If you are planning to study in London and curious about what it’s like to live in one of the most iconic cities in the world, this blog is for you. London is more than just a tourist destination. It’s also a global centre for education, finance and business. With its top-class universities and job market, London is a great place to study and advance your career.
Even though London can be pricey, its many offerings make it a worthwhile place to live. The average living expenses in London for students range between £1,237 and £1,309 (INR 126,281 – INR 133,632) per month. Let us explore more about the cost of living in London and its practicalities.
The Average Cost Of Living In London For Students
The average cost of living in London for students in 2023-24 is around £1,200-£1,800 (INR 122,504 – INR 183,756) per month. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and other essential expenses. Here is the detailed breakdown:
| Items | Cost of living in London (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £408 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £480 |
| Transportation | £159 |
| Food | £406 |
| Utility | £155 |
| Entertainment | £44 |
| Groceries | £155 |
| Clothes | £69 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,237 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,309 |
Accommodation Costs In London For International Students
Accommodation is often the biggest expense for students living in London. Finding affordable housing in London can be a challenge, but it is easily possible to live in this beautiful city with mindful and advanced planning.
Students who prefer to live off campus can choose the accommodation that is close to their university and offers the amenities and features they need. UniAcco is a platform that helps students find top-notch housing near their university.
Here are the average weekly expenses for off-campus and on-campus accommodation:
| Accommodation type | Average weekly cost |
| Off-campus studio flat | £250-£350 |
| Off-campus one-bedroom flat | £350-£450 |
| Off-campus two-bedroom flat | £450-£550 |
| On-campus single room | £150-£250 |
| On-campus en-suite room | £250-£350 |
Cost Of Transport In London For Students
London has one of the most extensive and efficient public transportation systems in the world. While the cost of transportation can add up, there are ways for students to save money. The Underground (also known as the Tube), buses, and trains connect all parts of the city.
Here is the average cost of each mode of transport in London for students:
| Transport | Cost |
| Metro | £2.50 |
| Hopper fare | £2.40 |
| Monthly bus fare | £150.00 |
| Cable car | £6.00 |
| Riverboat | £10.00 |
Note: The Hopper fare is a special type of fare that allows passengers to travel on multiple buses within one hour for a single fare.
Education Cost In London For International Students
Studying in London can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to be aware of the financial challenges involved. There are several ways to reduce expenses, so international students should carefully research and budget.
1. Tuition fees
Tuition fees for international students at public universities in London typically range from £11,400 to £38,000 (iNR 1,163,792 – INR 3,879,306) per year, depending on the subject and the university. Tuition fees for private universities are generally higher and can be as much as £50,000 (INR 5,104,350) per year.
2. Living costs
Despite the high cost of living, studying in London is a worthwhile investment for students. International students should expect to spend around £1,300 to £1,400 per month on accommodation, food, and other essential expenses.
3. Total education expenses
The total education expenses for an international student studying in London for a year can range from £22,700 to £52,400.
4. Scholarships and bursaries
There are several scholarships and bursaries available to international students studying in London. These can help to reduce the overall cost of education. Students should research the different options available and apply according to their eligibility.
Pre-arrival And Post-arrival Cost Of Studying In London
There are several costs to consider when studying in London, both before and after your arrival.
Pre-arrival costs in London
- Application fees: £20-£50 per university
- Visa application fee: £348
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £470 per year
- Travel insurance: £100-£200
- Accommodation deposit: £200-£500
- Flight tickets will differ based on the location you are travelling from.
Post-arrival costs in London
- Tuition fees: £11,400-£38,000 per year, depending on the subject and the university
- Living costs: £1,300-£1,400 per month, depending on the student’s lifestyle and budget
- Books and other study materials: £200-£500 per year
- Transportation costs: £100-£200 per month
- Social and recreational activities: £200-£300 per month
Healthcare Costs For International Students In London
International students are eligible to use the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, but they must pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. The IHS covers the cost of NHS healthcare for international students and their dependents.
International students may also want to purchase private health insurance, which can cover the cost of non-NHS healthcare, such as dental care and prescription drugs.
