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Cost of Living in London for Students in 2025

April 7, 2023 7 Mins Read
Updated On: June 5, 2025

cost of living in london

Table of Contents

  • How Much Does It Cost to Live in London as a Student in 2025?
  • What Is the Average Tuition Fee for International Students in London?
  • How Expensive Is Student Accommodation in London in 2025?
  • What Is the Average Cost of Food and Groceries in London for Students?
  • How Much Should Students Budget for Transport in London?
  • Are Utility Bills and Internet Expensive for Students in London?
  • Conclusion 
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What is the living cost in London for international students in 2025?
    • Is the UK good for international students in 2025?
    • How much does it cost to live in London as a student?
    • Is London expensive for Indian students?
    • How much do international students need for living in the UK per month?
    • Is the UK costly for Indian students?
    • What is the cost of living in the UK per month?

London itโ€™s one of the best places in the world to be a student! But letโ€™s be real: London is also one of the most expensive cities in the UK. From the price of rent in Zones 1 and 2 to how much youโ€™ll spend on food, travel, and phone bills, thereโ€™s a lot to think about when planning your student budget. Still, thousands of international and UK-based students make it work every single yearโ€”and so can you. The key is knowing what to expect.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the cost of living in London for students in 2025โ€”including average rent, food expenses, travel passes, and utility bills. Letโ€™s get startedโ€”and help you feel more confident (and cost-aware!) before your big move.

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How Much Does It Cost to Live in London as a Student in 2025?

Living in London as a student in 2025 can be excitingโ€”but it also comes with a price tag. According to recent data from Save the Student UK and Numbeo, the average monthly cost of living in London for students is between ยฃ1,300 and ยฃ2,750. This includes everything from rent and groceries to travel and internet bills. In addition to this, London is consistently ranked among the top 3 most expensive student cities in the UK, with rent alone making up about 60โ€“65% of a studentโ€™s monthly budget. That said, how much you spend each month really depends on:

  • The area you live in (Zones 1 & 2 are pricier than Zones 3โ€“6)
  • Whether you live alone or share housing
  • How often you eat out, travel, and spend on extras

But donโ€™t worryโ€”itโ€™s absolutely manageable with smart budgeting, student discounts, and affordable student accommodation platforms like University Living, which helps students find verified, budget-friendly rooms near top universities in London. Following is average monthly student living expenses in London:

Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost (ยฃ) Details 
Accommodation ยฃ1,200 โ€“ ยฃ1,500 Shared student housing is cheaper; central London is more expensive 
Food & Groceries ยฃ300 โ€“ ยฃ600 Cooking at home saves more than eating out regularly 
Transportation ยฃ70 โ€“ ยฃ150 With a Student Oyster Card (30% discount on Tube, buses, etc.) 
Utilities & Internet ยฃ100 โ€“ ยฃ200 Covers electricity, water, heating, internet; some may be included in rent 
Personal Expenses ยฃ100 โ€“ ยฃ300 Includes toiletries, clothes, phone, gym, entertainment 
Total ยฃ1,770 โ€“ ยฃ2,750 Varies by location, housing type, and lifestyle choices 

What Is the Average Tuition Fee for International Students in London?

Studying in London is a dream for many students worldwide as it is home to some of the UKโ€™s most prestigious universities, including University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, Kingโ€™s College London, and many colleges under the University of London umbrella. But with all that academic prestige comes a cost. In 2025, tuition fees for international students in London can range widely depending on the university, level of study, and subject. On average:

  • Undergraduate programs cost between ยฃ10,000 and ยฃ38,000 per year
  • Taught postgraduate programs (like MSc or MA) range from ยฃ15,000 to ยฃ45,000 per year
  • Research programs (like PhDs) typically cost between ยฃ15,000 and ยฃ40,000 annually

Medical, law, and MBA programs often fall on the higher end of the tuition scale, especially at universities like Imperial, LSE, and London Business School. Following is the average annual tuition fees for international students in London:

