How Much Does It Cost to Live in London as a Student?
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Study AbroadHow Much Does It Cost to Live in London as a Student?
London is one of the most vibrant, diverse, and student-friendly cities in the world. It offers students unparalleled opportunities in education, networking, culture, and career growth. However, it's also one of the most expensive cities to live in—not just in the UK, but globally. If you're an international student planning to study in London, it's essential to understand the real cost of living and budget accordingly.
In this blog, we'll break down all the major expenses students face while studying in London and offer tips to manage your finances wisely.
What Is the Average Cost of Living in London for Students?
On average, international students can expect to spend between £1,100 and £1,400 per month living in London. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses.
The UK Home Office requires international students to show £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) to cover living costs in London for visa purposes. That totals about £12,006 per year.
1. Accommodation Costs in London
Accommodation is the biggest monthly expense for students in London. The cost can vary depending on the location, type of housing, and whether utilities are included.
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| University Halls (En-suite) | £750 – £1,100 |
| Private Student Halls | £900 – £1,300 |
| Shared Apartment (Zone 2–4) | £600 – £900 |
| Studio Apartment | £1,100 – £1,500 |
| Homestay | £700 – £1,000 |
Tip: Choose zones 2–4 for cheaper rent and commute with an Oyster card.
2. Food & Groceries
Eating out every day in London can burn a hole in your pocket. However, cooking at home is a much cheaper alternative.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Groceries (Tesco, Aldi, etc.) | £150 – £250 |
| Eating out (occasional) | £50 – £100 |
| Meal at restaurant | £12 – £25 |
| Coffee (1 cup) | £2.5 – £4 |
Tip: Shop at budget supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, or Asda to save money.
3. Transportation Costs
London has an extensive public transport system, including the Tube (Underground), buses, and trains. Students in London can apply for a 18+ Student Oyster Card, which offers a 30% discount on adult-rate travelcards and bus passes.
| Travel Option | Monthly Cost (With Discount) |
|---|---|
| Zone 1–2 Travelcard (Oyster) | ~£98 |
| Bus Pass (Unlimited Travel) | ~£60 |
| Pay-as-you-go (Tube/Bus/Train) | Varies by usage |
Many students also walk or bike to save on commuting costs.
4. Study Materials & Stationery
While many universities offer digital resources, students still spend on books, printing, subscriptions, and stationery.
| Item | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Course books / eBooks | £20 – £50 |
| Printing, copying | £10 – £20 |
| Stationery & Supplies | £10 – £15 |
Many libraries offer free textbook borrowing—use them!
5. Mobile Phone & Internet
Staying connected is essential for studies and staying in touch with family.
| Service | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Mobile plan (SIM only) | £10 – £30 |
| Internet (Shared apartment) | £15 – £25 |
Popular student-friendly mobile providers: giffgaff, Voxi, SMARTY.
6. Clothing, Entertainment & Miscellaneous
London offers world-class entertainment and shopping. Budgeting for outings, occasional shopping, and essentials is important.
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Clothing | £20 – £60 |
| Gym Membership | £20 – £40 |
| Movies, Clubs, Events | £30 – £80 |
| Toiletries & Essentials | £10 – £30 |
Use student discounts on sites like UNiDAYS and Student Beans.
Total Monthly Living Costs in London (Summary)
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | £700 – £1,200 |
| Food & Groceries | £150 – £250 |
| Transport | £60 – £120 |
| Study Materials | £20 – £50 |
| Mobile & Internet | £25 – £40 |
| Personal & Leisure | £50 – £100 |
| Total | £1,100 – £1,400 |
Money-Saving Tips for Students in London
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Use student cards: NUS, UNiDAYS, and Student Beans offer discounts on food, clothing, travel, and entertainment.
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Apply for scholarships: Several universities offer living allowance scholarships.
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Cook at home: Meal planning and cooking reduce food costs drastically.
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Choose Zone 2–3 for housing: Still well connected, but cheaper than Zone 1.
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Buy second-hand books: Or borrow from the library whenever possible.
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Work part-time: International students on a Student visa can work 20 hours/week during term time.
Budgeting Tools & Apps
Here are a few apps to help you track your expenses:
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Monzo: UK-based bank with budgeting features
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Splitwise: Great for sharing rent or groceries with flatmates
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Mint / YNAB: Track income vs expenses
Living in London vs Other UK Cities
London is more expensive than other UK student cities like Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, and Birmingham. If budget is a major concern, consider universities in these cities which offer high-quality education at lower living costs.
Living in London as a student is exciting, diverse, and full of opportunity. While the cost of living can be high, smart budgeting, planning, and student discounts can make it very manageable. Understanding your monthly expenses is the first step to enjoying your student life stress-free in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
If you’re planning to study in London and need help with university selection, budgeting, visa, or student accommodation, Pollster Education is here to guide you at every step.
