Start with what is already paid
Your Westbrook rent already covers power, water, wifi, the campus shuttle and security. That removes the four costs that wreck most student budgets in Lagos: diesel, water, data top-ups for study and daily transport to lectures. What is left is food, phone, a little transport and fun.
A realistic month in Ajah
| Item | Careful | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Food (cooking most meals) | ₦45,000 | ₦70,000 |
| Mobile data | ₦8,000 | ₦15,000 |
| Transport outside the shuttle | ₦6,000 | ₦15,000 |
| Laundry detergent and toiletries | ₦7,000 | ₦12,000 |
| Books and printing | ₦5,000 | ₦12,000 |
| Going out and treats | ₦10,000 | ₦25,000 |
| Total | ₦81,000 | ₦149,000 |
Example figures from resident surveys. Prices change; use them as a guide, not a promise.
Food is where you win
Cook in batches on Sunday with friends from your floor: a big pot of stew, rice and beans portioned into containers, and the fridge does the rest. Buying foodstuff weekly at Sangotedo market costs about half of eating from the canteen every day. Keep garri, oats and eggs for exam weeks.
Data and transport
With fibre wifi in the building, most residents only buy a small data plan for outside. The shuttle covers lectures. Save tricycle money for nights out, and share rides with floor mates going the same way.
Questions readers ask
Is there a cheaper room than the quad?
The quad pod is our lowest rent. Ask about the ten half-rent places for students referred by their department.
Can I work part time?
Many residents tutor or work weekends. The front desk shares notices from local employers on the board.