If you’re an international student heading to the UK in 2025, you’ll typically need around £900–£1,400 (₹1.06–₹1.65 lakh) per month for living expenses outside London, and around £1,300–£1,500+ (₹1.53–₹1.77 lakh+) in London. These costs depend heavily on where you live, how you commute, how many utilities you share, and how often you eat out. Accommodation, transportation, utilities, and food make up the bulk of your monthly budget.
In this guide, you’ll read more about the cost of living in UK for international students, including a monthly budget breakdown, how costs differ by city-wise cost of living in the UK (2025), the comparison between on-campus vs off-campus living costs, living costs by category, how much money students need to live comfortably and you’ll also find practical money-saving tips, giving a complete picture of what it really costs to live andstudy in the UKand the scholarships & financial aid options available.
Living in the UK as an international student can be both exciting and financially demanding. The overall cost of living largely depends on where you study, your accommodation type, and lifestyle choices.
While cities like London and Oxford tend to have higher living costs, other student-friendly cities such as Manchester, Nottingham, and Glasgow offer more affordable options. Understanding your average monthly expenses helps you budget better and plan your finances effectively before arriving in the UK.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the average monthly cost of living in the UK for international students, covering essential expenses such as rent, food, transportation, and study-related costs.
Category
Average Monthly Cost (GBP)
Cost in INR (approx.)
Accommodation
£550 – £900
₹57,000 – ₹93,000
Food & Groceries
£150 – £250
₹15,500 – ₹26,000
Transportation
£50 – £120
₹5,200 – ₹12,500
Utilities & Internet
£60 – £100
₹6,200 – ₹10,400
Study Materials
£40 – £80
₹4,100 – ₹8,300
Miscellaneous (entertainment, personal expenses)
£100 – £200
₹10,400 – ₹20,800
Total (Estimated Monthly)
£950 – £1,650
₹99,000 – ₹1,70,000
Common Challenges for Students
Many international students find the transition to UK living costs challenging, especially when adjusting to rent, food prices, and public transport. Managing expenses becomes easier by learning to cook at home, sharing accommodation, and using student discounts. Here are a few practical tips to stay within budget:
Share housing or choose university dorms to cut rent costs.
Use railcards and student travel passes for transport.
Buy groceries in bulk from affordable chains like Aldi or Lidl.
Thecost of living in the UK for international students varies widely depending on the city. While studying in London or Oxford often comes with higher expenses, other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, or Glasgow offer a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
Knowing city-specific costs helps students make informed decisions about where to study and how to plan their finances accordingly.
High-Cost Cities in the UK
Cities like London, Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh are considered some of the most expensive for international students. The primary reason is higher rent, costlier transport, and increased demand for student housing. However, these cities are also home to top-ranked universities and excellent career opportunities, making them popular choices despite the higher living expenses.
City
Average Monthly Cost (GBP / INR)
Rent (GBP / INR)
Utilities (GBP / INR)
London
£1,600–£2,000 (₹1,69,600–₹2,12,000)
£1,000–£1,400 (₹1,06,000–₹1,48,400)
£150 (₹15,900)
Oxford
£1,300–£1,700 (₹1,37,800–₹1,80,200)
£900–£1,200 (₹95,400–₹1,27,200)
£120 (₹12,720)
Cambridge
£1,200–£1,600 (₹1,27,200–₹1,69,600)
£850–£1,100 (₹90,100–₹1,16,600)
£100 (₹10,600)
Edinburgh
£1,100–£1,500 (₹1,16,600–₹1,59,000)
£800–£1,000 (₹84,800–₹1,06,000)
£100 (₹10,600)
Affordable Cities for Students
If you’re seeking a low-cost living option in the UK, cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Nottingham, and Leeds are ideal. These cities offer affordable rent, student discounts on transport, and reasonably priced groceries and entertainment. The presence of large student populations also contributes to a more budget-friendly environment.
