The UK is one of the world's top destinations for international students. However, it’s well known that it is not the cheapest place to live, so it’s sensible to get informed before making any plans. In this article, we explore the cost of living in the UK, so that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What will I need to pay for?
The things you will pay for while studying in the UK can vary. Some costs depend on your living arrangements and lifestyle choices, but there are some unavoidable expenses. For example:
- accommodation
- food and everyday essentials
- travel and transport
- entertainment
- connectivity (internet, mobile phone etc)
Tuition fees
This article does not go into detail about tuition fees, but you will need to budget for them. Broadly speaking, as an international student in the UK, you can expect to pay within these ranges:
- GBP 13,500 to GBP 64,000 (undergraduate level)
- GBP 3,500 to GBP 60,000 (postgraduate level)
Of course, these estimates are very broad. For a clearer idea of how much you can expect to pay, read our article on tuition fees in the UK.
Cost difference between regions
Whichever country you study in, you’ll find that costs vary depending on the part of it in which you live. Cities are usually more expensive than towns or rural areas, but there are always exceptions.
In the UK, southern England is generally the most expensive region. Head into Wales and the Midlands, and you’ll be looking at lower prices. For the most affordable cities, however, you’ll usually want to look at the north of England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
London is well known for being the most expensive place to live in the UK. Oxford and Cambridge are also notoriously costly, in part due to the appeal of their prestigious universities. At the other end of the scale are beautiful university cities such as Durham, Liverpool and Belfast, where your budget may not be so tight.
It's worth remembering, though, that no town or city comes with one single cost of living. You’ll find significant variations within their different areas, especially when it comes to rental costs.
You can find out more about student cities in the UK with our helpful guide.
Accommodation
As a student, one of your biggest expenses will be accommodation, whether that is in a university residence or a private rental. A 2023 survey found that the average student in the UK paid monthly rent of:
- GBP 535; and
- GBP 663 in London
When comparing costs, remember that in a university-owned residence you will usually only pay rent for the academic year. In the private sector you are more likely to be tied in for a full 52 weeks.
Remember, whichever option you go for, you’ll have to pay a deposit to cover damage (generally equivalent to one month’s rent) and your first month’s rent in advance. Provided that you leave the property in good condition, you’ll receive your deposit back at the end of your tenancy.
University residence
The average monthly cost of university-owned accommodation in the UK is GBP 592. Many universities allow students (especially first-year students) to live in halls of residence or university-owned properties close to campus. A great benefit to these types of property is that bills are usually included in the cost.
A typical room in a hall of residence will be either single occupancy or shared with another student. More expensive options offer an en-suite bathroom or a private kitchenette. Some halls of residence provide catering built into the cost, while in others you’ll have to cook for yourself in shared kitchen areas. Although it is extra effort, you’ll usually spend less on food in self-catered accommodation than you would in catered.
Private rentals
Your other option for accommodation is to rent a flat or house in the private sector. The average monthly cost of renting privately as a student in the UK is GBP 596. To cut costs and boost enjoyment, many people choose to enter a house share with other students. However, you should be aware that most private rentals will not include utility bills in the cost of the rent.
Energy prices in the UK are currently around the highest they’ve ever been. The average student living in a shared private rental can expect to pay around GBP 85 per month for their utility bills (electricity, gas, and water).
You’ll also need to consider council tax. Although there are exemptions and discounts for students, you’ll need to apply directly to the local council to be eligible.
Find out more about student accommodation in the UK.
Groceries and shopping
Often, part of the fun of the student experience is learning to cook for yourself. Even in catered halls, there will be times when you need to head to the supermarket. Additionally, while you are there, there will be other everyday items to purchase, such as toiletries and cleaning products.
If you’re not in catered halls, we’d recommend a shopping budget for this of around GBP 125 to GBP 225 per month. If you’re living in London, this could rise to GBP 350.
Transport
Transport needs differ from student to student. You might find almost everything is within walking or cycling distance of your accommodation – if so, lucky you! But if not, you’ll probably be looking at buses and trains to get around. Some cities also offer a tram service.
Buses and trams are generally cheaper than trains, with the average fare between GBP 1.50 and GBP 1.75 per trip. The average cost for a single train journey within a city is between GBP 3.00 and GBP 4.00.
Most cities offer various travelcard options to make regular journeys cheaper. Some have pay-as-you-go style cards which deduct credit from the overall balance, like London’s famous Oyster. The Oyster card also benefits from a daily cap, meaning there is a maximum amount you can pay each day. The extent of this cap varies depending on the parts of the city in which you travel.
As a student, you’re also entitled to some special travel discounts. These include the 18+ Student Oyster card in London, and the 16-25 Railcard nationwide. The latter reduces rail fares by a third, and despite its name, is available to all full-time students, regardless of age.
Taxis are also an option, but they are expensive and not the best for students on a budget.
Entertainment
Even on a budget, you’ll want to allow for leisure and socialising. You'll find many places that offer great student discounts or cheaper times aimed at students.
Some average costs for entertainment include:
- pint of beer: GBP 4.57
- cinema ticket: GBP 7.69
- concert ticket: GBP 50
- restaurant meal for two: GBP 50
The UK also offers a lot of fantastic things to do for free. Many museums and art galleries are free of charge, and it’s not uncommon for cities to have some fantastic free pop-up experiences for you to enjoy, too.
Connectivity
You’ll want to keep in touch with family and friends while living abroad, so Wi-Fi and a phone with a good data connection are essential. The average cost of broadband internet in the UK is GBP 30 per month, per household. If you are in a house or flat share, you will pay a portion of this amount. Halls of residence will usually provide internet within the cost of rent.
In terms of mobile phones, there are many great SIM-only options available in the UK. Many have great data rates. This will allow you to use apps for contacting home, rather than having to make costly international calls. For a SIM-only plan with plenty of data, you’ll usually pay between GBP 8 and GBP 20 per month.
If you want to watch TV in the UK, you’ll need to pay your license fee. This is currently GBP 159 per year, per household.
Miscellaneous and hidden costs
There are always extra costs that you will need to cover. For example, buying clothes or toiletries. You may also need to buy bed linen or household goods like pots and pans before moving into your accommodation. Plus – while the university library should give you access to a lot of your reading materials – you’ll need to factor in the costs of textbooks, stationery, and equipment for your course.
And, as with anywhere, there will be costs associated with your arrival. Read our article on how to apply for a student visa to learn more about visa costs and requirements.
If any of this sounds expensive, remember to keep an eye open for student discounts that are commonly available in many places and for many services throughout the UK. And don’t forget that you could always find part-time work while you study, providing your visa permits this. Once your budget is sorted, you can relax into the fantastic lifestyle that the UK offers.
Start searching for your ideal degree in the UK now! Then, find out what financial support you could receive with our helpful scholarship search.
Disclaimer: All figures in this article are indicative and correct at the time of writing. Since the economy can be subject to rapid, unexpected changes at any time, we always recommend that you do your research before booking any travel.