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London Cost of Living 2025: A Guide for International Students


Student Finance

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Updated at: 22 June, 2025

Published at: 09 September, 2022

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By Nour Shehata

London Cost of Living 2025: A Guide for International Students


Student Finance

6 mins read

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Updated at: 22 June, 2025

Published at: 09 September, 2022

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By Nour Shehata

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London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, known for its rich history, diverse culture, world-class education, and endless entertainment options. The city is home to prestigious universities like University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London, both of which rank among the top 10 globally. The city offers an exceptional student experience thanks to its academic excellence, vibrant social life, and professional opportunities.


If you want to know more about the cost of living in London for a student, we’ll break down the key expenses you should expect and share some tips on how to save money effectively, along with some budgeting tips.

budgeting tips in london

Life in London

Living in London is a one-of-a-kind experience. International students in London enjoy an unforgettable journey, as the city is full of life with a mixture of cultures and fast-paced energy. Areas like Soho and Shoreditch are known for their buzzing nightlife, great music spots, and amazing street food markets, such as the famous Borough Market. While London is not one of the most affordable cities in the UK, it offers countless opportunities, from high-quality education to career prospects and social experiences, which make it a top choice for students.


The estimated cost of living in London for a student is around £3,075.14 per month, which is higher than in other UK cities. The UK government recommends that students have at least £1,483 per month if studying in London for a course lasting nine months or more. This financial requirement ensures that students are eligible to stay and study in the capital. The average salary in London is approximately £44,370 per year.


London also offers a high quality of life. According to the Happy at Home Index 2024 by Rightmove, Richmond upon Thames is the happiest place to live in London. This reflects the city's strong sense of community and the quantity of green spaces. London itself continues to earn global recognition. For instance, it ranked first in the World’s Best Cities 2025 report by Resonance, which highlights its enduring appeal for residents and students alike.

Cost of Living in London for Students

The cost of living for students in London per month averages around £3,075.14, as we previously mentioned. This should cover expenses like student accommodation rent, food, transportation, personal expenses, and leisure. This estimated amount, however, does not factor in the tuition fees for your program of choice at your university of choice.


The living expenses in London for international students can feel overwhelming at first, especially if it's your first time managing money in a big city. But once you break things down, you will find it easier to take control of your spending. The cost of living in London for international students is generally higher than in other UK cities, largely due to rent and daily transport costs.


 Below, we will be breaking down these costs for you so you can better formulate a budget plan!

Item

Cost

Student Housing

£700 to £1,500 per month

One-bedroom Apartment (City Centre)

£1,800 to £2,800 per month (Approx. £2,200 average rent)

One-bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre)

£1,300 to £2,000 per month (Approx. £1,650 average rent)

Utility Bills (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage, Mobile, Internet)

Approx. £270–£350 per month

Groceries

£300 to £500 per month (depending on lifestyle)

Public Transportation (Monthly Travelcard - Zones 1–2)

£156.30 per month

How Much Does Food Cost in London for Students?

In this section, we will list the average food costs in London for some essential staples. The following prices are aggregated from verified cost data for London.

Item

Average Price

Milk (1 litre)

£1.22

Bread (500g loaf)

£1.67

Rice (1 kg)

£2.09

Eggs (12)

£3.17

Cheese (1 kg)

£8.30

Chicken Fillets (1 kg)

£8.47

Beef (1 kg)

£13.20


How to Save Money as a Student in London

We have already established that London is rather expensive, and the cost of living in London as a student is not exactly on the affordable end of things. This is why savviness is a required skill during your study period in London. There are plenty of ways to manage your spending and live happily on a budget while in London. Below are some of the ways you can easily achieve that!


Budgeting Is Your New Best Friend

Keeping all the numbers we have previously mentioned in mind, making a budget for your upcoming semester, or even the whole year, should be quite easy. Setting a fixed budget is a great way to save money, provided you stick to it! Factor in all your weekly expenses, from rent to food to entertainment, and set aside a weekly budget, then challenge yourself to stick to it, and even reward yourself if you happen upon a surplus! 

