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 facts and figures needed 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 9,250 to GBP 70,000 (undergraduate level)
- GBP 2,000 to GBP 80,000 (postgraduate level)
Of course, these estimates are very wide. 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
The student cost of living in the UK typically varies depending on where you are based. Cities are usually more expensive than towns or rural areas, but there are always exceptions.
Southern England is generally the most expensive region in the UK. 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 student 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 2025 survey found that the average student in the UK paid monthly rent of GBP 563. In London, this rises to GBP 812.
When comparing costs, be aware 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.
Whichever option you go for, you’ll also 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
Many UK universities welcome students to live in their halls of residence or other properties close to campus. The average monthly cost of university-owned accommodation is GBP 615. A great benefit 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, but in most you’ll cook for yourself in a shared kitchen area – and this is usually less expensive.
In addition to university-owned accommodation, you may also have the option of staying in a privately owned hall of residence. On average, students pay GBP 650 per month to do this. Common reasons for choosing private halls include more modern facilities, and lack of availability in university-owned housing. The latter can be an issue in some parts of the country, but is not one everywhere.
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 525.
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, although they are beginning to come down. The average student living in a shared private rental can expect to pay around GBP 86 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 take advantage of them.
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 – and not just for food. There will also 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 140 to GBP 240 per month. If you're living in London, this could rise to GBP 320.
Transport
The need for transport differs 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 2.50 per trip. The average cost for a single train journey within a city is between GBP 2.00 and GBP 4.00.
Most cities offer travelcards to make regular journeys cheaper. Some have pay-as-you-go style cards which deduct credit from a balance, like London’s Oyster. This card also has the benefit of a daily cap, meaning there is a maximum amount you can pay each day. The extent of the 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 full-time students of all ages.
Taxis are also an option, but they are expensive and not the best for students on a budget. With that said, they become cheaper when sharing with friends.
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 4.83
- Cinema ticket: GBP 7.73
- Concert ticket: GBP 60
- Restaurant meal for two: GBP 55
The UK also offers a lot of fantastic things to do for free. Many museums and art galleries cost nothing, and it’s not uncommon for cities to have free pop-up experiences to enjoy, too.
For some recreation inspiration, read our list of top things to do in the UK.
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 the charge. Halls of residence usually provide internet within the cost of rent.
In terms of mobile phones, there are many great SIM-only options available in the UK that provide plenty of data. This will allow you to use apps for contacting home, rather than making costly international calls. For a SIM-only plan with a good data allowance, you’ll usually pay between GBP 5 and GBP 20 per month.
If you want to watch live TV in the UK, you'll need to pay a license fee. This is currently GBP 174.50 per year, per household. However, you do not need a license for on-demand services other than the BBC iPlayer. This means that you can enjoy Disney+ and Netflix with a subscription alone.
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 university libraries should offer a lot of your reading material – you’ll need to factor in the cost 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 UK student visa to learn more about visa charges and requirements.
If any of this sounds expensive, remember to seek student discounts. These are available for many things throughout the UK. And don't forget that you could find part-time work while you study – our guide to international student work rights in the UK explains more. Once your budget is sorted, you can relax into the fantastic lifestyle that the country offers.
Hopefully, you now feel clearer on the common costs of living in the UK as an international student. In that case, you could start looking for your ideal course in the country with our simple search tool. Alternatively, you can 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 you do your own research before making plans.
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