Studying at a London university appeals to many students from outside the United Kingdom. The quality of education is high, and it provides a visa route with options to stay in the UK past graduation. However, studying here is not cheap, so it’s important to know what to expect from London’s cost of living for students.
Living costs vary depending on your personal circumstances, but it is possible to get a rough estimate before you go. Let’s get to it and explore the living expenses and average cost of life you should expect as a student in London.
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UK Student Visa
You’ll need a visa granting permission to live in the UK while you are a student. I took this route myself back in 2014 and continue to be jealous that students coming over now have the option to swap to a Graduate visa after completing studies which makes staying in the UK post-graduation so much easier.
Your visa fee will likely be £363 (applying from outside the UK) plus the cost of NHS surcharge. That surcharge grants you access to NHS healthcare while you are in country. You’ll pay more for dependants coming with you, and it may vary based on other factors such as location. As a rough estimate, budget £400-600 per person per year in country.
As part of your visa application, you will need to show evidence of finances to support yourself during your studies. To study in London, expect that amount to be a little over £15,000 per year. This amount is lower if you study elsewhere in the UK.
For more information on UK student visas, see my visa guide here. To see a NHS surcharge calculator from the UK government, click here.
Recap: £363 visa fee + £500 NHS surcharge (rough estimate per year)
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are capped for UK students, but those caps do not apply to international students. As a result, the fees you will be expected to pay your university can vary widely.
According to the Reddin Survey of University Tuition Fees, a majority of undergraduate degrees fall between £10,000 and £20,000 per year. A majority of postgraduate degrees fall between £12,000 and £25,000 per year.
Keep in mind that undergraduate programs typically last 3 years (as opposed to 4 in the US) and many postgraduate degrees are earned in just 1 year.
Recap: £10,000-25,000 per year (check your university tuition details for your individual cost)
Rent: Residence Halls
After tuition, your monthly rent is likely to be your largest living expense while studying in London. Your monthly rent can also vary greatly depending on whether you are eligible for accommodation in university halls and whether you need housing for non-student dependants.
Most universities offer some accommodation, but it is typically limited and you may only be eligible for it your first year of an undergraduate degree. Expect a private or shared room with shared use common areas. The average cost for university accommodation is £147 per week (£637 per month). This price usually includes all utilities.
Near many universities, it is also possible to find private accommodation in halls of residence similar to university accommodations. These have a slightly higher average cost of £151 per week (£654 per month).
London in general is more expensive than other parts of the UK and students average £185 per week (£802 per month) for student housing. This does not account for differences in university versus private accommodation.
Recap: £637-802 rough estimate per month (£7,644-9,624 per year)
Rent: Private Housing
If you’re moving over with family members in tow or a treasured pet you can’t leave behind, then student housing probably won’t work for you. In that case, it’s time to look for private rented accommodation. Average rent in London varies by area and the size of accommodation you need. Central London (Zone 1) unsurprisingly is also the most expensive.
To research accommodation costs in the areas near your university, run a search on Zoopla or Rightmove. This article provides some helpful guidance on the most and least expensive areas to rent in London.
Expect that the cost of rent will not cover utilities or furnishings for most private housing rentals. You will need to budget for those separately in this type of accommodation. Also, keep in mind that private landlords may request up to 12 months’ rent paid in advance to make up for your lack of UK credit.
Recap: £1,044 average studio rent per month (£12,528 per year); £1,825 average 2-bedroom rent per month (£21,900 per year)
Utilities, Accommodation Deposits, and Other Housing Expenses
In addition to monthly rent, you may need to factor in additional costs. A deposit should be expected for any type of housing, even at university halls. Budget for a deposit equal to 2 months’ rent for a conservative estimate. Additional deposits will be required for a pet-friendly rental.
Utility bills are notoriously rising in the UK, so don’t forget to factor this in if your utilities are not covered by your rental payment. In addition to gas and electric, you may be responsible for paying Council tax. Full-time students and those in university housing are exempt. However, if you bring a family member who is not a student, then you will likely be on the hook for these as well. You can check the Council tax rate for your area here.
Another fee that often surprises newcomers to the UK is the TV licence. This fee is assessed on the household (though you also need one to watch TV in your student housing room) and runs £159 per year.
Recap: Extremely variable depending on circumstances. Average £160 per month utilities (£2,079 per year with TV license) + 2 months’ deposit and council tax if not exempt.
Food
We all need to eat. I’m sure you’re already aware that making your own food is cheaper than eating out, but how do you determine a reasonable monthly cost student food budget in London? The cost of food varies a lot by diet, but I find the estimates on Numbeo to be a very helpful starting point to figure out your food costs. A quick input for one person eating out 20% of the time and primarily choosing inexpensive restaurants suggested a monthly food budget of about £435.
You can save on your weekly food shop by checking for deals at the larger supermarkets, limit eating in restaurants, and meal prepping to make your ingredients go farther.
Recap: Extremely variable depending on family size and eating habits. Minimum £435 per month for one person groceries and eating out.
