United Kingdom not only offers world class education but also provides exposure to vibrant cultures, thus making it a popular destination for international students. Before making study plans in the UK, you need to understand the cost of living in uk for international students. The living cost in uk for indian students can be high but that should not stop you from applying, because careful planning and awareness can help you navigate through these expenses. This article provides insights into average cost of living in uk for international students including the city wise breakdown and cheapest places to live in Uk for students.
What is the Living Cost in the UK for a Student?
The cost of living in UK for Indian students depends on various factors like the city of residence, your lifestyle choices and the type of accommodation you stay. The average living cost in UK per month for international students is between £800 and £1200, excluding tuition fees. To be precise the UK visa and immigration states that the international students should have a budget of £1,483 per month ( INR 1,66,096) for a period of 9 months to study in London. For 9 months, the total cost would be £13,347, which is approximately INR 14,94,864.
Breakdown of Living Expenses in the UK for International Students
Accommodation: There are various types of rental accommodation available for international students in the UK. On campus Dormitories are cheaper of all. They cost around £400 to 800 £. While accommodation costs are on the higher side in the cites like London, cities like Manchester and Leads offer reasonable cost of living.- On-Campus Accommodation: £450-£800/month
- Private Rentals or shared apartments: £600-£1000/month.
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water): If you prefer staying in private rentals or shared apartments then you need to pay a cost of £100-£150/month.
- Average cost: £150-£200/month
- Shopping at budget-friendly stores like Aldi, Lidl, or Tesco can reduce expenses.
- Public transport: £70-£100/month
- Students can save using discounted travel cards like the 16-25 Railcard or Oyster Card in London.
- International students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), around £470/year.
- Entertainment, mobile bills, and personal care: £100-£200/month
City-Wise Comparison of Living Costs in the UK for Students
Cost of Living in London for Students
London is the capital city of England. The living cost in London for students can range from £1300 to £1600/month, including accommodation, food, and transport. It is the most expensive city in the UK. However, the city is know for its vibrant culture, great history and endless attractions. To live and study in London you need to cover the following expenses:
|
Particulars |
Average Monthly Cost of Living in London |
|
Accommodation |
INR 1.68L (£1,500) |
|
Groceries |
INR 25K (£235) |
|
Health Insurance |
INR 9K (£85) |
|
Transportation |
INR 16K (£156) |
|
Miscellaneous |
INR 13K (£124) |
Cost of Living in Birmingham UK for International Students
Birmingham is cheaper and more affordable when compared to London. It is the home for famous universities like the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Birmingham City University. The cost of living in Birmingham UK for international students is between £900-£1100/month.
|
Particulars |
Average Monthly Cost |
|
Accommodation |
INR 1.01L (£900) |
|
Groceries |
INR 20K (£175) |
|
Health Insurance |
INR 9K (£85) |
|
Transportation |
INR 12K (£110) |
|
Miscellaneous |
INR 10K (£90) |
Cost of Living in Norwich UK for Students
Norwich is a small city with a vibrant student community. It is a mix of historical and modern attractions. It hosts the University of East Anglia (UEA) . The cost of living in Norwich UK for students is approximately £850-£1050/month, which makes it most affordable for international students. This amount includes accommodation, groceries, transportation and other expenses. The compact size of the city reduces the transportation cost too. Here are the particulars of the average monthly expenses for Internataional students in Norwich.