City
Average Monthly Cost (GBP / INR)
Rent (GBP / INR)
Utilities (GBP / INR)
Manchester
£950–£1,200 (₹1,00,700–₹1,27,200)
£600–£800 (₹63,600–₹84,800)
£90
(₹9,540)
Birmingham
£900–£1,100 (₹95,400–₹1,16,600)
£550–£750 (₹58,300–₹79,500)
£80
(₹8,480)
Glasgow
£850–£1,000 (₹90,100–₹1,06,000)
£500–£700 (₹53,000–₹74,200)
£80
(₹8,480)
Nottingham
£900–£1,050 (₹95,400–₹1,11,300)
£550–£750 (₹58,300–₹79,500)
£70
(₹7,420)
Leeds
£950–£1,150 (₹1,00,700–₹1,21,900)
£600–£800 (₹63,600–₹84,800)
£80
(₹8,480)
Why these cities are more affordable:
Lower accommodation and utility costs.
Widespread availability of student housing.
Extensive public transport networks with student passes.
When studying in the UK, international students can choose between on-campus accommodation (university-managed dorms) or off-campus housing (private apartments or shared flats). Both options vary in cost, convenience, and privacy.
On-campus housing usually includes utilities and is close to campus, while off-campus living provides more independence but requires managing separate bills and commuting.
Pros and Cons:
On-Campus: Convenient, secure, and often includes meals; limited privacy and higher costs in some universities.
Off-Campus: More freedom and space; requires budgeting for rent, transport, and utilities separately.
Expense Type
On-Campus Cost (GBP / INR)
Off-Campus Cost (GBP / INR)
Rent
£600–£900
(₹63,600–₹95,400)
£500–£800
(₹53,000–₹84,800)
Utilities (Electricity, Internet, Water)
Included in rent
£100–£150
(₹10,600–₹15,900)
Food
£150–£250
(₹15,900–₹26,500)
£200–£300
(₹21,200–₹31,800)
Transportation
Minimal or none
£70–£120
(₹7,420–₹12,720)
Miscellaneous
£100
(₹10,600)
£120
(₹12,720)
On average, on-campus living costs between £850–£1,200 (₹90,100–₹1,27,200) per month, while off-campus living ranges from £900–£1,300 (₹95,400–₹1,37,800), depending on location and lifestyle preferences.
Living expenses in the UK vary based on lifestyle, university location, and accommodation type. Below is a category-wise breakdown of essential costs international students should consider when planning their monthly budget.
Accommodation Costs
Housing is the largest expense for most international students in the UK. The cost depends on whether you live in a shared apartment, private flat, or university housing.
Shared Apartment: £400–£700 (₹42,400–₹74,200)
Private Flat: £800–£1,200 (₹84,800–₹1,27,200)
University Dorms: £600–£900 (₹63,600–₹95,400) Note: Rent is higher in London and southern England compared to northern cities like Leeds or Manchester.
Food and Groceries
International students typically spend £150–£250 (₹15,900–₹26,500) per month on groceries and dining. Affordable chains: Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Asda. Cooking at home is cost-effective, while eating out or ordering food can double your expenses. Student tip: Opt for meal prep and campus canteens for budget-friendly dining.
Transportation Costs
Most students rely on public transport such as buses, trains, or the London Underground.
Average Monthly Cost: £70–£120 (₹7,420–₹12,720)
Railcards: Save up to 30% on fares with a 16–25 or student railcard. Tip: Many cities like Manchester or Glasgow offer student travel discounts and affordable monthly passes.
Utilities and Internet
If you live off-campus, you’ll need to budget for electricity, heating, water, and Wi-Fi.
Average Monthly Cost: £100–£150 (₹10,600–₹15,900)
Internet: Around £30 (₹3,180) per month. Most on-campus accommodations include utilities in rent, helping simplify expenses.
Healthcare and Insurance
All international students staying over six months must pay the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during visa application.
NHS Surcharge: £776 (₹82,200) per year (approx. £65 / ₹6,900 per month). Private health insurance can cost an additional £20–£40 (₹2,100–₹4,200) monthly, depending on coverage.
Miscellaneous Expenses
Students also need to plan for entertainment, clothing, and personal care:
Entertainment & Leisure: £50–£100 (₹5,300–₹10,600)
Mobile Plans: £10–£30 (₹1,060–₹3,180)
Personal Care & Clothing: £30–£60 (₹3,180–₹6,360)
Expect to spend around £1,200–£1,600 (₹1,27,200–₹1,69,600) monthly, depending on your city and lifestyle.
