Tips to Reduce Cost of Living in the UK

As an international student, studying abroad is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do! You get to visit new places, meet new people, discover different cultures, and learn to be independent. However, this all comes at a price! Of course, before you travel, you’ll need to sort out your finances, figure out how to pay for the tuition fees, and be on a budget!

The United Kingdom is one of the most sought-after countries in the world, especially when it comes to education. It’s well-known for having high-quality education and world-renowned universities that attract students from all over the world. Whether it be London, Manchester, or Birmingham, the UK has wonderful choices wherever! For example, the best universities to study in the United Kingdom include the University of Birmingham, the University of Oxford, and the University of Cambridge.

Unfortunately, the United Kingdom is as expensive as it’s famous, especially for international students. The cost of living is high, causing many students to doubt their decision to study abroad. This is why it’s important to know how to reduce your spending with cost of living tips that will help give students a better experience! We’ve gathered a list of helpful tips to help you know how to reduce the cost of living!

The UK Cost of Living 

Before knowing how to reduce cost of living, you have to know the cost of living itself in the UK. This is, of course, an estimate, as it differs from one city to another, especially if the city is famous.

For example, the tuition fee for the University of Chester is around £9,250 per year, while the University of Bedfordshire is £11,500 per year.

Cost of Living Tips in the UK 

Because of the high cost of living in the United Kingdom, it’s important to set a budget for yourself and to know exactly how much you pay for everything. Of course, this does not mean that you never get anything for yourself! Budgeting means spending your money wisely and hopefully saving some. We’ve gathered a list of tips to help you learn how to reduce the cost of living in the UK!

Track Your Spendings 

Learning how to track how much you spend is the first tip we can give you! It’s important to stay on top of everything you’re spending, as it will help you realise how much you need each month to live comfortably while studying abroad. Some people track their spending per week, and others do it per month; this depends on what makes you more comfortable and what you find easier.

Set a Budget for Yourself 

Make a plan to know how much you need each month. You must add up how much you spend on necessities and entertainment! If you make a plan that doesn’t include an outing every now and then, treating yourself, or getting fun things you need, you’ll be fooling yourself and not making an actual budget plan! It’s also important to track your spending activities in order to help you plan better for the next month.

Eat at Home and Save on Food Shopping

Not everyone knows how to cook, and that’s okay! Still, it’s important to make a meal plan for yourself, at least because eating out all the time will result in poor budgeting. While shopping to get food, choose bigger restaurants, as they’ll have discounts and more deals. Make sure to buy mindfully to prevent food and money waste.

Discount Cards and Flea Markets

The NUS card can help you a lot while shopping for clothes; make sure also to check the student discount in all places. There are several flea markets, and they are available on specific dates for you to check out. Check the nearest ones around you, and you will find hidden treasures there that students mostly go after as a better choice with lower prices!

In college, international students struggle with buying books because they are expensive. In order for you to save some money, go for second-hand books. To do so, you can ask some of your older colleagues, and they will tell you exactly where to find the needed books, or they might even lend you theirs! You should also look up the nearest local library and pay your university’s library a visit to see what kind of books they have. Nowadays, the search is even more convenient; you can also go for books on online websites, like AbeBooks!

Transportation Membership Cards

Transportation is at a discounted rate for students in the United Kingdom. Oyster Cards can help you get a discount and make your commute easier! Also, full-time students and anyone aged between 16-25 can apply for a ’16-25 railcard’ that saves you a third on rail travel throughout the UK!

Using a bike is always a great option to save time and money and to exercise as well! Just make sure that the distance is doable with a bike and that wherever you’re staying has secure bike storage.

Choose an All-Inclusive Accommodation

Choosing a UK student accommodation option that offers all-inclusive utility bills will save a lot of money and will prevent you from making any miscalculations or paying any extra fees! Luckily, there are several places where you can browse and choose a suitable accommodation option, including Casita, which offers a lot of housing options close to all universities in the United Kingdom. These options include:

iQ Shoreditch

iQ Shoreditch is a London student accommodation that provides students with housing close to their respective universities and institutions. The student accommodation offers a wide range of studio rooms. All studio rooms come with beds, lots of storage, a coffee table, and comfy seating. They also have their private en-suite bathrooms and private fully equipped kitchens.

True Birmingham

True Birmingham is a Birmingham student accommodation that also provides students with housing close to their chosen universities and educational institutions. The building offers a wide range of en-suite rooms in shared apartments, self-contained studios, and accessible rooms. They’re all fully furnished and come with a double bed with a mattress, a full-length mirror, a private en-suite bathroom with a rain-fall shower and a back-lit mirror, a study area with a desk and a chair, and a smart TV.

Living abroad is an adventure that many students fear because of the many responsibilities that come with it. It’s challenging to find the right balance while also studying and creating a future for yourself. This is why it’s important to always plan ahead, especially within a budget, to prevent any problems. Good luck!