The UK remains a leading choice for students from around the world. Its education is exceptional, offering a wealth of cultural experiences and unparalleled opportunities. Before embarking on your studies in the UK, it is essential to understand the student living expenses fully. The cost of living for students in UK can vary based on the location, field of study, lifestyle choices, and any financial commitments you may have.
This article covers all you need to know about living expenses for international students in the UK, including average expenses per month, regional costs, and university-specific expenses.
Why Choose to Study in the UK?
To begin with, the education provided in the UK is on par with that of the US, another favoured destination. Additionally, institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, UCL, KCL, and Imperial boast a rich heritage that attracts numerous students.
The UK also offers a strong cultural dimension; its reputation for tolerant politics and a diverse cultural environment appeals to many international students. Moreover, the cities in the UK are remarkably beautiful, visually appealing to the extent that it is no surprise people enjoy visiting them.
The UK’s strategic location also serves as a gateway to Europe, enabling students to explore and immerse themselves in diverse cultures and languages, thereby broadening their worldviews.
How Much is the Living Cost in the UK for International Students?
The opportunity to study in the UK includes considerable financial factors, especially regarding the living expenses for international students in the UK. This aspect is essential and significantly influences the overall experience of students.
The approximate annual UK student cost of living typically amount to GBP 12,000. Nonetheless, it may differ based on several factors such as housing, the student’s way of living, food, transportation, and other essential costs.
Below are the average living expenses in UK for international students per month.
- Student Accommodation: £500 – £700
- Transportation: £30 – £40
- Food & Groceries: £100 – £200
- Entertainment: £40 – £50
- Household Bills: £40 – £50
- Miscellaneous: £200 – £300
To gain a deeper insight into the structure of your living expenses in the UK, we will explore these essential factors that affect the overall student living costs in the UK, as outlined below.
Average Price of Uni Accommodation
Accommodation represents the largest portion of student living expenses in the UK per month, and a substantial budget is allocated to this aspect. Students have various accommodation options available, including private student housing, halls of residence on university campuses, shared flats, dormitories, and local homestays.
Here is an overview of the average rental costs for various types of student accommodation in the UK.
- Private Housing: £800 – £1000 per month
- Halls of Residence: £400 – £600 per month
- Local homestays: £10 – £60 per night
If you are considering studying in the UK, you can find the best university accommodation in UK at uhomes.com. Regardless of your location or university, you will find the perfect place to stay. Furthermore, the prices vary, allowing you to adjust your choices to suit your budget.
Average Price of Food and Groceries
Food is a crucial component of monthly living expenses for international students in the UK. Managing the cost of food becomes much easier when you prepare your meals rather than dining in upscale restaurants. Dining out regularly can certainly raise your costs and become quite costly.
Here is a detailed overview of the UK’s average grocery and food expenses.
- Bread (1 pack): £0.97
- Chicken: £5.44
- Fruits: £1.71
- 12 Eggs: £1.93
- Rice: £1.11
- 1 litre of Milk: £0.92
- Vegetables: £1.10
- Cheese: £5.57
- One meal at a budget-friendly restaurant: £12.50
Average Cost of Household Bills
Several household bills arise when residing in the UK. It is essential to pay bills for mobile, electricity, water, internet, and other services immediately. Typically, your rent covers all these bills; however, if it doesn’t, you need to consider the expenses of different bills while living in the UK. Moreover, health insurance also contributes to the overall cost of living in the UK. Consider the typical expenses associated with the various bills you may need to cover:
- Gas, water, and electricity: £40 – £50
- Mobile and Internet: £15 – £50
- TV License: £12
- Insurance: £50
If you rent your university home at uhomes.com, the utility bills will be all included in the student accommodation, which means you only need to pay for the rent.
Average Cost of Transportation
The living expenses in the UK for international students also include commuting within the city. If your flat is far away from your university, it is crucial to consider these costs. Rest assured, there are numerous student discounts for international students that significantly reduce travel costs.
Additionally, students have the option to use public transport, as the UK’s public transport system is highly interconnected and quite convenient. Using a bus, train, or tube, or even cycling around the city, can be a cost-effective travel choice for international students compared to taxis.
Here is a summary of typical transport choices along with their average expenses.
