Ms Donohoe, 21, is studying a for bachelor of arts at the Australian National University and has often found it difficult to make ends meet since starting her degree four years ago.

"Sometimes I live off rice and barbecued chicken for a week until the next instalment of money comes in," Ms Donohoe said.

"Poverty probably isn't the right word for it but I don't think people realise how hard it is to earn enough money to survive while you're studying."

As orientation week kicks off on Monday, many students in the ACT will be more stressed about their financial situation than their first tutorial.

The cost of living away from of home while studying in Australia can set students back more than $18,000 a year, according to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection Office.

Ms Donohoe lived at Bruce Hall residential college for her first three years at ANU before turning to student housing as a cheaper option.

"I paid about $330 rent a week to stay on campus and I now pay $312 a fortnight," she said.

Campus accommodation at the Australian National University costs students approximately $180 to $345 a week.

Ms Donohoe stayed at a catered college while on campus but now has to pay for her own food and utilities on top of her rent.

ANU estimates that students spend approximately $120 on food, $15 on public transport and $30 socialising every week.

A spokeswoman from ANU's Student Association said students sometimes need to work long hours to cover basic living costs.

"If a student has to work excessive hours then their ability to concentrate on their studies is affected," she said.

"The ANU Student Association has a financial assistance program … that helps students deal with their money issues, so that they can concentrate on their studies."

ANU's Deputy Vice Chancellor Marnie Hughes-Warrington said working while studying can benefit students if they "strike the correct balance between work and study".

"Working can have important benefits for students, such as improving their employability, developing important work skills and giving them time out from study," she said.

Ms Donohoe currently works four days a week to cover basic living costs.

"It's enough to survive on but when big payments pop up, like dentist appointments, it can be extremely difficult to find the funds," she said.

The ANU Student Association offers emergency grants, grocery vouchers and budgeting advice to students experiencing financial difficulties.

ANU also offers bursaries and scholarships to help with student living costs.

The University of Canberra's Dean of Students, Michele Fleming, said UC also assists students through a variety of scholarships, support systems and subsidies.

"We can't wave the magic wand I'm afraid but we do try to help as much as we can," she said.

The teaching period for students at ANU and UC will start on February 16.

The Australian Catholic University will begin classes a week later on February 23.