Cost Of Living In The UK For Indian Students

15 Dec 2023

The UK is home to some of the best and oldest universities in the world. The UK education system comes with legacy, innovation, and a mix of high academic standards and hands-on exposure.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the world's top five universities feature two from the UK and 26 institutions among the world's top 200.

If you have your eyes trained on studying in the UK, then you need to cover more than just the cost of tuition for a seamless student journey. Information and preparation are keys to funding your cost of living without running into debt.

Here's a snapshot of the cost of living in the UK for Indian students and how to manage your expenses with strategy, creativity, and a bit of hustle.  

Living Costs in the UK for Indian Students

The cost of living in the UK for a single person covers a range of categories, such as:

• Accommodation

• Groceries

• Transport

• Social living

• Dining out

• Mobile bills

• Household utilities

Here's a snapshot of the cost of living in the UK for the top university destinations: 

* (GBP = Great British Pound) 

As we can see, the average cost of living in the UK is between 12,000 GBP to 15,000 GBP. It varies based on the city your university is located in. For instance, London and Oxford are more expensive.  

Accommodation Expenses in the UK for Indian Students

The cost of living in the UK per month includes several categories, such as accommodation. You need to identify a safe place to live that is not too far from your university and serves your study and living needs within a budget.

You can typically choose from two categories:  

University Accommodation

This category is usually the most economical, safe, and closest to your university. However, getting access can be challenging.

Applying earlier and securing your place is essential. A key benefit is that you do not need to pay extra for utility bills, which are included in the accommodation fees. 

Private Accommodation

In this category, you can seek out student halls, which accommodate students in dormitories or shared rooms.

Alternatively, you can look for a shared or studio-independent apartment. For private accommodations, you are usually charged separately for utilities like electricity and gas. 

London is by far the most expensive city in terms of accommodation. Here's a breakdown of the cost of accommodation in London:

Transportation Expenses in the UK For Indian Students

Your transportation bill will depend upon how far you live from your university, as well as the needs of your social life. You should consider staying on campus or at a walking distance to save on your transportation bill.

You can take advantage of the 30% discount offered on the tube and base fares in London if you have a Student Oyster Card. However, if you live outside London, you can apply for a Stagecoach Student Card. 

Other Related Expenses in the UK For Indian Students

Student living costs in the UK also include groceries, mobile bills, utilities, dining out, and socialising. The amounts can vary based on your lifestyle habits.

But here are some average numbers to help with budget planning: 

Also, factor in the one-off costs of a UK student, i.e., £490, and the immigration health surcharge at £470, the price after the 25% student discount. 

How Can You Manage the Cost of Student Living in the UK?

Here are some tips to help manage your student budget in the UK:  

Explore Opportunities for Scholarships

Explore a mix of university and non-university-funded scholarships to help subside your tuition and living costs. Apply for multiple scholarships to enhance your chances. 

Look for Affordable Housing Options

Student halls typically cost less than studio apartments, and the accommodation fee also includes utility costs. Consider shared accommodation to cut costs. 

Create a Budget and Track Your Spending

Create a monthly budget that includes all needs, and make sure to track your expenses daily. Allocate a small amount of cash for emergencies. 

Use Public Transportation

The UK has a well-connected public transportation network of trains, the metro, buses, and trams. You should primarily use public transport and also build a culture of walking.  

Look For Part-Time Job Opportunities

Your student visa allows you to work while studying. Seek out a side hustle related to your expertise or even a part-time job that can supplement your payments. 

The Conclusion

If you are wondering about the cost of living in Canada vs the UK (or any other country), then know that the UK is slightly more expensive. However, the UK has consistently ranked as a top destination for education.

Hence, prioritise the UK if your educational goals have more opportunities to flourish here. By being well-planned in terms of budgeting, you will be able to manage student living costs in the UK well. 

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