- Train: £12 – £13
- Taxi: £6 – £90
- Bus: £1 – £2
- Tube: £4 – £5
- Cycle: £2 for 30 minutes
Average Cost of Entertainment
University life covers much more than just academics, textbooks, and examinations. Engaging in leisure activities is beneficial for expanding your social network, discovering the country, and gaining insights into its culture and people. Therefore, it is essential to consider the cost of leisure activities when budgeting your UK living expenses for students overseas.
The following are some popular entertainment choices along with their associated costs.
- Concert tickets: £40 – £50
- Movie Tickets: £9 – £10
- Dinner at a restaurant: £40 – £50
- Sports: £10 – £20 per month
Amusement park tickets: £40
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous spending involves a range of items such as stationery, leisure activities, toiletries, shopping, household goods, and any additional expenses you may incur. It is essential to recognise that miscellaneous expenditure can vary significantly among individuals, as one’s lifestyle choices largely influence it.
Here are several typical miscellaneous expenses to keep in mind.
- Shopping: £50 – £70
- Books & Stationery: £20 – £30
- Toiletries: £20
- Household Items: £30
- Other: £100
Cost of Living for Students in UK by Region
Recognising that students’ living costs can differ significantly based on the location of their studies within the UK is essential. For instance, living expenses in London can be higher than in cities like Aberdeen or Manchester.
Living expenses for college students have changed significantly since 2022. The Save the Student money survey revealed that the average cost of living exceeded £800 across each region in the UK. In 2023, it identified the first time in the survey’s history that living costs exceeded £900 across every region. In 8 of the 12 regions, the average exceeded £1,000 per month.
London continues to be the priciest region for students in the UK, with average living expense in London hitting £1,211 monthly, which amounts to approximately £14,532 annually. This amount exceeds the next most expensive region, the South West, by 1.5%, and is a third (33%) pricier than Northern Ireland.
The Northern Ireland boasts the cheapest monthly costs, amounting to £904. This figure is 16% below the national average. To enhance understanding, here is a detailed breakdown of student living costs across the UK, categorised by region.
The table below ranks regions with living expenses from the most affordable to the most expensive.
| Rank | Region | Average Student Living Expenses in 2023 | Average Student Living Expenses in 2022 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Ireland | £904 | £836 | Up 8% |
| 2 | East Midlands | £905 | £832 | Up 9% |
| 3 | North East | £954 | £837 | Up 14% |
| 4 | Yorkshire and the Humber | £995 | £906 | Up 10% |
| 5 | North West | £1,007 | £933 | Up 8% |
| 6 | Scotland | £1,036 | £932 | Up 11% |
| 7 | West Midlands | £1,070 | £822 | Up 30% |
| 8 | Wales | £1,077 | £852 | Up 26% |
| 9 | South East | £1,083 | £935 | Up 16% |
| 10 | East England | £1,181 | £959 | Up 23% |
| 11 | South West | £1,193 | £962 | Up 24% |
| 12 | London | £1,211 | £1,089 | Up 11% |
What is the Cost of Living for a Student at Each University?
International student living expenses in the UK can vary greatly, not only by region but also by university. Understanding these differences will help students organise their budgets more effectively based on their chosen universities.
Three of the top ten universities for overall expenditure (excluding rent) are located in London: the University of London, Queen Mary, and Imperial College London. The remaining institutions in the top ten, excluding the University of Sunderland, consist of universities located in the South.
On the other hand, students at the University of York are the most frugal spenders, with an average monthly expenditure of only £318 on all costs excluding rent for University of York accommodation. Lincoln, Glasgow, UWE, Swansea, Derby, Leicester, Southampton, Plymouth, and the University of Birmingham each cost £400 or less.
The table below illustrates the average monthly expenses of students (excluding rent) across various universities.