The cost of living in the UK for international students varies due to multiple factors such as where you live, how you manage expenses, and economic changes like inflation or exchange rates. Understanding these helps in effective budgeting and financial planning.
Key Factors Influencing Costs:
City Choice: London, Oxford, and Cambridge are significantly more expensive than cities like Manchester, Leeds, or Glasgow.
Accommodation Type: On-campus housing often includes utilities, while private flats add extra costs.
Lifestyle Preferences: Dining out, frequent travel, and entertainment increase monthly spending.
Inflation Rates: Annual inflation affects prices of groceries, utilities, and transport.
Exchange Rate Fluctuations: The GBP–INR rate impacts how much Indian students spend in rupees.
Transportation Accessibility: Cities with better public transport help reduce commuting costs.
Scholarships & Part-Time Jobs: Financial aid and part-time income can offset living expenses.
How Much Money Do Students Need to Live Comfortably in the UK?
The average cost of living in the UK for international students in 2025 depends on their lifestyle, city of residence, and housing type. On average, students need £1,200–£1,800 (₹1.22–₹1.83 lakh) per month to live comfortably, while working professionals typically spend between £1,800–£2,500 (₹1.83–₹2.54 lakh) depending on the city.
A comfortable lifestyle includes rent, groceries, utilities, transport, and some leisure spending. London and Oxford are more expensive compared to cities like Manchester or Leeds, where costs are relatively moderate.
Ideal Monthly Budget for Students in the UK (2025)
City
Ideal Monthly Budget (GBP)
Equivalent INR (approx.)
London
£1,800
₹1,83,600
Oxford
£1,700
₹1,73,500
Edinburgh
£1,500
₹1,53,000
Manchester
£1,300
₹1,32,600
Birmingham
£1,250
₹1,27,500
Glasgow
£1,200
₹1,22,400
Leeds
£1,150
₹1,17,300
Nottingham
£1,100
₹1,12,200
A student with part-time work or scholarship support can manage expenses efficiently in most UK cities outside London.
Tips to Manage and Reduce Living Expenses in the UK
Managing the cost of living in the UK for international students requires smart budgeting and lifestyle choices. With rising rent and inflation, students can still live comfortably by planning expenses strategically and using available student discounts.
Here are some practical tips to save money while studying in the UK:
Share accommodation: Split rent and utility bills with roommates instead of living alone.
Use student discounts: Apply for NUS, UNiDAYS, and 16–25 Railcards for transport, food, and shopping deals.
Cook at home: Preparing meals saves money compared to eating out frequently.
Buy used textbooks: Purchase or rent second-hand books online or through campus libraries.
Opt for budget supermarkets: Shop at Aldi, Lidl, or Tesco for affordable groceries.
Use public transport or cycle: Most cities offer discounted bus or metro passes for students.
Track monthly spending: Use budgeting apps to monitor and control unnecessary expenses.
Work part-time: Earn extra income within the allowed working hours for international students.
With a balanced approach, students can enjoy life in the UK without overspending while maintaining financial stability.
Scholarships and Financial Aid Options
Studying in the UK can be expensive, but numerous scholarships and financial aid options help international students manage the overall cost of living in the UK. These programs reduce financial stress and make education more accessible.
Here are some popular scholarships available for international students in 2025:
Chevening Scholarships: Fully funded program covering tuition, living costs, and travel for outstanding students.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Offered to students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master’s or PhD programs.
GREAT Scholarships: Funded jointly by the UK government and universities for students from select countries.
University-specific awards: Many institutions like the University of Glasgow, Leeds, and Birmingham offer merit-based and need-based grants.
External funding sources: Organizations such as the British Council and Inlaks Foundation provide partial funding or living allowances.
Students are encouraged to apply early, as most scholarships are competitive and require academic excellence along with a strong statement of purpose.
Conclusion
The cost of living in the UK for international students in 2025 varies depending on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation choices. While major cities like London and Oxford can be expensive, affordable alternatives such as Manchester and Glasgow offer a comfortable student experience at lower costs.
