The UK is a well-known country with a strong history and is a big influence around the world. It’s also famous for its top universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Every year, thousands of international students choose to study here. Not just that, the duration of degrees is shorter compared to other countries, which can help save both time and money.
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Moving to the UK for your studies is a big step. If you’re curious about the cost of living in the UK per month for international students, you may have a lot of questions about how things work. Don’t worry, our experts have broken it down for you. Just click on the topics that interest you and find all the key information you need.
| Employment opportunities in the UK | Student life in the UK |
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| Student visa in the UK | Best universities in the UK |
Before moving to a new country, it’s really important to understand the living costs. Studying abroad isn’t just about paying for tuition. You’ll also need to think about your monthly expenses in the UK, including essentials like housing, transport, and food. Knowing what to expect can help you plan better, avoid stress, and make the most of your time as a student. In this guide, we’ll look at the main areas that affect the cost of living in the UK: housing, food, transportation, and other daily essentials.
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Living expenses in the UK
| Expenses | Average monthly costs in GBP |
|---|---|
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | GBP 400 - GBP 1,000 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) | GBP 25 - GBP 60 |
| Groceries | GBP 100 - GBP 120 |
| Dining out | GBP 80 - GBP 150 |
| Transportation (public transit, gas, insurance) | GBP 60 - GBP 140 |
| Health insurance | GBP 470 (per year) |
| Entertainment | GBP 100 - GBP 200 |
| Internet and phone | GBP 50 - GBP 150 |
| Clothing | GBP 40 - GBP 100 |
| Miscellaneous | GBP 100 - GBP 150 |
The average cost of living in the UK can vary significantly depending on your location, lifestyle, and income level.
Also read: Study in the UK
Cost of accommodation for students in the UK
Housing costs in the UK vary widely depending on location, size, and type of housing. The cost of housing will be higher in major metropolitan areas such as London. However, housing costs can be surprisingly affordable in smaller cities and towns.
| Types of accommodation | Details | Monthly expenses |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus housing | Student halls provided by universities are usually close to classes and facilities. Often includes bills. | GBP 500 – GBP 900 |
| Apartments and shared housing | Renting a flat alone or with others, more independence, usually not furnished, and bills may be extra. | GBP 400 – GBP 800 |
| Homestays or local host families | Living with a UK family, meals may be included, and it’s a great way to learn local culture. | GBP 600 – GBP 900 |
Average cost of living in various regions in the UK
Cost of living in London
- Accommodation: GBP 200 / week
- Food: GBP 30 / week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity): GBP 8 / week
- Transport: GBP 25 / week
- Entertainment: GBP 40 / week
- Connectivity: GBP 7 / week
Cost of living in England
- Accommodation: GBP 120 – GBP 200 / week
- Food: GBP 25 – GBP 35 / week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity): GBP 10 – GBP 15 / week
- Transport: GBP 10 – GBP 25 / week
- Entertainment: GBP 30 – GBP 40 / week
- Connectivity: GBP 7 / week
Cost of living in Scotland
- Accommodation: GBP 100 – GBP 130 / week
- Food: GBP 20 – GBP 30 / week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity): GBP 8 – GBP 12 / week
- Transport: GBP 15 – GBP 20 / week
- Entertainment: GBP 30 – GBP 35 / week
- Connectivity: GBP 7 / week
Cost of living in Wales
- Accommodation: GBP 90 – GBP 130 / week
- Food: GBP 20 – GBP 30 / week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity): GBP 10 – GBP 12 / week
- Transport: GBP 10 – GBP 18 / week
- Entertainment: GBP 25 – GBP 35 / week
- Connectivity: GBP 7 / week
Cost of living in Northern Ireland
- Accommodation: GBP 85 – GBP 120 / week
- Food: GBP 20 – GBP 30 / week
- Household expenses (laundry, gas, electricity): GBP 8 – GBP 10 / week
- Transport: GBP 10 – GBP 15 / week
- Entertainment: GBP 25 – GBP 30 / week
- Connectivity: GBP 7 / week
Source: Numbeo
Tips to reduce accommodation costs
Even though accommodation costs in the UK are higher than you expect, with smart choices, you can save a lot. Here are a few tips to choose the best accommodation:
- Opt for university-managed housing, especially shared halls, as they are often cheaper and include utilities.