Program Type Average Annual Tuition (ยฃ) Details 
Undergraduate ยฃ10,000 โ€“ ยฃ38,000 Depends on the university and course; STEM and law degrees are pricier 
Postgraduate (Taught) ยฃ15,000 โ€“ ยฃ45,000 Includes MSc, MA, MBA programs; MBAs at top schools can exceed ยฃ60,000 
Postgraduate (Research) ยฃ15,000 โ€“ ยฃ40,000 Includes PhD programs; may include funding for research students 
Medicine/Dentistry ยฃ32,000 โ€“ ยฃ52,000 Among the highest; applies to clinical degrees at top universities 
MBA (Top Business Schools) ยฃ40,000 โ€“ ยฃ70,000 LBS, Imperial, and King’s have premium MBA fees 

How Expensive Is Student Accommodation in London in 2025?

In 2025, student accommodation in London remains one of the biggest monthly expenses for international and domestic students alike. With demand for housing highโ€”especially around central university zonesโ€”rent prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, type of housing, and whether or not bills and internet are included. According to UCAS, London students spend 35%โ€“50% of their monthly budget on rent alone, with average accommodation costs being ยฃ1,000โ€“ยฃ1,800/month. Following are the key details of various types of student accommodation in London:ย 

  • On-campus halls offer convenience and are often bundled with bills and internet, but availability is limited.ย 
  • Off-campus shared flats are a popular budget-friendly option, especially in zones 2โ€“3.ย 
  • Private studios or apartments are ideal for privacy but come at a premium, especially in central London (Zone 1).ย 

Following is the average monthly accommodation costs in London:

Accommodation Type Estimated Monthly Cost (ยฃ) Details 
On-Campus Dormitory ยฃ1,200 โ€“ ยฃ1,400 Usually includes Wi-Fi, utilities, and security; close to university buildings 
Off-Campus Shared Flat ยฃ1,000 โ€“ ยฃ1,300 Rent shared with 2โ€“4 roommates; bills (water, electricity, internet) may be extra 
Private Apartment/Studio ยฃ1,500 โ€“ ยฃ2,500 Ideal for solo living; price varies based on proximity to city centre and amenities 
Purpose-Built Student Housing (PBSA) ยฃ1,300 โ€“ ยฃ1,800 All-inclusive private or shared rooms 
Homestay ยฃ900 โ€“ ยฃ1,200 Living with a local family; includes meals and bills in most cases 

What Is the Average Cost of Food and Groceries in London for Students?

When it comes to food, your monthly cost in London will depend on how you eatโ€”whether you’re a home cook, a fan of meal deals, or someone who loves eating out. In 2025, students in London spend an average of ยฃ200 to ยฃ500 per month on food, depending on their lifestyle and preferences.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Save the Studentโ€™s National Student Money Survey, food and grocery costs make up about 15%โ€“25% of a studentโ€™s monthly budget in London. You can also avail student discounts from apps to save money on groceries and meals. Following is the average monthly food and grocery costs for students in London:

Food Option Estimated Monthly Cost (ยฃ) Notes 
Groceries (Home Cooking) ยฃ200 โ€“ ยฃ300 Shopping at Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsburyโ€™s; cooking basic meals 
Campus Meal Plans ยฃ250 โ€“ ยฃ400 Offered by some universities (e.g., UCL, LSE); covers weekday meals 
Eating Out Occasionally ยฃ100 โ€“ ยฃ200 2โ€“3 meals out per week, occasional coffee or takeout 
Eating Out Frequently ยฃ300 โ€“ ยฃ500 Includes regular meals at restaurants, cafรฉs, or takeaway apps like Deliveroo 
Meal Deals & Discounts ยฃ3 โ€“ ยฃ5 per meal Tesco/Sainsburyโ€™s meal deals; daily student food budgets 

How Much Should Students Budget for Transport in London?