Planning a realistic budget, applying for scholarships, and using student discounts can significantly reduce expenses. Understanding these costs in advance helps international students make smarter financial decisions and focus on their academic goals without stress.
How much is student rent outside city centers in UK?
The cost of living in the UK for international students depends on factors like city, accommodation type, lifestyle, and exchange rates. London and Oxford are pricier, while cities like Manchester and Leeds are more affordable for students.
What is the average tuition fee for master’s in UK?
International students should budget between £1,100 and £1,600 (₹1.15–₹1.65 lakh) monthly for basic living costs in the UK. This includes rent, groceries, internet, transportation, and leisure activities depending on the city.
How much should students budget for food in UK?
Monthly groceries and meals cost £240–£375 (INR 2–3 lakh). Knowing what is the cost of living in the UK per month for essentials like food helps students manage budgets and maintain a balanced lifestyle while studying.
Which UK cities offer the lowest living costs for students?
Glasgow, Birmingham, and Manchester are cheapest, with monthly costs around £900–£1,000 (INR 7–8 lakh). Students can compare this with the average cost of living in UK per month make informed decisions about where to study.
Do healthcare fees add to student living costs in UK?
International students pay the NHS Immigration Health Surcharge of £470/year (INR 0.4 lakh). Optional private insurance costs £30–£60 per month (INR 0.03–0.05 lakh). These costs are part of the cost of living in UK per month that students should plan for.
How can students reduce transport costs in UK?
Student travel cards, public transport, and discounts save 20–50%. Monthly transport costs are £50–£80 (INR 0.4–0.7 lakh), helping students lower the average cost of living in UK while maintaining convenient mobility around campus and city.
How much does student accommodation cost in the UK?
Student accommodation costs in the UK range from £500–£900 (₹52,000–₹93,000) per month on average. On-campus housing tends to be slightly more expensive but includes utilities and internet.
Is food expensive for international students in the UK?
The average food and grocery cost in the UK for students is around £150–£250 (₹15,500–₹26,000) per month. Shopping at budget stores like Aldi or Lidl and cooking at home can help save money.
How can students save money on rent in the UK?
Students can save on rent by sharing accommodation, living outside city centers, or choosing university-managed housing. Using websites like SpareRoom or Rightmove can help find affordable student housing options.
Do tuition and living costs together affect study budgets?
Tuition fees (£15,000–£35,000/year, INR 12–29 lakh) plus living costs form the total cost of living in UK for Indian students. Considering both helps students plan their budgets realistically and ensures they are financially prepared for studying abroad.
What are hidden costs students should consider in UK?
Hidden costs include books, study materials, exam fees, and occasional leisure. Including these with rent, groceries, transport, and utilities gives a full picture of what is the average cost of living in the UK, helping students avoid unexpected budget issues.
Do part-time jobs help cover living costs in the UK?
Yes, part-time jobs in the UK allow international students to earn £800–£1,000 per month, helping cover a portion of living expenses. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
How much should couples or families budget in the UK?
For couples, the average cost of living in the UK is around £2,000–£2,800 (₹2.10–₹2.93 lakh) monthly, while small families may need £3,000–£3,800 (₹3.15–₹4 lakh) depending on housing and childcare.
How do scholarships help with living expenses in the UK?
Many UK scholarships for international students like Chevening, GREAT, and Commonwealth cover tuition and living costs, reducing financial pressure and making studying abroad more affordable.
How can students lower utility and internet bills in the UK?
Students can reduce utility costs by using energy-efficient appliances, sharing internet plans, and selecting bundled deals. Opting for off-peak energy tariffs can also lower monthly living expenses.
How do exchange rates affect living expenses in the UK?
Fluctuations in the GBP-INR exchange rate directly impact the cost of living in the UK for Indians. A weaker rupee increases overall expenses, making financial planning essential before arrival.
How can upGrad Abroad help students manage living costs in the UK?
upGrad Abroad helps students plan finances by offering expert guidance on scholarships, part-time job options, and university choices with lower living costs in the UK, ensuring a budget-friendly study experience.
Ireland( study abroad expert) |54 articles published
Honey Gupta is a leading consultant with over 10 years of experience in helping students navigate the complexities of studying overseas, with a specialized focus on Ireland. Honey brings a wealth of a...
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