UK Monthly Expense : Breakdown for an International Student in the UK

09-Jun-2025

Pollstereducation

Study Abroad

UK Monthly Expense : Breakdown for an International Student in the UK

Studying in the UK as an international student is an exciting journey — one that comes with many new experiences, responsibilities, and of course, financial planning. Understanding the monthly cost of living in the UK is essential so you can budget wisely and make the most of your time abroad without unnecessary stress.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a detailed breakdown of monthly expenses for international students, along with tips on managing your finances effectively.

Why Budgeting Is Crucial

Unlike some countries, the UK doesn’t allow international students to access public funds, so you need to be self-reliant. While tuition fees are fixed and usually paid term-wise, day-to-day expenses vary greatly depending on your lifestyle, city of residence, and personal habits.

Whether you’re living in London, Manchester, Birmingham, or a smaller town, your costs will differ. However, here’s a general idea of monthly expenses based on averages.

Average Monthly Expenses (in GBP)

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (Outside London)	Average Monthly Cost (London)
Accommodation (Rent)	£400 – £700	£600 – £1,200
Utilities & Internet	£50 – £80	£60 – £100
Food & Groceries	£150 – £250	£200 – £300
Transportation	£40 – £70 (student discount pass)	£60 – £100 (Oyster/Travelcard)
Mobile & Internet	£10 – £30	£10 – £30
Study Materials	£30 – £50	£30 – £50
Leisure & Entertainment	£50 – £100	£80 – £150
Miscellaneous Expenses	£30 – £70	£50 – £100

Estimated Total:
Outside London: £750 – £1,250/month
London: £1,100 – £2,000/month

Detailed Expense Breakdown

1. Accommodation

This will likely be your biggest monthly expense. You can choose between:

University Halls: Easier to manage but sometimes costlier
Shared Private Flats: More budget-friendly but involves extra responsibilities
Homestays: Includes food, offering stability

Tip: Always check if your rent includes utilities before signing a lease.

2. Utility Bills

If you're not in university accommodation, you’ll need to budget for:

Gas & electricity
Water
Wi-Fi and internet

Some housing arrangements may divide bills among flatmates.

3. Food & Groceries

Cooking at home is far cheaper than eating out. You can shop from:

Budget supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl, ASDA
Mid-range options: Tesco, Sainsbury’s
Ethnic grocery stores: For international flavours and spices

A student cooking for themselves typically spends £30–£50 per week.

4. Transportation

Students benefit from discounted travel cards:

16–25 Railcard: 1/3 off train fares
Oyster Card (London): Capped daily travel prices
Bus Passes (other cities): Monthly plans for local buses

5. Mobile and Internet

Several network providers offer student plans:

GiffGaff, Lebara, Voxi, EE often provide SIM-only deals with data starting from £10/month.

6. Study Materials

This includes:

Books (consider borrowing or second-hand)
Stationery
Software subscriptions (Adobe, MS Office, etc.)

Tip: Many UK universities provide online library access and discounted tools.

7. Leisure and Entertainment

From movies to cafes, gym memberships to concerts — it’s important to enjoy student life too. Budget wisely and take advantage of student discounts using apps like:

UNiDAYS
Totum Card
Student Beans

8. Miscellaneous Expenses

This includes:

Clothing
Toiletries
Haircuts
Occasional takeaways
Healthcare costs (if not covered)

London vs. Other Cities

City	Estimated Monthly Living Cost
London	£1,300 – £2,000
Manchester	£900 – £1,200
Birmingham	£850 – £1,100
Glasgow	£800 – £1,100
Leicester	£700 – £1,000

London is significantly more expensive, especially when it comes to rent and transportation.

Tips to Save Money as a Student

Cook meals in batches
Buy public transport passes
Share accommodation
Shop during sales and use student discounts
Work part-time (up to 20 hours/week during term)
Open a student bank account for better interest rates and offers

How Pollster Education Supports You

At Pollster Education, we guide students not just in admissions and visas, but also help them understand the real costs of studying in the UK. We provide:

Free cost-of-living counselling
Budget planning tips
Guidance on working part-time legally
Help with choosing affordable cities and accommodation

Budgeting for your monthly expenses in the UK is one of the most important steps for a smooth student experience. With smart planning and the right support, you can enjoy your education journey without overspending.

Let Pollster Education help you prepare for a cost-efficient and successful study abroad experience in the UK!