Cost of Living in UK for International Students: 2025

Monthly living expenses in the UK for international students can vary based on the location and their lifestyle, here is the list of average costs for an international student studying in the UK. 

Studying in the UK offers a world-class education with globally Recognized Universities, diverse academic programs, and cutting-edge research opportunities. The UK is home to a rich cultural heritage, providing international students with a unique cultural experience. It offers access to excellent student support services, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for networking. Additionally, the UK’s post-graduation work opportunities allow students to gain valuable experience. Its diverse, welcoming environment makes it an attractive choice for students from around the world. Here are some more points to consider.

• Top Tier education offering institutes.
• A diverse range of courses and opportunities.
• Shorter Duration of the courses.
• Quality of life and experiences.

Accommodation is one of the biggest factors which affects your budget, it is important to stay in a comfortable and affordable place to match your budget. Here’s the overview of the monthly cost of rents in the UK.

The UK is heaven for international students offering a blend of cultural and historical experiences along with world-class education. Understanding the student living cost in UK is important as it will help you keep your budget in mind. Supermarkets offer many discounts and run loyalty programs which help you save a lot on your food expenses in the UK. Here is the overview of food expenses.

Getting around the UK is convenient and affordable, with buses, trains, and trams being common modes of transport, especially in cities. You can save money by using travel cards or monthly passes, and students often enjoy discounts. For those who prefer more flexibility, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are also widely available. Transportation costs vary based on location and travel frequency, but overall, the options are cost-effective and accessible for students. Here's an overview of average monthly transportation costs in the UK.

• Public Transport: £70 (₹7,500)
• Taxi (per 1km): £1.241km (₹133)

In 2024, over 116,000 Indian students are choosing the UK for higher studies, attracted by its world-class education. While studying at top UK universities can be costly, the qualifications gained offer valuable career opportunities globally. The cost of your degree varies by university and course. Here's a list of the top 5 UK universities for Indian students and their tuition fees.

Managing your finances while studying abroad is important to save your budget. Fortunately, there are many ways to save the cost of living in the UK for international students. Here are some tips on where you can save your student living cost in the UK.

• Scholarships: Look for Scholarships as some university's scholarships cover even your living expenses. Apply for university grants in order to save your budget.

• Accommodation: Look for shared housing or prefer university dorms as they often come with competitive costs.

• Transportation: UK offers discounts to students on public transport. prefer using public transport as private rentals will cost you more compared to public transport.

• Food: Prefer to shop on those days which offer discounts and cook your own food to avoid spending on expensive restaurants.

• Part-time Works: Many students take part-time jobs to help cover living expenses. Check with your university for on-campus opportunities, and consider paid internships for both income and work experience. Here are some well-paying job options to manage your cost of living while studying in the UK.

The UK is home to 33 UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering a culturally rich experience for students. When planning to study abroad, understanding living costs is crucial. The UK provides a balanced cost of living compared to other major study destinations, making it an affordable option for international students.

The cost of living in the UK for international students can be huge, but with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to manage expenses effectively. The key to minimizing costs lies in making informed decisions about accommodation, food, transport, and leisure activities. Additionally, exploring scholarship opportunities and student discounts can provide significant savings. While tuition fees remain the largest expense, students can ease the financial burden by managing their day-to-day living costs wisely. By staying organized, planning ahead, and embracing a frugal lifestyle, international students can enjoy their time in the UK without overstretching their finances.

1. Is the Cost of Living in the UK Affordable for International Students?

Studying abroad is an expensive affair and the UK is not less, However, the cost of living depends on the location where you stay. Costs in popular cities like London will be higher compared to other cities.

2. What is the Average Living Expenses in the UK for International Students?

As an international student in the UK without dependents, you can expect monthly living expenses of approximately £1300-£1400 (₹1,30,000 - ₹1,40,000) in London, or £900-£1300(₹1,10,000 - ₹1,30,000) in other parts of the UK.

3. How Much does Accommodation Cost in the UK?

In the UK, university dorms cost ₹30,000 to ₹77,000 (£280-£720) per month, while private apartments range from ₹92,000 to ₹1.15 lakh (£854-£1,000).

4. How can I Manage my Budget Effectively While Living in the UK?

Track all expenses like tuition, accommodation, food, and transport. Apply for scholarships, seek part-time work, and use student discounts to stay within budget. Proper planning will help you manage costs efficiently.

5. What is all the Financial Support Available for International Students in the UK?

For Indian students, living in the UK costs between INR 87,000 (£812) per month (excluding rent) to INR 2.95 lakh (£2.7K) per month (including rent). This covers food, transport, accommodation, and other expenses. Budgeting, scholarships, student discounts, cooking at home, and shared accommodation can help reduce costs.