Cost of Living in London for Students
London is one of the finest cities in the world. It is home to some of the top universities in the world, and a popular study destination for both domestic and international students.
London is a center of excellence for education due to its high quality of teaching and learning.
What is the monthly cost of living in London?
For an international student, the estimated cost of living is approximately £2,000 monthly, excluding tuition fees.
But, this can vary depending upon your lifestyle, accommodation, and other expenses.
For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.
Budget-friendly or not?
Being the finest and top-class city in the world, it is an expensive city. It lies in the 6th position as the most expensive country in the world.
Yet, you can still enjoy the thrilling experience of this country. When you have your cost of living covered, depending on the lifestyle you live, you can have a good experience in London.
When we speak of accommodation, London is expensive. Be mindful of the location and its accommodation prices. You can still get something within your budget too!
Travel costs a lot in London. But, if you take a bus, the fare is only £1.75, and using an oyster card or contactless payment will cost you £5.25 for the whole day.
Other things like food, shopping, and social activities depend on your lifestyle again.
It’s all in your hands to make the city expensive or affordable! We will hand out some handy tips at the end to help you live a budget life in London.
Before we list the details of the cost of living in London, let’s give you a brief summary of its cost.
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition Fees | £10,000 – £38,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | £850 – £2,100 / Month |
| Local Transport | £150 – £260 / Month |
Is it expensive to study in London?
London is an expensive city to study. But the cost of educational fees will depend from person to person. The type will determine the cost, of course, you choose to study or the university you’ll enroll in London. This table will give you a brief idea of its costs.
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
| £10,000 – £38,000 / Year | £11,000 – £50,000 / Year |
Is accommodation in London costly?
The cost of your accommodations will depend on where you stay. It depends on the location, accommodation type, provider, facilities, etc. The starting rate for a single room starts at £250 weekly, and prices are determined per room requirements. Below we’re listing the three types of student accommodation in London to give you an idea of their features and help you choose the right type of student housing in London.
There are three types of accommodation:
- Student Housing
Student housing is a type of accommodation provided by universities as an alternative to on-campus housing. In this type of accommodation, you get a furnished house with modern amenities and utility bills included.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | £850 – £1300 /Month |
2. Private Apartment
This is very different from student housing, where in PBSA students can rent rooms in shared flats or rent the whole place. In this type of accommodation, you get some personal space and privacy!
| Apartment | Price |
| Private | £1452 – £2100 /Month |
3. University Hall
University halls are managed by universities. They are located on campus or close to the university. They offer two types of rooms: one is single and the other is shared. Whether you take a private or shared room, you share communal spaces such as lounges and kitchens.
| University Hall | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | £800 – £1200 /Month |
How much does food cost in London?
Food is expensive in any part of the UK, and eating out in London will cost a lot. Fast food costs £12-15, and a starter costs around £8-10. The cost of monthly groceries will be around £200. It is advisable to cook and eat at home; it will save your cost of living.
How expensive are utility bills in London?
If you stay in London, your utility bills will include water, heating, cooling, Wi-Fi, etc. The cost of your bills will depend upon the accommodation. If you choose to stay in student housing, it will be included in your rent. As for university halls, you will have to learn more about their policies when choosing a place to stay.
What is the best way to travel in London?
Transport in London is easy, affordable, and quick. The public transportation system offers cheap travel options for everyone. You can use the London buses and the London underground to get around the city. And, all at a discounted fare with an oyster or contactless payment card!
Does London have good entertainment?
London is a youthful city with limitless options for entertainment. There’s food, drinks, vibrant culture, and social activities, and you will never run short of a fun life! On average, entertainment and fun activities cost £26 per person per day. If you love the nightlife, you will have to spend, on average, £76 per person per day.
Tips to live cheaply in London
Living in London comes with a price, but gives one an unforgettable experience. Why not take advantage of London life? It does not have to be expensive if you know a way to budget your expenses. Here are a few tips to help you budget your expenses and enjoy some of London’s fun side.
Find affordable accommodation
If your university is not in the center of London, you can stay a few hours away from London and get an affordable one. This way, you save money and yet still get to enjoy London on the weekends.
Try to eat home meals
If you know how to cook, make meals at home. And if you do not know how to cook, start by making small meals.
Visit local markets
Shop weekly at your local markets for groceries. Prices will differ from those found in stores.
Use student discounts
Shop at places that offer discounts. To get discounts, you need to show your student ID card at the checkout counter.
Use public cards for transport
Choose public transportation and travel around using your Oyster Card. There are buses, trains, and tubes available. If you are travelling to a nearby location, try to walk or cycle to your destination.
London is a city of dreams, and the cost of living is expensive. But with a well-paid part-time job and balanced budget, you can ease your financial burden. As we listed a few tips above, they can help in small ways to reduce your expenses. But if you follow them religiously, there’s a lot you can save!
We hope this concise post on the cost of living in London has helped you better understand how to meet your expenses.
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