| University | Groceries (£) | Transport (£) | Household Bills (£) | Mobile Phone (£) | Course Materials (£) | Socialising (£) | Clothes and Shopping (£) | Holidays and Events (£) | Total (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Andrews | 89 | 48 | 36 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 22 | 19 | 258 |
| West of England, Bristol | 92 | 38 | 40 | 14 | 8 | 55 | 20 | 15 | 282 |
| Lancaster | 126 | 48 | 13 | 14 | 8 | 46 | 30 | 10 | 295 |
| University College Birmingham | 110 | 33 | 67 | 10 | 3 | 48 | 27 | 3 | 301 |
| Kent | 115 | 45 | 25 | 12 | 25 | 70 | 11 | 0 | 303 |
| Southampton | 119 | 43 | 43 | 12 | 24 | 46 | 14 | 16 | 317 |
| Leicester | 103 | 38 | 62 | 20 | 5 | 40 | 34 | 19 | 321 |
| Swansea | 108 | 27 | 77 | 27 | 7 | 26 | 35 | 20 | 327 |
| Staffordshire | 130 | 35 | 68 | 16 | 12 | 34 | 29 | 6 | 330 |
| Nottingham | 94 | 52 | 57 | 9 | 17 | 54 | 33 | 18 | 334 |
| Edinburgh | 133 | 46 | 40 | 9 | 32 | 43 | 30 | 22 | 355 |
| Leeds | 110 | 85 | 60 | 13 | 6 | 37 | 22 | 27 | 360 |
| Cambridge | 147 | 47 | 31 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 37 | 30 | 374 |
| King’s College London | 97 | 53 | 55 | 15 | 8 | 81 | 38 | 38 | 385 |
| Manchester | 111 | 74 | 54 | 7 | 15 | 78 | 44 | 13 | 396 |
| Newcastle | 144 | 45 | 101 | 19 | 13 | 63 | 19 | 13 | 417 |
| Leeds Beckett | 140 | 23 | 71 | 66 | 41 | 70 | 25 | 0 | 436 |
| York St John | 124 | 60 | 60 | 39 | 24 | 82 | 64 | 14 | 467 |
| Queen’s Belfast | 127 | 87 | 81 | 23 | 21 | 82 | 40 | 10 | 471 |
| Oxford | 194 | 99 | 89 | 26 | 15 | 61 | 58 | 46 | 588 |
Money-Saving Strategies for International Students in the UK
Studying in the UK provides extraordinary academic and cultural opportunities, but it is equally essential to manage your finances carefully. Living expenses can rise quickly, but with some smart strategies, international students can maximise their finances while maintaining a good quality of life. Below are the money-saving strategies for international students in the UK.
- Book Student Accommodation Early
Book student accommodation early on reliable platforms like uhomes.com, which can earn you the best deals and up to £500 cashback. You will also have more cost-effective options through hunting early.
- Choose Affordable Grocery Stores
While managing a student budget, it is crucial to shop strategically. Smaller local shops tend to have higher prices, so we suggest visiting Lidl, Morrisons, or Aldi—three of the most budget-friendly supermarkets for UK students. The cost of an average weekly shop at these stores can be as low as £20–30.
- Prepare Meals at Home to Save Money
To save hundreds of pounds each academic year, cook most meals at home. It cuts costs, teaches a valuable skill, and lets you tailor meals to your taste and diet. Plenty of student-friendly recipes, like those from BBC Good Food, offer quick, healthy, and affordable options.
- Utilise Student Discounts
Many locations in the UK, including restaurants, high-street stores, gyms, cinemas, galleries, and online subscription services like Spotify, offer student discounts. Many of them prominently display their discounts, but if you have any doubts, feel free to ask.
- Purchase Secondhand to Maximise Savings
Shopping second-hand offers a quick, easy, and sustainable way to save a considerable amount of money on nearly anything you may want or need during your studies, from university textbooks to household goods, furniture, and clothing.
- Be Smart About Energy Use
Reduce your bills by being mindful and consistently minimising your student household’s energy usage. In a shared flat, having a group discussion is beneficial, as you’ll be splitting the costs, allowing everyone to benefit from the savings. You can also rent an all-inclusive student accommodation at uhomes.com, so that no extra utility bills will bother you.
Conclusion
Managing your finances as a student in the UK is important. Although living expenses UK students can differ by region and university, understanding your expected monthly costs enables you to make more informed financial choices. Whether you’re enrolled in a prestigious university in London or a budget-friendly university elsewhere, thoughtful preparation can enhance your study abroad journey, making it easier and more enjoyable.
FAQs
Indeed, student living expenses UK can be quite high for Indian students. Typically, you need to budget for monthly spending ranging from £1,425 to £2,035 (around INR 150,000 to INR 230,000) for necessities such as accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
Living expenses in UK for international students differ depending on the location. Students in London generally spend between £1,200 and £1,400 each month, whereas those studying outside London usually incur expenses of approximately £900 to £1,100 per month.
The average monthly allowance for UK university students can range from £800 – £1500, covering student accommodation, food, laundry, transport, study materials, and some personal expenses. The amount also depends on your location. For example, the cost of living for London students may be more than £1500, while other regions like Cardiff, Coventry, and Glasgow are normally more affordable.