Getting around London as a student in 2025 is super convenient thanks to its world-class public transport systemโ€”including the Tube, Overground, buses, trams, and even bike rentals. The best part? Students get discounts on almost all public transit services through the 18+ Student Oyster photocard, which can save you 30% or more on weekly and monthly travel cards. According to Transport for London (TfL), the average London student spends ยฃ90โ€“ยฃ130 per month on transportation, depending on how often and how far they travel. Following is the average monthly transportation costs for students in London: 

Transport Mode Estimated Monthly Cost (ยฃ) Notes 
Public Transport (Oyster) ยฃ70 โ€“ ยฃ150 Covers Tube, buses, Overground; with 30% student discount via 18+ Oyster 
Santander Bike Rentals ยฃ20 โ€“ ยฃ40 Unlimited 30-minute rides; great for eco-friendly commuting 
Taxi/Rideshare (e.g., Uber) ยฃ30 โ€“ ยฃ60 For late-night or long-distance trips; not daily use 
Walking Free Many student neighborhoods (like Bloomsbury, Shoreditch) are walkable 

Are Utility Bills and Internet Expensive for Students in London?

If youโ€™re staying in London as a student in 2025, one thing to keep in mind is that utility bills can vary a lot, depending on where and how you live. For example:

  • If you stay in university-managed on-campus housing, utilities like water, heating, electricity, and even internet are often included in the rent.
  • If you rent a shared flat or private accommodation off-campus, youโ€™ll likely need to pay for utilities separately, which can add ยฃ100โ€“ยฃ160 to your monthly budget.

Many students also opt for SIM-only phone plans from providers like Giffgaff, Voxi, or SMARTY, which offer unlimited data for ยฃ10โ€“ยฃ25/monthโ€”perfect for staying connected without overspending. Following is the average monthly utility and internet costs for students in London: 

Utility Type Estimated Monthly Cost (ยฃ) Notes 
Electricity & Gas ยฃ40 โ€“ ยฃ60 Based on shared usage in flats; higher in winter months 
Water ยฃ20 โ€“ ยฃ30 Often included in rent; otherwise billed by Thames Water 
Broadband Internet ยฃ25 โ€“ ยฃ40 Depends on speed and provider; shared among flatmates 
Mobile Phone Plan ยฃ10 โ€“ ยฃ30 SIM-only plans with student discounts and unlimited data 
TV Licence (if needed) ยฃ13/month (or ยฃ159/year) Required if you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer (not needed for Netflix!) 

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Conclusion 

Yes, London can be expensiveโ€”but itโ€™s also full of opportunities, culture, and unforgettable student experiences. With clear budgeting, a few clever hacks (hello, Oyster discounts and supermarket deals!), and the right housing support, youโ€™ll be well on your way to managing costs and enjoying life in one of the worldโ€™s most exciting cities. 

Whether you’re staying in a shared flat in Zone 3 or a student studio near your university, being aware of your monthly costs makes a huge difference. Donโ€™t forget to take advantage of platforms like University Living to secure safe, student-friendly accommodation in London that fits your lifestyle and your budget.ย 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the living cost in London for international students in 2025?

The average monthly living cost for international students in London in 2025 is around ยฃ2,000, excluding tuition fees. This includes accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and entertainment, though it can vary based on your lifestyle and housing choices.

Is the UK good for international students in 2025?

Yes! The UK remains one of the top destinations for international students in 2025. With its world-renowned universities, diverse culture, and student-friendly amenities, it offers a great environment for academic and personal growth.

How much does it cost to live in London as a student?

On average, students in London spend about ยฃ2,000 a month on living expenses. This figure includes rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses. However, your actual cost can vary depending on your accommodation choice and spending habits.

Is London expensive for Indian students?

London can be expensive for Indian students, as itโ€™s one of the priciest cities in the world. Monthly expenses can reach around ยฃ2,000, but with budgeting and smart choices like cooking at home and using student discounts, you can manage costs better.

How much do international students need for living in the UK per month?

International students in the UK generally spend between ยฃ1,200 and ยฃ2,000 per month, depending on where they live. London is at the higher end of the scale, while smaller cities tend to be more affordable.

Is the UK costly for Indian students?

Yes, studying in the UK can be costly for Indian students. Tuition fees are significant, and living costs in big cities like London are high. However, there are ways to save, like using student discounts, living in more affordable areas, and sharing accommodation.

What is the cost of living in the UK per month?

The monthly cost of living in the UK for a student can range from ยฃ1,200 to ยฃ2,000. This includes housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. London is the most expensive, but smaller cities are generally more budget-friendly.

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