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London is the dream destination to study and work for millions of people. With a population of 9 million people from all over the world, living in London guarantees you a global lifestyle. Students can find dynamic job opportunities, visit the world’s best museums and soak in the cultural diversity of the UK’s largest city. If you want to study in the UK and live in its coolest city then here are some affordable universities 1.5 hours away from London for you to explore!
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Affordable Universities 1.5 Hours Away from London
For students seeking a high-quality UK education without the high living costs of the capital, a compelling alternative lies in universities situated within a convenient 1.5-hour train journey from London. This strategic choice allows students to readily access London’s myriad opportunities and cultural attractions while benefiting from significantly more affordable tuition fees and living expenses found in surrounding towns and cities. Many of these institutions offer excellent academic programs across a diverse range of disciplines, coupled with a vibrant student experience and strong industry connections, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious international and domestic students alike.
- University of Essex
- De Montfort University
- Portsmouth University
- Canterbury Christ Church
- Anglia Ruskin University
University of Essex
The University of Essex is one of the affordable universities 1.5 hours away from London. Located in the city of Colchester and established in 1963, the University of Essex is counted amongst the top world universities. It offers a range of programs at affordable tuition fees, scholarships, and first-cum first basis accommodation for students. The university offers free language classes, data science courses to students and offers assistance with its career center. The university offers three different campuses in Southend, Loughton, or Colchester and encourages students to explore UK’s divine suburbs.
Also Read: Best Student Cities in UK
De Montfort University
Just 1.5 hours from London, De Montfort University offers 300+ undergraduate and graduate courses to students from 130 countries. As one of the global universities, DMU is known for its accredited courses and international programs which allow students to take academic field trips, language classes, and volunteering. DMU is also known for its sports excellence and promoting physical fitness amongst students, The university has incredible teams across different sports. It offers credible candidates work placements and scholarships to advance in their choice of career.
Also Read: Study in UK’s Beach Towns and Breezy Cities!
Portsmouth University
Portsmouth University is a public university located in the heart of England. It is counted amongst the affordable universities just 1.5 hours away from London because of its unique location and affordable tuition fees. The acceptance rate for Portsmouth is 77% which allows students from across the world to study and experience a global culture. The university was recently voted amongst the top 25 universities in the UK for student satisfaction by Student Crowd 2021 and has a record of 9 out of 10 Portsmouth graduates being employed within months of finishing their school or opting to study further.
Canterbury Christ Church University
Located in the medieval county of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University is amongst the most affordable universities in UK. It is just 1.5 hours away from the incredible city of London which allows students to experience campus life and city life. The university has an incredible success rate in terms of student satisfaction, and graduate employment rate and offers flexible programs. The university offers a plethora of courses, including foundation courses to help students kickstart their careers. The university offers multiple entry points like September, January, and May intake as well as the clearing process.
Must Read: How to Pursue MPhil in UK?
Anglia Ruskin University
Last on our list of affordable universities 1.5 hours away from London is Anglia Ruskin University. With an overall satisfaction rate of 8.3 out of 10, the university offers an unforgettable learning experience for students and a great exchange of ideas between faculty and students. ARU incentivizes its students and helps them afford tuition costs through scholarships, attendance bursaries, part-time jobs and employment schemes. The university also provides e-books for all core study material to help reduce the cost of studying in London.
Also Read: How to Study in Glasgow?
Cost of Studying in London
The average cost of living in London is £1,250 per month [INR 1,25,996.13] for a student. Students are required to pay their tuition fees at the beginning of the semester and are required to provide sufficient evidence of financial support to live in the country. Here is the breakdown of the average monthly cost of living and studying in London:
| Item | Cost |
| Average Tuition Fees (full cost) | USD 21,200 (INR 15,39,994) |
| Travel, Accommodation & Food | USD 1,470 – 1,740 (INR 1,06,800 – INR 1,26,416). |
Must Read: The Top UK Universities Every Football Player Must Check Out!
Basic Requirements to Study in UK
Here are the major requirements to study in UK that you need to ensure while applying to a UK university:
- Copy of a valid passport
- Scorecard of English proficiency tests like TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced. (Some universities exempt students from this if they meet the set criteria)
- GMAT/GRE for Masters programs
- Academic Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendations (LOR)
- Portfolio (for specific courses)
- A CV (if applicable)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
UK Universities Half an Hour from London
For prospective students seeking a world-class education without sacrificing the vibrant energy of London, the UK offers an impressive array of universities situated just a short half-hour commute from the capital. This unique proximity provides the best of both worlds: access to London’s unparalleled cultural, professional, and social opportunities, combined with the often more focused and community-oriented environments of campuses outside the immediate city centre. Whether by fast train connections or efficient public transport, these institutions present an attractive option for those who desire academic excellence and a dynamic student experience, all within easy reach of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
- Queen Mary University of London
- Middlesex University
- Northumbria University
- University of East London
- Brunel University
Also Read: Sandwich Courses in UK
FAQs
Several affordable universities within a 1.5-hour commute from London include the University of Essex in Colchester, the University of Reading in Reading, and the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield. These institutions offer a wide range of programs and often have lower tuition fees compared to universities in central London.
Yes, there are excellent public transportation options for commuting to universities 1.5 hours away from London. Trains, buses, and even the London Underground connect the city with nearby towns and campuses. Students often use discounted student travel cards or passes for more cost-effective commuting.
To learn more about the affordability and academic offerings of universities near London, you can visit their official websites. Additionally, you can contact their admissions offices for specific information about tuition fees, scholarships, and program details. It’s also a good idea to attend virtual or in-person open days to get a feel for the campus and meet with faculty and staff.
Relevant Reads
| Study in the UK After 12th Commerce | Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students |
| Study in the UK Without IELTS | UK Scholarships for Indian Students |
| Masters in UK | Top Universities in UK for International Students |
We hope that this blog has given a complete idea about affordable universities 1.5 hours away from London. Discover more courses and destinations to study abroad by subscribing to Leverage Edu today. Thank you for reading!
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