Studying at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) in Bauchi offers not just quality education, but also one of the most affordable student lifestyles in Nigeria. Whether you're a fresher trying to plan your budget or a parent looking to support your child financially, understanding the real cost of living is essential.
This guide explores the breakdown of major student expenses at ATBU, including rent, food, transportation, data, and other essentials in 2025.
🏠 1. Accommodation (On-Campus & Off-Campus)
On-Campus Hostel
- Hostel Fee: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 per session
- Electricity/Water: Included in hostel fees
- Hostel Types: Single, double, and block rooms available (Gubi/Yelwa)
Hostels are limited and highly competitive. New students are usually given priority, but returning students often look off-campus.
Off-Campus Housing
- Single Room: ₦30,000 – ₦70,000 per year (depending on location)
- Self-Contain: ₦80,000 – ₦150,000 per year
- 2-Bedroom Flats: ₦200,000+ (shared by 2 or 3 students)
Popular Areas: Sabon Kaura, Yelwan Tudu, Rafin Zurfi, and Fadaman Mada.
Students often pay one year’s rent upfront. Agency fees may apply (₦5,000–₦15,000).
🍲 2. Feeding
ATBU students enjoy affordable food, whether from roadside vendors (bukas), cafeterias, or cooking themselves.
Daily Food Budget
- Cooked Meals: ₦800 – ₦1,200 per plate (rice, spaghetti, beans, soup)
- Breakfast: ₦400 – ₦600 (bread, tea, pap, noodles)
- Self-Cooking: Cheaper, ₦5,000 – ₦8,000 per week on groceries
Estimated Monthly Feeding Cost:
- Bukas/Cafeteria Only: ₦25,000 – ₦35,000
- Mix of Cooking and Buying: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000
Tip: Students who cook in groups or share food supplies spend less monthly.
🛺 3. Transportation
Most students commute between Gubi Campus (a bit remote) and Bauchi town. Transport options include:
- Tricycles (Keke Napep): ₦100 – ₦250 per trip
- Bike (Okada): ₦200 – ₦300 (less common now due to regulation)
- Campus Shuttle: ₦50 – ₦100 (limited availability)
Estimated Monthly Transport Cost:
- ₦5,000 – ₦8,000 (for daily commuting)
Living near campus can reduce transport costs drastically.
📶 4. Internet and Data
Data is essential for online classes, research, and socializing. Most students use MTN, Glo, Airtel, or 9Mobile.
Monthly Data Plans
- MTN 10GB: ₦3,500
- Airtel 20GB: ₦7,000
- Wi-Fi Shared: ₦4,000 – ₦7,000/month (in lodges)
Estimated Monthly Data Budget: ₦4,000 – ₦7,000
📚 5. Academic Materials & Expenses
These costs vary depending on your course and level of study:
- Textbooks: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000 per semester
- Handouts/Departmental Fees: ₦500 – ₦3,000
- Printing/Binding: ₦1,000 – ₦5,000 (especially during project season)
Group textbook purchases or downloads (PDFs) can help reduce academic costs.
🧻 6. Toiletries and Personal Items
These are basic but recurring expenses:
- Toiletries (soap, paste, detergent, tissue): ₦1,000 – ₦3,000/month
- Skincare/Haircare: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 depending on preference
🧥 7. Clothing and Laundry
- New Clothes: ₦3,000 – ₦10,000 (depending on taste)
- Laundry (Washermen): ₦1,000 – ₦2,000/month or DIY
Many students do their own laundry to cut down on expenses.
🎮 8. Social Life & Entertainment
While ATBU is academically focused, students do unwind:
- Hangouts: ₦1,000 – ₦5,000 depending on location (cafés, lounges, eateries)
- Movie Nights: ₦500 – ₦1,500
- Club/Association Dues: ₦1,000 – ₦3,000 per semester
💳 9. Summary of Monthly Budget
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost (₦) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₦5,000 – ₦12,000 (average monthly portion) |
| Feeding | ₦15,000 – ₦30,000 |
| Transport | ₦5,000 – ₦8,000 |
| Data & Airtime | ₦3,000 – ₦6,000 |
| Academic Expenses | ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 |
| Toiletries/Personal | ₦2,000 – ₦4,000 |
| Leisure | ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 |
| Total | ₦34,000 – ₦70,000/month |
Note: These values are based on averages from 2025 student surveys and may vary based on lifestyle, department, and accommodation type.
📌 Final Tips for Budgeting
- Always plan for emergencies (at least ₦5,000 extra monthly)
- Buy food and toiletries in bulk
- Consider forming cooking or transport groups to share costs
- Look for scholarships, bursaries, or student work opportunities
Living in Bauchi as an ATBU student is relatively affordable, and with smart planning, you can enjoy your university experience without breaking the bank.
📚 References
- Student Interviews (ATBU Gubi & Yelwa, 2025)
- Bauchi Market Survey Reports – NBS 2025
- ATBU Student Union Financial Handbook 2024/2025
- Field research conducted by Nmedia Team
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