It’s always a wise idea to remain up to date on the newest trends and the costs you are likely to incur if you decide to relocate to a new country. The United Kingdom has over 90 universities and colleges that rank in the QS World Rankings and provide around three intakes to students from all around the world each year. In a vibrant society rich in diversity and with numerous job prospects, studying in the UK has been a hot topic. But what is the cost of living in the UK for students? What are the different living expenses that students will come across? Read on to get in-depth insights into the same.
The place you decide to reside in will have a significant impact on your average expenses in the UK. For instance, compared to living in Aberdeen, Glasgow, or, Sunderland, the level of life in places like Oxford, London, and Cambridge is far richer, and hence, more expensive. On average, it can be said that the monthly cost of living in the UK ranges between £ 1,154 to £1,218 for international students. If you are a prospective student looking to further your education in the UK, this blog will walk you through the cost of living in the UK as an international student.
What Is The Cost Of Living In The UK?
In the UK, most degrees are awarded within one to three years. To study in the UK as an international student, you will be qualified for more than 450 scholarships, grants, and prizes. So you must plan your budget & finances after applying for scholarships and evaluating the estimated costs that you’ll come across as an international student. Here’s a breakdown of the monthly living expenses that you’re likely to incur when in the UK –
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £408 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £472 |
| Transportation | £65 |
| Food | £360 |
| Utilities | £189 |
| Entertainment | £40 |
| Groceries | £28 |
| Clothes | £64 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | £1,154 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | £1,218 |
| Annual Cost Of Living | £13,848 |
Cost Of Living In The UK: Factors
Your tuition fees aside, you will come across tonnes of UK living costs for international students. A few upfront expenses, particularly when it comes to setting up longer-term accommodation, might swiftly consume a portion of your bank account if you don’t make the necessary arrangements. You should typically budget for the following to obtain an idea of the cost of living in the UK for Indian students:
- Accommodation
- Transport
- Eating & Drinking
- Entertainment
- Mobile Phone & Internet
- Miscellaneous
Accommodation
Monthly Average Cost: £472 (on-campus); £408 (off-campus)
You can choose to live on-campus at the university’s halls of residence as most universities in the UK provide accommodation to students. While many enjoy the perks of proximity to the university and convenience, many students opt for on-campus housing. However, if you’re looking forward to experiencing freedom in its truest sense, private student accommodation in the UK is the ideal choice. You can find great UK student housing located near the top UK universities with UniAcco at reasonable prices. Ranging from stylish studios to shared ensuites and flats, we’ve listed a few of the best private housing options available –
- iQ Stephenson House
- St James’ House
- iQ Collingwood
- Foundry Courtyard
- Collegelands
- Belgrave View
Entertainment
Monthly Average Cost: £40
Your cost of living in the UK is also impacted by the amount spent on entertainment purposes. You could choose to spend your weekends or breaks touring the city, visiting museums and art galleries, checking out local cafes, or perhaps going to the theatre. There can be several chances where last-minute plans can happen, such as concerts or unexpected excursions. It is advisable to set aside some money for such entertainment.
Transportation
Monthly Average Cost: £65
The UK has an excellent national and local train network, and trains can take you practically everywhere. There are several different types of railway tickets available in the UK, but the cheapest are those purchased in advance, which guarantee your seat on a train on a specific day or time. Students generally receive discounts on city transportation, making it easier for them to travel around the city. For starters, you can begin by applying for a rail card. Hiring Taxis could impact the cost of living in the UK since taxis are quite expensive. International students can also utilise travel cards to save money while travelling across or within cities.
Food & Groceries
Monthly Average Cost: Food – £360; Groceries – £28
Although living on campus saves you from food expenditures, students living in private accommodations must consider food prices. While you might enjoy dining out on occasion, the easiest way to save money is to prepare your meals at home. For several popular supermarket items, the estimated average costs are as follows:
| Particulars | Cost |
| Bread (1 packet) | £0.71 |
| Milk (1.13L) | £0.81 |
| Chicken (300g) | £1.57 |
| Eggs (6) | £1.51 |
| Rice (1kg) | £1.51 |
Mobile Phone & Internet
Monthly Average Cost: £20 to £40
The cost of a mobile phone and internet in the UK per month for international students can vary depending on the plan and provider. On average, a basic mobile phone plan with limited data can cost around £10-£15 per month, while a more comprehensive plan with higher data allowances can cost upwards of £20 per month. Internet plans for students can range from around £20-£40 per month, depending on the speed and data allowances. It’s worth noting that many providers offer student discounts, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices to find the best deal. Additionally, some universities offer free or discounted internet access on campus, so it’s worth checking with your institution before purchasing a plan.
Miscellaneous
Monthly Average Cost: £100
Even if you adhere to a rigid routine, you’ll be surprised at how much money you’ll spend on “extras.” These miscellaneous living costs in the UK for international students might include home supplies, gifts, clothing, and stationery, among others. However, most of these expenses depend on the choices made, and you can always find affordable ways out.
Start planning your budget for studying or living in the UK – Watch the video to find out the cost of living.
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I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further