Pick a Good Student Bank

There are many options for student banks and student bank accounts to choose from while in London. Your goal should be choosing the banks or accounts that offer a good 0% overdraft deal; you should avoid charges for your overdraft if possible, so make sure you do thorough research on the best banks, accounts, and deals.

Travel with Savviness

Being travel savvy is a great way to save money as a student in London. Your go-to means of transportation should be the tube or the bus, as they tend to be the fastest and the cheapest. Additionally, those particular means of transport offer certain student discounts that would further facilitate things for you! Investing in a Student Oyster Card is a smart way to go about saving money on travel and transportation. This card saves around 30% on your travel cards, as well as bus and tram tickets. 

How about Those Discounts?

As a student in London, you will receive a university card, which is your ticket to an array of offers and discounts across different stores and restaurants. You can check with your university where your card can work, what discounts it grants you, and how you can make use of it to the fullest. University cards usually come in handy for grocery discounts, restaurant discounts, and discounts on university supplies. 

Smart Shopping Is in!

It is no secret that grocery shopping is a bit costly, especially on a student budget and particularly in an expensive city like London. This is why you always need to shop smart! The key to doing so is to shop at grocery stores that offer student discounts, shop in bulk, and ditch pricey items that you do not use. Always compare brands to make sure you are getting the most benefit at the lowest price. Time your grocery trips to times when offers are booming, like holidays or sale events, so you can get what you need at reasonable prices.

Cooking Is Fun!

Instead of eating out, you can save the weekly cost of that and invest it in a nice home-cooked meal and still have some money to spare. We know your schedule as a student might not have enough time for you to cook every day of the week, but we have got the solution for you! Meal prep is a great way to save time, money, and energy. You can prepare your meals over the weekend and store them for the rest of the week. All you need to do afterwards is just take out your assigned meal for the day, heat it up, and enjoy! This tip will especially come in handy if you live in a self-catered student home.

Affordable Casita London Student Accommodation Options

(Most Affordable):

Olympic Way Unite is the most affordable student accommodation option in London. It offers en-suite, studio, and accessible studio. It also has high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, study and social spaces, essential amenities like bike storage and laundry, and 24/7 security and support.

(Affordable and close to the Centre):

Romano Court is an affordable student accommodation in London that is only 19 minutes by bus to the city centre. The property offers non-en-suite rooms in 2–5-bedroom shared apartments, each furnished with a study and storage essentials. Kitchens come fully equipped, and shared bathrooms include all standard amenities for comfortable student living.

(Affordable):

Arch View House is a fully furnished student accommodation in London that offers studios, en-suite rooms, and 2–3-bedroom flats, including accessible options. Each room features modern essentials, private bathrooms, and well-equipped kitchens.

Most Affordable Mode of Transport

The cheapest ways to get around in London include buses with a flat fare of £1.75 and daily caps, discounted Tube travel using a Student Oyster or Railcard, and Santander bikes for flexible short trips. Walking is free and ideal for short distances, while trains become affordable with a Railcard. To save money, avoid taxis, Ubers, and peak-time Tube travel when possible.

Work Opportunities and Scholarships in London

To ease the cost of living, many international students in London turn to part-time jobs or scholarships. Most student visas allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Common student jobs include working in retail, hospitality, or as a university ambassador. Websites like Indeed UK and StudentJob can help you find roles suited to your schedule.

You can also explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies. Many universities in London offer merit-based or need-based financial aid to international students. It's a good idea to check the official websites of your chosen university or look into platforms like:

You will also find various useful links to assist you in getting familiar with the UK, along with pro tips and guides, such as Cost of Living in Australia vs. UK: A Comprehensive Guide. Student Accommodation in the UK vs. Student Housing in the US, How to Apply to a UK University as an International Student, and UK University Interview Tips and Tricks, among other helpful resources.



Student Finance

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By Nour Shehata

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the living cost in London for international students in 2025?

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On average, international students in London spend around £3,075 per month, covering rent, food, transport, and bills. The UK government also recommends at least £1,483 per month for visa purposes.

How much are the living expenses in London for students per month?

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Monthly student expenses in London typically range from £1,500 to £3,000, depending on lifestyle and housing choices.

How much does an international student need to live in London?

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An international student needs about £1,500–£3,100 per month to cover basic living costs in London, not including tuition.