Introduction
Knowing how much you need to sustain your lifestyle and get a good education is imperative to making informed decisions. Often, Indian students worry about how much it will cost to live in London during the course duration and whether they can cover those costs by working part-time. As per the UK visa and immigration office, international students should budget at least £1,400 and £1,700 per month for up to 9 months for studying in London. This blog breaks down the living expenses in London for Indian and international students to give you a clear idea of how much you will need to spend annually.
Why is London Expensive for Students?
London is the cultural, educational and economic powerhouse of the UK and is considered one of the world’s most expensive cities. Here are some of the major reasons that make London an expensive city for students.
- High Accommodation Cost High demand for accommodation from international students and workers leads to limited availability and higher living costs.
- Location Matters Central London is much more expensive than the outer areas, so students can consider living in the outer zones to reduce their living costs. London has a well-connected public transport network, including the Underground, buses, Overground, and rail services, making it easy to travel around the city.
- Food and Everyday Expenses Restaurants, cafes and takeaway food can be expensive, particularly in central and tourist-heavy areas.
- Entertainment and Social Life London offers an enormous range of entertainment – restaurants, concerts, theatres, sporting events, nightlife, museums and attractions.
Average Monthly Budget
For an international student, a realistic monthly living budget in London is between £1,400 and £1,700, excluding tuition fees.
The major living expenses in London for international students include:
| Costs | Monthly | 9 months | 12 months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £1,164 | £10,476 | £13,968 |
| Food | £167 | £1,503 | £2,004 |
| Travel (Zones 1-4) | £173 | £1,557 | £2,076 |
| Personal and Leisure | £266 | £2,394 | £3,192 |
| Total | £1,770 | £15,930 | £21,240 |
The actual cost depends largely on where the student lives, the type of accommodation and lifestyle.
Cost Components
The vibrant capital of the UK is inviting, with prestigious universities and numerous job opportunities once you complete your education. As per a recent census, 679,970 international students were studying at UK universities in 2021/22, and the number of entrants from India continues to climb yearly. The student route (for a student visa) and the graduate route (for a post-study work visa) have encouraged the inflow of international students. Our experts can help you overcome the roadblocks in your pursuit of education in London.
The tuition fees for undergraduate students vary from 11,400 to 38,000 based on the course and university. Postgraduate tuition fees range from 9,000 to 30,000. Financial aid in the form of scholarships for Indian students in the UK is available based on merit and other criteria. Many Indian banks offer multiple loan schemes to finance the cost of your education in the UK, if you are eligible.
While this varies based on your chosen course, the cost of living for graduate and postgraduate students is similar. International students must understand the cost components to find ways to reduce the cost of living. After all, you must live for at least one year(for most of the postgraduate programs) and manage your living expenses while getting the best education possible.
International students who come to London without dependents can expect to spend around £1,400 to £1,700 per month to cover a range of living expenses.
Let’s break down the cost of living in London:
| Expenses | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £750 to £850 |
| Household bills | £140 |
| Groceries | £155 |
| Socialising | £150 |
| Public transport | £103 |
| Mobile phone | £18 |
| Student gym membership | £20 |
| Total | £1,436 |
The cost of living varies based on your lifestyle. If you want to live an extravagant life, you can find private catered student halls and expensive bars for going out with friends. It is also possible to live frugally and minimise living expenses by choosing shared accommodation within the campus, avoiding eating out, and supplementing your income with part-time jobs.
Understanding your financial situation and the cost of basic living expenses will help you budget properly.
Your investment in London education is justified when choosing from top UK universities that offer excellent career prospects and global recognition.
Accommodation
Rent is a major expense when living in London. Finding the right student accommodation in London can significantly impact your budget. It varies depending on the location and type of accommodation you choose.
Most of the universities in London offer on-campus accommodation. You can stay in private or shared halls on the university campus. The utility charges are usually included with the hall fee. This type of accommodation is comfortable, as you will stay on campus and everything you need will be available within a short distance. Depending on your affordability, you can stay in shared halls (less expensive) or private suites (for more privacy).
The on-campus accommodation is expensive because the amenities are included, and you stay within the university campus. Students with a tighter budget often go for off-campus accommodation within inner London and choose public transport to commute to the university. You can find shared rooms at a lower price, but you can also rent an entire furnished apartment with friends to stay on a budget. Staying in the suburbs outside of London will lower the accommodation cost. The following is an average cost of accommodation for different types of housing:
| Accommodation Type | Average Rent Per Month |
|---|---|
| On-campus accommodation | £538 to £1,792 |
| House share | £640 to £1,000 |
| Studios and apartments | £1,400 to £2,448 |
The university you go to may offer on-campus and private accommodation services. You can also use accommodation booking platforms to book student accommodations near your university. Universities generally charge hall fees in unequal instalments throughout nine months for UG and 11 months for PG courses. Private accommodations charge rent per week based on your stay type.
Money-saving tips:
- Choose off-campus accommodation for more choices.
- Opt for shared accommodation with a shared kitchen to cook meals with your friends.
