Cost of Living in London for Students

Studying in London is a dream for many students as the capital city of the UK is home to one of the top universities and colleges and has a scintillating student life. Pursuing higher studies in London, you will get to explore this bustling cosmopolitan in all its glory while also availing many global career opportunities alongside your academic program. It can be the opportunity of a lifetime for you and will help you grow both personally and academically. However, there are many things to consider before making this decision especially the cost of living and studying. This blog collates all the essentials regarding the cost of living in London for students including accommodation, travel and other expenses. 

Must Read: Cost of Studying in UK

Cost of Living in London for International Students

London is very rightly known as the education capital of the world and scores of students from all over the world apply to universities in London in every year. The top universities and colleges in London have consistently featured at the top of the World University Rankings and are internationally renowned for academic excellence! When it comes to the cost of living in London for students, your overall budget differs from person to person depending on their lifestyle and habits. The total cost of living in London comprises of accommodation, travel, food and personal expenses. Here is an overview of approximate expenditure of cost of living in London for students in 2020:

Type of Expense	Approximate Expenditure
Accomodation	Average weekly rent – £170 (INR 16,660)
Travel	£90 (8,000 INR) per month
Food	£50-£300 (4800 INR-29,000 INR roughly) monthly
Personal Expenses	Changes from person to person depending on their lifestyle
Miscellaneous Expenses	Changes from person to person depending on their lifestyle

London on a Budget

The first thing that needs to be done in order to estimate the cost of living in London for students is to prepare a budget. You can start with a rough estimate of all the costs that will be incurred while staying in London. This budget will not include the fees for your college or university, this includes the accommodation, food, travel and personal expenses. You can start by listing all the sources and costs to get a better idea.

Check Out: MBA in London

Accommodation

This completely depends on the student and the type of accommodation they are opting for. The cost of living in London for students will vary for students living on-campus or off-campus. The on-campus accommodation is usually added under the total course fees while sharing a flat or renting your own apartment can be an added living expense. If you choose to stay in the hostel dormitory, your cost of living in London for students can be lower, however, if you want a private space, your average rent can be around £170 (16,000 INR roughly) per week which will amount to £8800 (8,65,000 INR roughly) yearly (this may vary from city to city). Staying in a private space will also add the expenses of gas, electricity, maintenance of appliances, etc.

Travel

Another important part of the cost of living in London for students is the travel expenditure. London has a well-connected public transport system including buses and subways which help you reach every nook and corner of London. There is also the option of renting cabs, the rates for these cabs vary from location to location. On average, a bus ride in London can cost you £1.50 (150 INR roughly) which means around £90 (8,000 INR) per month.

Related Read: Top Universities in London

Food

This is also an integral part of the cost of living in London for students. As per a report by LSE a student will spend £50-£300 (4000 INR-29,000 INR roughly) monthly on food depending on the fact if they stay in a hostel or private space. This includes the amount spent on groceries as well as on take-outs and dinners. 

Personal Expenses

Apart from the accommodation, food and travel cost, you also have to consider personal expenses while living in London. This forms a major chunk of cost of living in London for students, it includes all your personal expenditure from shopping to entertainment. This entirely depends on you and your lifestyle choices and preferences. Personal expenses form a major chunk of the cost of living in London for students.

Also Read: Colleges in London

Miscellaneous

Apart from the money you spend on fees for the college, you will have to spend a certain amount on books, notes and other stationery items. You can include the amount you spend on reference books and other study materials.

Cost of Living in London Calculator

Click here to for an exclusive Cost of Living Online Calculator to find the cost of living in London as per your customised preferences.

How to Manage the Cost of Living in London?

In conclusion, the cost of living in London for students on an average will be somewhere between £1100 and £1300 (107,000 – 127000 INR roughly) depending on your choices and preferences. You can choose to increase or decrease your monthly expenditure. One of the best ways to reduce the cost of living in London for students is to take up a part-time job. This will help you gain experience in a particular field as well as get you some extra allowance. There are a number of opportunities available for Freshers and you don’t need any experience for them.

[Bonus] Top Universities and Colleges in London

The colleges in London provide students with top-class education, modern establishments and abundant opportunities. In fact, many eminent personalities have been graduates from colleges in London. London is also famous for its culture and heritage which is one of the best in the world. Now that you are familiar with the cost of living in London for students, here are the top colleges and universities you must explore:

• London School of Business
• London School of Economics and Political Science
• Imperial College London
• Birkbeck, University of London
• University College London
• King’s College London

Recommended Read: February Intake Universities in UK 2021

Thus, we hope that this blog has cleared all your doubts regarding the cost of living in London for students. Planning to study in the UK? Get in touch with our Leverage Edu experts and we will guide you throughout the admission process of your chosen university while also sorting out other essentials like scholarships, accommodation and more! Sign up for a free session with us now!