Mobile Phone Bills
Compared to the US, mobile phone costs in the UK can be a relief. You will need a pay as you go plan initially (no UK credit means no contract), but these are also relatively inexpensive. Contract plans can then be had for as little as £5 per month depending on your needs. Check comparison sites like Money Supermarket for plan pricing with or without a new phone purchase. If a contract fits your timeline in the UK, then moving your mobile monthly expenses in this direction as soon as possible is the best way to save money. However, pay as you go fees are not overly high if you prefer to stay on a more flexible plan.
Recap: Pay as you go typically more expensive, budget at least £20 per month for one person.
Transportation
Transportation in London can be very convenient, but it is not inexpensive. Luckily, you are eligible for some student discounts. A Student Oyster card provide discounted travel within all 9 London zones. If you’re between 16 and 25 years old you can also purchase a Young Person’s Railcard to get discount fares across the UK.
When deciding whether living further from your university makes sense to save on housing, run a fare check to see what you’ll be paying for that commute. Fares typically increase when you cross more zones.
If you want to consider living outside London and commuting in via the London overground or National Rail trains, look at the commuting estimate tools mentioned in my general expat expenses guide.
Recap: Depends on where you live and how often you commute. Annual travelcards on London public transport £1,072-2,804 depending on how many zones are included.
Entertainment
Going out in London can also add up quickly, but there are ways to enjoy yourself on a budget. Consider obtaining a Totum card for student discounts. This program offers discounts on going out as well as other needs like clothing and tech purchases. They are also endorsed by the National Union of Students.
Some of London’s bigger tourist sights are very expensive. Thankfully, there is a lot to explore and experience in London simply by walking around. Also don’t forget that many museums in London request donations but are otherwise free admission.
If your social activities run more to the pub scene, know that the average UK cost for a pint of beer in 2022 is £3.95. Being in London, particularly in tourist-heavy areas can up to double this cost.
Recap: Depends on personal choice. Seek student discounts to lower costs.
Travel costs
London is a fantastic base from which to explore the rest of the UK and Europe. Include travel expenses in your budgeting to make sure you don’t miss out on this opportunity. Budget airlines make Europe accessible for cheap if you can pack light. Don’t overlook rail opportunities for slower and more scenic travel as well. You may be eligible for a young person’s railcard or a family and friends railcard to get significant discounts on rail travel in the UK.
When booking hotels, hostels or apartments, I always rely on Booking.com for the best deals.
Recap: Depends on travel choices and seasonal deals. Check for discount flights and use Booking.com to find lodging deals.
How to Manage Costs of Living in London
Once you’ve determined a rough guide for how much living and studying in London will cost, it’s time to consider how you will pay for it.
Financial Support
Many students take out loans to fund their studies and living costs in part or full. In the UK, these are typically referred to as maintenance loans. For US Americans, the student loan process for attending a UK school is roughly the same as it would be for attending a US school.
Part-time Jobs
It is common for international students to also work while studying in London. Student visas do include limitations on working, most often to part-time only during term time. Keep in mind that being a full-time student is a job in itself.
Note that potential income from work will not count toward the financial requirements you need to meet in order to receive a student visa. That money must be on hand in your bank account to show you can pay for your course of study and a minimum level of living expenses.
When you find a job in the UK, you can start by showing visa proof to your employer that you are allowed to work in the UK. You will need to get a national insurance number (similar to US social security number), but this can be issued after you start work.
If you have a dependant partner moving to the UK with you while you study, they may be eligible to work full-time without an employer sponsoring them during your student visa.
Emergency Funds
There are many variables that change how much you need to cover your cost of living as a student in London. Create a rough estimate of your expenses, but make sure you set aside a cushion in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. That way you’ll have enough money for your living costs, but also be able to enjoy your experience without counting every penny.
Schools Outside London
One way to dramatically lower your cost-of-living expenses is to consider studying in the UK outside of London. While London is a fantastic city, there are plenty of other great options.
If you’d like to stay near London, consider Kingston University. This is where I completed a masters degree and found the quality of education excellent. Located in Kingston Upon Thames, this university is in Zone 6 for London transport services and only a short commute into London city centre.
What Does the Cost of Living in London as a Student Buy?
London is an expensive city for visitors and students hoping to make the most of what may be limited time here. Aside from the priceless life experience you stand to gain by studying here, completing a full-time course of study may open the opportunity to live and work in the UK longer term.
See my guide to UK visas for more information the Graduate visa that allows students to stay and work in the UK without needing a sponsor.
The Graduate visa was not an option for me when I graduated from Kingston University and I moved back to the US for several years. Even in the US, I found value from my completed degree in progressing my career there.
The UK has top universities which enjoy a positive reputation throughout the world and can provide you with a world-class education whether you seek to stay in the UK long-term or not.
It’s a good idea to determine how much money you will need to support yourself studying in London in advance so that you can enjoy your student experience and benefit from it for years to come. For further information on costs to expect, don’t hesitate to reach out to your chosen university for student services assistance.