University Accommodation in London
University accommodation is the most convenient and secure housing option for international students. Most universities in London offer single rooms, en-suite rooms, shared rooms and, in some cases, studios. Students generally share facilities such as kitchens and common areas, while some halls also offer catered accommodation. The price of London student accommodation varies depending on the university, location and room type the students choose.
Private Student Accommodation
Private Student Accommodation (PBSA) refers to those accommodations owned and operated by a private company rather than the university. Students who do not find university accommodation can prefer PBSAs.
Students can choose from the following three facilities:
- En-suite room: Personal bedroom, private bathroom, and a shared kitchen.
- Studio: Personal bedroom, bathroom and private kitchen.
- Non-en-suite room: Personal bedroom but you share a bathroom and usually a kitchen.
These accommodations generally include the following facilities: Wi-Fi, all-inclusive electricity/heating, laundry, study rooms, common/social areas, 24-hour reception or security, gym, and 24-hour reception or security
Students should always confirm with their owner what all things are included in their accommodation and should read all the terms and conditions of the contract before signing it.
Food and Grocery
Food and grocery costs account for the next biggest part of your budget. Students may have to spend around £100 to £300 per month based on where they live (catered/self-catered/private accommodations). The average cost of a pub meal is £15, and eating out in a restaurant may cost you £20 per person. Including basic laundry and toiletry items, the average monthly grocery bill can be £160.
When you eat out in restaurants within the university campus, ask for student discounts, as many bars and restaurants offer 15% to 25% discounts when you show your ID card. To reduce food expenditure, shop at local markets and cook with your hallmates or flatmates. Instead of eating out, pack your lunch and take it to the university because these institutions have fridges, microwaves, and hot water facilities on campus.
Money-saving tips:
- Cook your own meals and shop at local stores.
- Seek out student discounts in restaurants and bars.
- Buy groceries in bulk and store them properly.
Transportation
The average transportation cost for a student living in London is £100 to £200. If you stay on campus, your transportation costs will be much lower. Paying as you go may be affordable if you don’t travel much. However, if you explore the city frequently, you can save more with an Oyster card for students with a 30% discount. Getting a rail card will give you discounts when you travel by tube, London Overground, Elizabeth Line, or other national rail services in London. The city also has a public cycle hire scheme, which you can use to save money by simply cycling around the campus.
Money-saving tips:
- Invest in railcards.
- Opt for split ticketing for long journeys.
- Subscribe to cycle hiring schemes to get around the campus affordably.
Public Transport Costs
Children aged 16 and 17 who live in London can apply for a 16+ Zip Oyster Photocard, which gives them free travel on buses and trams.
Those aged 18 and over can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster Photocard or an Apprentice Oyster Photocard. These cards give you 30% off 7-Day, Monthly, and longer-term Bus & Tram Passes.
Utilities and Other Expenses
The utilities may set you back by £50 to £100 per month, depending on how you live. Socialisation and entertainment are a part of student culture; you can’t miss out on that. Entertainment costs could easily reach £50 to £100 per month. The same goes for personal expenses when you need to upgrade your wardrobe, get together with friends frequently, or explore the city independently. While you can’t cut back on utilities, you can certainly cut back on going out and entertainment to lower your expenses.
Money-saving tips:
- Buy second-hand textbooks, furniture, clothing, etc.
- Participate in community freecycling to get high-ticket items for a lower price or for free.
- Reduce your water and energy bills.
Mobile & Internet
In London, you can get mobile and internet services from major network providers such as Three, EE, Vodafone, and O2. Students can choose from prepaid SIM-only plans, Pay As You Go packages, or digital eSIMs, which can be purchased online before your trip or after you arrive in London.
Tuition Fees in London Universities
The tuition fees of some of the most popular universities in London are listed below.
- Brunel University- £23000 – £28000
- King’s College London- £28000 – £45000
- Queen Mary University of London- £28000 – £35000
- City St George’s University of London- £28000 – £35000
- University of Westminster- £17000- £20000
- Middlesex University- £16000 – £19000
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for international students are set by each university and can vary significantly. The cost depends on factors such as the subject, with classroom-based courses in areas like humanities and social sciences generally costing less than laboratory-based or technical subjects such as science, engineering, and medicine. University reputation also plays a role, as highly ranked research universities often charge higher fees. In addition, the course structure, including placement years, foundation years, or study-abroad programmes, can affect the overall cost.
Generally, the UG course tuition fee is between £24,000 and £40,000 per year.
Postgraduate Tuition Fees
International postgraduate tuition fees are generally higher than undergraduate fees and can range from around £24,000 to £45,000 or more per year. The cost depends on several factors, including the subject, with humanities and social sciences generally being more affordable than STEM, business, and specialised courses such as finance and data science. Course type also matters, as MBAs and executive programmes can be particularly expensive, sometimes costing over £50,000 to £65,000 for the full programme. Most UK master’s degrees are completed in one year, which can make the overall cost lower than in countries where similar programmes take two years. Research degrees such as PhDs usually have lower annual fees than taught master’s programmes, but they take longer to complete, typically three to four years or more.