Here is a breakdown of some of the typical healthcare costs and expenses in London:
- NHS doctor’s appointment: £9.50
- NHS hospital appointment: £22.00
- NHS prescription drug: £9.35
- NHS dental appointment: £23.80
- Private doctor’s appointment: £50-£200
- Private hospital appointment: £100-£500
- Private dental appointment: £40-£100
- Private health insurance policy: £50-£200 per month
Popular University Fees In London For Students
London is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the globe. Check out the list of average annual tuition fees for undergraduate students at some of the leading universities in London.
| University | Tuition fees for international students (2023-2024) |
| Imperial College London | £45,000 |
| University College London | £43,000 |
| King’s College London | £42,000 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | £41,000 |
| Queen Mary University of London | £40,000 |
Entertainment Costs In London For Students
London is a city that never sleeps, and its entertainment scene is diverse and lively. Students can immersively experience amazing theatre, music venues, restaurants and more.
Here is the list of the average monthly entertainment costs for students in London:
| Expense | Cost |
| Museums and galleries | £20 |
| Cinemas and theatres | £30 |
| Restaurants and bars | £100 |
| Clubs and nightlife | £50 |
| Other entertainment (e.g., concerts, sporting events) | £50 |
Total estimated monthly entertainment costs: £250 (INR 25,522)
Note: It is important to note that these are just estimates, and your actual costs will differ based on your lifestyle and interests.
Tips For Managing Expenses In London
There are several things you can do to manage your expenses and live comfortably in London on a student budget. Here are a few basic tips:
- Live in shared accommodation. You can find the best and affordable accommodation through UniAcco.
- Buy groceries in bulk.
- Walk or bike whenever possible.
- Take advantage of free and low-cost activities. There are a number of free museums, concerts, and events happening in London.
- Use a library card to borrow books and movies instead of buying them.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Key Takeaway
- London is a global centre for education, finance, and business, making it a great place for studying and career advancement.
- The average living expenses for students in London range between £1,237 and £1,309 per month (INR 130,594 – INR 137,913).
- Accommodation costs for students vary from £408 for off-campus to £480 for on-campus living (INR 43,062 – INR 50,816).
- Transportation costs include the Tube, buses, and other modes, with an average monthly bus fare of £150.00 (INR 15,825).
- Tuition fees for international students range from £11,400 to £50,000 per year, and living costs can range from £1,300 to £1,400 per month (INR 137,280 – INR 148,680).
- Pre-arrival costs include application fees, visa application fees, and more, while post-arrival costs include tuition fees, living costs, transportation, and more.
- International students are eligible for NHS services but need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. Private health insurance can cover additional costs.
- Popular university fees in London range from £40,000 to £45,000 per year for international students (INR 4,22,600 – INR 4,74,450).
- Monthly entertainment costs for students are estimated to be around £250 (INR 26,400).
- Tips for managing expenses include sharing accommodation via UniAcco, buying groceries in bulk, utilizing free activities, and utilizing a library card.
FAQs
1. What is the average living cost in London?
The average living cost in London for a single person is around £1,500 per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other essential expenses.
2. What is the cost of living in London for an Indian?
On average, Indian students can expect to spend around £1,200-£1,500 per month (122,653 – 153,317). However, it is likely to differ based on lifestyle and preferences.
3. How much does it cost to live as a student in London?
The cost of living as a student in London can differ depending on your university, accommodation, and lifestyle choices. However, on average, students in London can expect to spend around £1,000-£1,500 per month.
4. Is London very expensive for students?
Yes, London is a very expensive city to live in, including for students. However, there are a number of ways to save money, such as living in shared accommodation, cooking at home, and taking advantage of student discounts.
5. What are the best areas for affordable student accommodation in London?
The best areas for student accommodation in London are Zone 1: Elephant and Castle, Bermondsey, New Cross, and Peckham. Zone 2: Brixton, Clapham, Dalston, Hackney, Islington. Zone 3: Forest Gate, Manor Park, Stratford, Walthamstow.
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