One of the most important factors to consider as an international student in the UK is the cost of living. Everything from lodging and food to transportation and utilities is included. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding the cost of living in the UK and how to budget and fund your expenses.
Overview of the cost of living in the UK for international students
The cost of living in the United Kingdom varies according to region and city. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), the average monthly cost of living in the UK for an international student is between £1,100 and £1,600. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other costs.
| Average monthly cost of living | London | Other Cities |
| University Residence | £ 727 | £ 515 |
| Private Housing | £ 848 | £ 505 |
| Utility Bills | £ 45 | £ 40 |
Affordable Cities to live in the UK
Some of the most affordable cities with affordable cost of living in the UK for international students are:
- Durham
- Belfast
- Leicester
- Stirling
- Lancaster
- Cardiff
- Newcastle
- Coventry
- Warwick
- Lincoln
- Nottingham
- Liverpool
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Norwich
Understanding the cost of living in the UK
To understand the cost of living in the UK, it’s essential to know the different expenses you may encounter.
| Cost of living in London (excluding rent) | Average cost (approx.) |
| Single person per month | £859 |
| Single person per year | £10,308 |
| Cost of living in Edinburgh (excluding rent) | Average cost (approx.) |
| Single person per month | £684 (approx.) |
| Single person per year | £8,208 |
| Cost of living in Cardiff (excluding rent) | Average cost (approx.) |
| Single person per month | £662 |
| Single person per year | £7,944 |
I. Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the most significant expenses for international students in the UK. There are two main types of accommodation: on-campus and off-campus.
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | £1,154 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | £1,218 |
On-campus accommodation
University and college residence halls provide on-campus housing. Because it includes utilities such as electricity and water, it can be a cost-effective option. However, space is limited, so apply as soon as possible.
Off-campus accommodation
Private rentals, such as apartments and shared houses, are examples of off-campus housing. It may be more expensive than on-campus housing, but it provides more freedom and privacy.
| Types Of Room In London | Monthly Cost |
| 1 bedroom apartment in the city center | 750£ |
| 1 bedroom apartment outside the city center | 400-600£ |
| 3 bedroom apartment in the city center | 1,200-1,500£ |
| 3 bedroom apartment outside the city center | 860 – 1,100£ |
II. Food and groceries
| Item | Quantity | Price (in £) |
| Bread | 1 pack | 0.71£ |
| Milk | 1.1.3L | 0.81£ |
| Chicken | 300g | 1.57£ |
| Eggs | 6 | 1.51£ |
| Rice | 1 kg | 1.51£ |
Food and groceries are also necessary expenditures. Cooking at home can save money, but eating out can quickly add up. It is critical to establish and adhere to a food and grocery budget.
III.Transportation
Another significant cost for international students in the UK is transportation. Buses and trains are cheap modes of public transportation. It is also necessary to consider the expense of taxis and private transportation.
| Items | Cost (£) |
| Monthly pass (Regular Price) | 65£ |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | 2.5£ |
| Taxi start | 2.8£ |
| Taxi 1 hour waiting | 17.5£ |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.26£ |
IV.Utilities
Utilities in the United Kingdom can quickly add up. To avoid high utility costs, it is critical to monitor water, electricity, and gas usage. Students who live in shared housing can split the bills with their roommates to save money.
| Items | Cost (£) |
| Basic utilities including (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Garbage, water, laundry) | 160£ |
| Internet (unlimited-60mbps) | 0.1£ |
V.Health Insurance
International students are required to have health insurance in the UK. It is advisable to research different health insurance options and compare the costs and coverage before making a decision.
Budgeting for the Cost of Living in the UK
I.Creating a Budget
International students can make a budget by highlighting their earnings and expenses. It is critical to be realistic about expenses and account for unexpected costs. The budget should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that it remains relevant.
II.Tips for Saving Money
1.Cooking at Home
Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out. Students can save money by meal planning, buying groceries in bulk, and cooking in batches.
2.Using Public Transportation
Public transportation is cheaper than owning a car or taking taxis. Students can save money by planning their route and buying a monthly pass.
3.Finding Free Activities
There are many free activities in the UK that international students can enjoy. They can visit museums, parks, and libraries without spending any money.
Funding Options for International Students in the UK
Scholarships and Bursaries
There are many scholarships and bursaries available for international students studying in the UK. These can help to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Part-Time Jobs
Working part-time while studying can be a good way to earn extra income and gain work experience. Many universities have job fairs and career services to help students find part-time work.
Loans
Loans are also available for international students studying in the UK. It is important to research different loan options and consider the terms and interest rates before applying.
Conclusion
Finally, studying in the United Kingdom can be an expensive but rewarding experience for international students. Students can manage their expenses and enjoy everything the UK has to offer by understanding the cost of living and budgeting accordingly. To make informed decisions, it is critical to research funding options and seek advice from universities and financial advisors.
