study and rewarded myself by getting lunch with my friend at a newly opened cafe in the city centre (£14). The rest of the day I spent working and chilling at home watching TV, so no expenses there.
I walked to campus as always (except when I’m in rush for a meeting etc.) I didn’t spend anything during the day. While going home I treated myself with a cup of ice cream as it was a sunny day (£7).
I was a bit behind on work, so I spent the morning studying/reading. I did my weekly grocery shopping (£81.70). After doing some housework, I visited my friend at her place. I had to go back home by Uber (£15.30) since it was very late. Very fun and definitely worth the money!
I walked near canal on this fresh morning. TV for the rest of the day. The perfect Sunday!
How does your lifestyle fit in with your money management?
My lifestyle generally balances out with my money management. While I sometimes spend a bit more than planned when I’m out with friends or treating myself to a meal, I usually offset that with quieter days where I go to work, come home, and spend very little. I enjoy cooking, and since my boyfriend doesn’t cook, I often prepare meals for both of us at home which helps keep daily costs low. I also follow a specific diet for religious reasons, which used to mean spending more until I learned where to find affordable, suitable products—now it’s much easier to manage. I’m not someone who stays out very late, and since I live close to the city centre, I rarely need to pay for Uber, which also helps me stick to my budget.
Were there any costs that surprised you when you began your research?
Yes, as an international student, almost everything was new and surprising at first, but the biggest shock was the cost of rent and bills in Manchester. I had only looked at university hall prices before arriving, so I wasn’t prepared for how high private rental costs could be—especially since bills often aren’t included. I wasn’t able to get a place in university accommodation, so I had to quickly adjust. To be honest, I still find it surprising sometimes, but you learn to shape your budget around it and adapt.
How do you feel about your relationship with money? Does it ever worry you? Does it affect your day-to-day life?
Overall, I feel at ease with my relationship with money now, though it’s something I actively work on. Sticking to my budget and planning ahead keeps me grounded. That said, there are moments when money weighs on me, like when I’m traveling to visit family abroad. Those months get tight, and I’ll admit I stress a little. Money does shape daily choices: I always check my budget before agreeing to plans, which feels restrictive sometimes but also mindful. While constantly thinking about finances can weigh on me, being proactive (tracking spending, prioritizing needs) stops small stresses from growing. Overall, money isn’t a fear when you learn that balance is key.
Have you ever accessed University-provided support to help with your finances? Did you find it helpful?
Yes, I applied for the Cost of Living Support Fund in my first year because I couldn’t afford the deposit for the flat I now share with my housemate. The application process was a bit stressful—I had to provide a lot of personal and financial information, which felt overwhelming at the time. But in the end, it was worth it. Receiving the support really helped ease the pressure and gave me some breathing room financially.
If you were to come to start your research for the first time again tomorrow, what piece of money advice would you give yourself?
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Universities have advisors and resources specifically for students facing financial pressures—whether it’s emergency grants, part-time roles on campus, or flexible work-study programs. I’d also tell myself not to overstress about earning money (there are opportunities!), but to protect the balance between work and study—something I’ve learned firsthand while juggling extra jobs. Most importantly, I’d force myself to start budgeting immediately, even if it feels tedious. Tracking my spending has been key for me. It’s how I manage my expenses without drowning in debt. Once you see where your money goes, adjusting becomes natural.
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