|
Particulars |
Average Monthly Cost |
|
Accommodation |
INR 90K (£750) |
|
Groceries |
INR 17K (£150) |
|
Health Insurance |
INR 9K (£85) |
|
Transportation |
INR 8K (£70) |
|
Miscellaneous |
INR 9K (£80) |
Cost of Living in Plymouth UK for International Students
Plymouth offers a high quality life with low financial burden making it one of the most cheapest places to live in the UK for students. The cost of living in Plymouth UK for international students ranges between £800-£900 per month. This amount includes accommodation, groceries, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. The famous universities in Plymouth are University of Plymouth
And Plymouth Marjon University
|
Particulars |
Average Monthly Cost |
|
Accommodation |
INR 84K (£700) |
|
Groceries |
INR 15K (£130) |
|
Health Insurance |
INR 9K (£85) |
|
Transportation |
INR 7K (£60) |
|
Miscellaneous |
INR 8K (£70) |
Living Cost in the UK for Indian Students
Students often prefer budget friendly living and studying arrangements while studying abroad. Average Living Cost in the UK for Indian Students ranges from £800-£1000 which is approximately INR 80,000-1,00,000 per month. You have to prioritize shared accommodations, cooking meals at home and availing student discounts where ever possible to save big. By opting these the living cost in the UK for Indian students can be significantly reduced.
Cost of Living in the UK for Nurses
Uk offers wide range of opportunities for Nurses every year. On average, the cost of living in the UK for nurses ranges between £1,100 to £1,400 per month. This amount includes rent, transportation, and utilities. However, major city, London is expensive when compared to smaller cities in England.
Cost of Living in the UK Compared to Other Countries
Cost of Living in the UK Compared to Australia
The cost of living in UK is much affordable when compared to Australia. When we compare expenses like accommodation and transportation Uk offers a greater edge in the budget. Major cities in Australia like Sydney and Melbourne are known for their higher cost of living with housing rents often doubling those in Lonon and Manchester. For international students considering the UK, cities like London are more expensive than other regions but they are more cost effective when compared to major Australian cities.
Cost of Living in the UK Compared to the US
The cost of living is almost the same in the UK and the US. However, there are some differences that affect affordability.. One major advantage of living in the UK is the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free or low-cost healthcare to residents. Whereas, healthcare in the US is largely based on private insurance, which can be extremely costly. Housing, food and groceries are costly in cities like New York or San Francisco when compared to the cities of the UK.
Tips for Reducing Living Expenses in the UK
As the cost of living is higher in the UK when compared to some other European countries, here are some practical tips for reducing living expenses:
- Prefer shared housing: Accommodation costs can be one of the highest expenses. Sharing a house or an apartment can significantly reduce rent and utility bills, by making it more manageable to live within a student budget.
- Use student discounts: If you are a student or under the age of 25, you can avail all the discounts on public transport, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Services such as the 16-25 Railcard can save you up to one-third on train tickets. Also, there are discounts available at restaurants, cinemas, and for various retail purchases.
- Plan meals and cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so and cooking at home can help save a significant amount of money on food expenses. Buying groceries and cooking your own meals can be cheaper, healthier, and more convenient.
- Look for part-time jobs: If you are an international student or a recent migrant, looking for a part-time job can be a great way to supplement your income. There are many employers who provide part- time job opportunities for students. This can not only help you to manage the expenses but also provide additional opportunities to socialize and integrate into the local community.
Conclusion
It's essential for international students and migrants to understand the cost of living in the UK. Each city offers a unique budget landscape. While London tends to be on the pricier side, cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Liverpool can offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing culture and opportunities. By taking advantage of student discounts, sharing living spaces, and keeping a close eye on expenses, you can make your experience in the UK both enjoyable and financially manageable. Whether you're thinking about settling in London, Brighton, or a smaller town, being aware of the living costs will help you confidently navigate your new surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the major expenses that international students in the UK should budget for?
A. The Major expenses that international students should budget for are tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and study materials.
Q. How much money should international students save before moving to the UK?
A. All international students should save at least £10,000–£15,000 for initial costs and living expenses.
Q. What are the most affordable cities in the UK for international students?
A. The most affordable cities in the UK for international students are Norwich, Plymouth and Birmingham.
Q. Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for international students in the UK?
A. Yes, options include Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific grants.
Q. How can international students in the UK save money on daily expenses?
A. International students can save money by availing student discounts, cooking at home, using public transport, and buying second-hand books.
