How much does it cost to live in the United Kingdom as an international student?

Are you planning your career in a field that requires studying abroad? Many courses are available in the UK for international students to plan their career growth accordingly. The primary reason is that the UK allows international postgraduate students pursuing a UK student visa to reside in the UK for two years after their graduation. Student living costs can be quite high for international students. There are ample amounts of funding options and scholarships to help students pay for their utilities and bills.

What is the cost of living in the United Kingdom as an International Student?

1. Student Accommodation Charges: –  One of the biggest concerns of any international student is the accommodation charges which are usually one of the biggest items on their budget. The rent in the United Kingdom varies based on three things: – the location, the number of residents, and the requirements.

The rent can typically cost about £418 per month. Similarly, going out may incur a cost of around £46 per month. 

2. Tuition Charges: – Tuition charges can vary based on the study program a student wants to pursue. Courses such as humanities as well as social sciences can be comparatively cheaper than other courses. Moreover, in comparison to other countries, the UK has shorter course duration resulting in comparatively cheaper tuition fees.

The charges will also vary based on where the international student is based. For instance, a student studying a course in London can incur £1,334 per month for up to 9 months. At the same time, a student studying a course outside London can incur £1,023 per month for up to 9 months.

3.  Food and Utility Charges: – Basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, garbage, water, laundry and internet services. The average expenditure on basic utilities can run from £160 to £170 per month. The average cost of internet services per year is £27.

International students may pay about £100 per month on average.

4. Transportation Charges: –  International students can choose to invest in a monthly pass to commute easily from one part of the city to the other. The cost of a monthly pass is about £65.  A one-way ticket via local transport can cost £3 on average. A public bus ride costs £1.50 per hour. The average transportation expenditure in London can cost about £190 per month.

What are some of the ways through which international students can afford to study in the UK?

• Sharing Accommodations: – Housing expenditure accounts for over half of a student’s budget.  Sharing flats is a common practice for students who are pursuing their education in the UK. Students can choose to rent an apartment together to share space, utilities as well bills.
• Reduction of household bills: – Students can plan out ways to reduce household bills. Sharing of common space is one way to reduce household bills. Students can also practice managing electricity, heating and cooling bills to reduce household bills.
• Repayment of debts as soon as possible: – International students often struggle to conserve and save money because of debts.  Paying off credit card debts, personal loans and student loans can be a great way to decrease debts and facilitate saving money.
• Avoid eating at restaurants and cafes: – Students should prefer to cook and eat homemade food. Investing in home-cooked meals, low-priced ready-to-eat food or eating out mostly at affordable restaurants can save students a lot of money.
• Using public transportation and smart commutes: – Students can choose to use public transportation to cut down costs on commutation.  Students should research more about the transportation facilities available in their area and choose the best option depending on their requirements and budgets. One of the most common practices of international students is to book long-distance tickets in advance to buy them at discounted prices.
• Applying for part-time jobs: – International students prefer to work part-time jobs while simultaneously pursuing their education. Students in the UK can work up to 20 hours a week during their semesters and full-time during vacations. The average wage per hour for part-time jobs can be around £11 – £18 per hour.
• Scholarships:- One of the most reliable ways for students to pursue their education in the UK is by securing scholarships. Students can secure scholarships from external donors, the UK government, universities, and their home country.
• Hybrid Education Model: – Students can choose to apply to colleges and universities that offer a hybrid model. This means that students can pursue their first year in their home country and then complete the rest of their course from the UK.
• Supplementary financing: – Students can choose to avail of supplementary financing options. It includes research assistantships, health service funding, travel grants and funding from external organizations. There are a wide variety of supplementary funding options and students can apply there to pursue their preferred choice of course.
• Choosing affordable cities: – The cost of living varies from one part of the UK to another and that is why students can choose to live in affordable cities. The following list of cities are some of the most affordable cities in the UK for international students to live in the UK: – Birmingham, Leicester, Stirling, Lancaster, Cardiff, Durham, Belfast, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle

If you require assistance with your international college admission or with the application for your UK student visa then make sure to choose the services of a certified and reputed educational consultancy service.

FAQ 

• Is the UK a cheaper study destination for international students?

The cost can vary depending on the university, course, and location chosen by the international student. However, the UK is not considered a cheaper study destination for international students, and the cost of living can be relatively high.

• Which is the cheapest city in the UK for international students?

There’s no straight answer to this question as the cost can vary based on various factors. For instance, you can get cheap and affordable accommodation in Manchester, annual rentals and cost of living are low in Cambridge, and living costs and transport are cheap in Leicester.

• What are the living expenses in the UK for international students per year?

The average living expenses for overseas students in the UK range between £13,848 to £14,616 per year. Note that the cost can depend on accommodation, transport, food, utilities, entertainment, etc.

• Can an international student work in the UK while studying?

Yes, most international students in a study program of more than 6 months are given a part-time permit to work while studying in the UK. They can work up to 20 hours per week during their term and full-time during their vacation.

• How much can an international student earn in the UK per month while studying?

An international student can earn up to £150-£250 per week from a part-time job.

Note: The prices and earnings may change in the future.