- Renting a room in a shared house or flat significantly reduces costs compared to renting alone.
- Accommodation is generally cheaper outside city centres. Don’t worry, good public transport makes commuting easy.
- Next, choose properties where rent includes utilities (electricity, gas, water, and internet) to avoid extra monthly expenses.
- Websites like UniHomes, Student.com, or SpareRoom help find affordable student housing with verified listings.
- In some cases, especially with private landlords, you can negotiate rent — particularly if signing a longer lease.
- Start searching early to avoid competition and inflated prices during peak times (July–September).
- Remember, sharing a flat with classmates or friends can help split costs more evenly and reduce overall expenses.
Dining and grocery costs in the UK
When it comes to managing your food budget in the UK, groceries are a great place to start. On average, students spend around GBP 100 – GBP 150 per month on groceries.
To save more, many head to budget-friendly supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, ASDA, or Tesco, where you can find good deals on essentials. If you’re into fresh produce, local markets are a hidden gem, since they often have fruits and veggies at much lower prices than big stores.
Also, remember that there are plenty of mid-range restaurants where you can enjoy a nice meal without emptying your pockets. Places like Nando’s, Wagamama, and PizzaExpress are student favourites. If you're on a tighter budget, grab something quick from Greggs, Pret A Manger, or a local takeaway. Don’t forget to check out apps like Too Good To Go. They offer great food at discounted prices.
Plus, if you’re living on campus, check out your university’s student meal plans. They’re convenient and can actually save you money in the long run. Most campuses have flexible options as well.
Tips to reduce food expenses in the UK
- Preparing your own meals is much cheaper than eating out.
- Stores like Aldi, Lidl, ASDA, and Tesco offer affordable groceries and frequent discounts.
- Supermarket own-brand products are usually cheaper than big-name brands and often just as good.
- Sign up for loyalty programmes like Tesco Clubcard or Nectar Card for exclusive discounts and cashback.
- Many restaurants and food outlets offer student deals. Use apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans to find them.
- Make a weekly meal plan and shopping list to avoid impulse purchases.
Transportation costs in the UK
The UK offers a wide range of transport options for students, including buses, trains, trams, the Underground (Tube), and cycling. Public transport is reliable and widely used, especially in larger cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Whether you're living in a big city or a smaller university town, there's usually a reliable way to get from point A to B.
For most students, buses are the go-to option. They’re affordable and run frequently. Many cities offer student travel cards that give you discounted fares. In London, for example, you can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster card, which gets you up to 30% off on Tube, bus, and train rides.
On average, you might spend around GBP 50 to GBP 100 a month on transport, depending on how often and how far you travel. And don’t forget cycling. It’s cheap, eco-friendly, and many campuses are designed to be bike-friendly.
| Mode of transport | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Local buses (with Student Travel Card) | GBP 1 to GBP 1.50 per ride |
| London Underground (Tube with 18+ Oyster Card) | GBP 2 to GBP 3.40 per ride |
| Trains (with the 16–25 Railcard) | GBP 5 to GBP 50 (varies by distance and time of booking) |
| Taxis / Ride-hailing | GBP 3 base fare + GBP 1.50 to GBP 2 per mile |
| Bike rental | GBP 20 monthly pass |
Tips to reduce travelling costs
- Use student discount cards like the 18+ Oyster Card, 16–25 Railcard, or local student bus passes to save on daily travel.
- Off-peak fares are cheaper on trains and the Tube. Try to avoid rush hours when planning your travel.
- If you travel regularly, getting a pass instead of paying per ride can be more cost-effective.
- If you're living near campus or in a walkable city, walking can help you save entirely on transport costs.
