London is one of the greatest places to live in. Right from the moment one has decided to study in London, one must also understand the cost of living in London as it will shape their entire journey. The cost of living in London is the sum of your tuition fees and academic expenses, house rent, food and groceries, travel, clothing, leisure, and other expenses. This page is specially drafted to guide students about the cost of living in London and how students can manage their finances to live an affordable life. 

How Much is the Cost of Living in London? 

The cost of living in London can greatly vary based on one’s location, level of study, and lifestyle. For those living in university halls, the monthly cost of living can range between £1,128–£2,962. Here’s the breakdown of the cost of living in London for undergraduate students in university halls. 

Tuition Fee in London 

The cost of studying in London for international students can vary based on the university and level of education. The annual tuition fees for undergraduate courses can range between £16,200 to £40,940. For postgraduate courses, the tuition fee can vary between £18,900 to £25,000.  

Here’s a breakdown of the undergraduate and postgraduate tuition fees at the top universities in London for international students. 

Accommodation Costs in London 

Student accommodation in London is a major contributor to the cost of living. Rent in London depends on factors like its location, room type, and facilities included. On-campus student housing in London can cost £1,128 to £2,962 and off-campus from £1,350 to £3,200. Moreover, if you are living outside the city centre on the outskirts, then the rent will be much cheaper than in the city centre. 

Travel Cost in London 

To calculate travel costs in London, students must know everything about the price of monthly bus passes, gasoline, taxi fares, and one-way train tickets. Travel costs in London can vary between £160 to £200 per month. 

Food and Grocery Cost in London 

Food and grocery costs in London can vary from £160 to £520. This is the estimated cost of food and grocery items and can vary based on the listed prices and level of consumption. Here’s a breakdown of the entire food and grocery cost in London. 

Clothing and Leisure in London 

Clothing and Leisure costs in London can range from £100 to £200. This can include the prices of clothes, movie tickets, entertainment parks, etc. 

How to Manage Finances in London? 

Understanding the cost of living in London is essential to set out a friendly budget. But what’s more important is to manage your finances. Most of the international students take up part-time jobs to pay their bills. However, working part-time is just one of the many steps that can help students manage their finances in London. Here are some of the best ways that can help students manage their finances in London. 

• Start by tracking your income and expenses by making a list of your income sources and monthly expenses. This will help you determine your monthly expenses. 

• Learn about student discounts like NUS/ TOTUM Cards, Student Oyster cards, and the ISIC Card. The NUS/ TOTUM Card can offer exciting discounts at retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. 

• Consider accommodation outside the city centre as these are comparatively cheaper. If opting for private accommodation, consider shared housing to split rent and bills. Use student accommodation platforms like University Living or Casita affordable housing options. 

• Time to learn cooking and avoid eating at fancy restaurants. Preparing meals yourself is much cheaper than eating outside. Also, consider buying groceries in bulk from Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or local grocery stores. 

• Working while studying is a great option to earn money and add that work experience to your resume. Students in London can earn up to £25/ hour. 

Conclusion 

This was all about the cost of living in London for international students. London is a top-study destination and is home to some of the best universities and colleges. International students planning to study in London must know everything about the cost of living to figure out their monthly budget. We have summarized all the details in this article above.