Cost of Living in London vs Other UK Cities
London is generally one of the most expensive cities in the UK, especially when it comes to accommodation, transport, and everyday expenses. Other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and Sheffield are usually more affordable, with lower rent and living costs. However, the exact cost of living in London depends on your lifestyle, location, and spending habits.
London vs Manchester
London is generally more expensive than Manchester, mainly because of higher rent and transport costs. International students usually spend around £1,400 to £1,700 per month in London, compared with £900 to £1,500 in Manchester. Average student rent is about £1,164 per month in London and £788 per month in Manchester. Grocery costs are fairly similar, at around £150 to £300 in London and £170 to £200 in Manchester. Transport is more expensive in London, costing around £173 per month, compared with £60 to £70 per month in Manchester.
London vs Birmingham
Birmingham is generally more affordable than London for international students. The cost of living is 18.1% lower in Birmingham as compared to London. Rent is 55.3% lower, making accommodation much more affordable. Restaurant prices are 12.0% lower, while groceries are 8.5% cheaper than in London. Birmingham also has 36.2% higher local purchasing power compared with London.
London vs Glasgow
Glasgow is generally more affordable than London for international students, especially when it comes to accommodation. The cost of living in London is 28.4% higher than in Glasgow without rent and 50.5% higher when rent is included. Rent in London is 104.3% higher, while restaurant prices are 29.6% higher and groceries are 8.2% higher. London also has 11.1% lower local purchasing power compared with Glasgow.
Tips to Reduce Living Expenses in London
Studying in London offers great cultural, social, and career opportunities, but living costs can be high, with the average student spending around £1,400 per month. However, the cost of living in London for students can be reduced by following a few simple tips and planning their expenses carefully.
- Choose affordable accommodation: Consider living further from central London, where rent is usually cheaper.
- Use student discounts: Take advantage of discounts on food, shopping, travel, and entertainment.
- Enjoy free activities: Visit free museums, galleries, parks, and cultural events.
- Work part-time: If your visa allows, a part-time job can help cover some living expenses.
- Watch your spending: Cook at home, limit unnecessary purchases, and keep track of your daily expenses.
Part-Time Jobs and Student Income in London
Here are some of the most sought-after part-time jobs in London that can allow students to earn some extra money while pursuing their studies.
On-campus Jobs: Work at the university, such as in the library, as a teaching or lab assistant, or as a campus guide. These jobs usually offer flexible hours around your classes.
Off-campus Jobs: Jobs in retail, restaurants, customer service, sales, or delivery can provide extra income, but require good time management.
Online Jobs: Remote work such as social media marketing, content creation, web design, training, or team management offers flexibility and can be done around your study schedule.
Scholarships and Financial Support
- Chevening Scholarships, which fully fund eligible students for one-year master’s degrees.
- Commonwealth Scholarships, which can cover tuition fees, travel, visa costs, and living expenses.
- GREAT Scholarships, which provide funding towards tuition fees for selected one-year postgraduate courses.
Common Budgeting Mistakes International Students Make
Here are some of the most common mistakes students make that can increase their cost of living in the UK.
- Spending too much on non-essentials
It’s easy to spend more than planned on shopping, nights out, and entertainment. Treat yourself, but try to keep unnecessary spending under control. - Not using student discounts
Student discounts can save you money on food, shopping, travel, and entertainment. Make sure you use them whenever possible. - Spending too much on food
Takeaways and eating out can quickly become expensive. Planning your meals and cooking at home can help you save a lot. - Not planning your budget
Avoid spending too much at the beginning of the term. Create a budget that covers your expenses for the whole term. - Not keeping emergency savings
Unexpected costs, such as a broken laptop or an emergency trip home, can happen at any time. Keeping some money aside can help you handle these situations without borrowing.
Conclusion
Understanding the multiple components of the cost of living in London will empower you to plan and budget effectively for your expenses. While London is more expensive than other regions, you can efficiently manage your expenses by exploring accommodation options, cooking your own meals, and using public transportation. Comparing London expenses with the general cost of living in the UK can help you make informed financial decisions. Many universities allow you to take up part-time jobs for 15-20 hours per week; some universities even offer part-time jobs on campus. London offers a vibrant student life, and with careful planning, you can make the most of your experience in the world-class city. Looking for guidance on how to study and manage your living expenses in London? Get in touch with us to talk to a personalised consultant who can help you achieve your dream of studying in London.
FAQs
The cost of living in London for Indian students per month is between £1,400 and £1,700 excluding tuition fees.
The monthly rent for accommodation in London is somewhere around £1200. This may vary based on whether you choose university accommodation or private accommodation.
Yes, London is more expensive than other UK cities such as Glasgow, Birmingham, and Scotland.
Yes, international students can work part-time in London.
The cost of living in London per month is roughly between £1,400 and £1,700. This is inclusive of accommodation, food, travel, leisure and entertainment expenses.