- For occasional trips, sharing a ride with friends can help split your costs.
Academic expenses in the UK
Tuition fees in the UK vary based on your level of study and whether you’re classified as a home/EU or international student. For international students, undergraduate courses typically cost between GBP 10,000 and GBP 38,000 per year, depending on the university and subject.
Postgraduate fees can range from GBP 11,000 to over GBP 32,000 annually, especially for specialised programmes like medicine or business. Home and EU students usually pay lower fees, but this varies depending on the course and institution.
Besides tuition, you should also budget for books, stationery, and other academic supplies, which generally cost between GBP 300 and GBP 600 per year. Planning ahead and checking with your university about these extra costs can help you manage your overall budget better.
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Miscellaneous expenses in the UK
Apart from tuition and living costs, you also need to budget for various miscellaneous expenses. These include leisure activities, personal care, mobile phone plans, clothing, and entertainment.
| Category | Average costs and discounts |
|---|---|
| Leisure activities (Movies, gyms) | GBP 5 – GBP 15 per movie ticket; Gym memberships from GBP 15 – GBP 30/month. |
| Student discounts on events and museums | Many museums and events offer free or discounted entry with a valid student ID. Use apps like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to find deals. |
| Free or low-cost activities | Parks, libraries, university events, and local festivals often provide free or low-cost entertainment options. |
| Mobile phone plans & internet costs | SIM-only plans start from around GBP 10/month; broadband at student accommodations ranges from GBP 20 – GBP 40/month. |
| Clothing and seasonal wear | Budget around GBP 300 – GBP 500 per year. |
| Personal care and other expenses | Around GBP 20 – GBP 40 per month for toiletries, laundry, and other essentials. |
Tips to plan your budget in the UK
- Keep a record of your earnings, scholarships, and all your spending to understand where your money goes.
- Allocate monthly limits for essentials like rent, food, transport, and leisure to avoid overspending.
- Always carry your student ID and use apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans for discounts on shopping, food, and travel.
- Preparing meals yourself saves a lot compared to eating out frequently.
- Set aside a small emergency fund for unexpected expenses like medical needs or urgent travel.
- Many universities offer free financial counselling. Use these resources to help manage your money better.
Final thoughts
Living in the UK as an international student comes with a range of costs that depend on where you study and your lifestyle. You can expect to spend around GBP 400 to GBP 1,000 a month on rent, plus money for groceries, transport, and fun stuff like entertainment.
London tends to be pricier, but smaller cities are more affordable. The good news is, there are plenty of student discounts, and cooking at home can save you a bunch.
Tuition fees vary a lot, so don’t forget to budget for books and personal expenses too. Keeping track of your spending and planning ahead will really help you manage your money while enjoying your time here.
If you're seriously considering the UK for your higher studies, we have a good number of partner universities where you can apply for your preferred courses.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average cost of living in the UK?
The average cost of living in the UK ranges from GBP 1,000 - GBP 3,000 per month, depending on your location and lifestyle. This includes housing, food, transportation, health care, taxes, and other expenses.
What are the most common miscellaneous expenses in the UK?
Some common miscellaneous expenses in the UK are entertainment, healthcare, internet, clothing, and personal care.
Is it cheaper to live on-campus or off-campus in the UK?
It depends on where you study, but in many cases, shared on-campus accommodation can actually be more affordable because it often includes bills. However, living off-campus gives you more flexibility, and if you share with friends, it could turn out cheaper, too. Always compare options before making a decision.
Do I need to buy furniture if I rent a flat in the UK?
If you go for private rentals, many are "unfurnished", which means you'll need to buy or rent furniture. But don't worry. Websites like IKEA, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace have affordable second-hand options. Some student rentals come fully or partially furnished, so always check the listing.
Is health care free for international students in the UK?
While the NHS covers a lot, international students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (around GBP 470/year) when applying for a visa. This gives you access to NHS services, including doctor visits and hospital care, without extra charges.