Cost Of Living In UK for International Students
Students from all over the world go to the United Kingdom to study. According to the World University Rankings, it is home to three of the top ten universities in the world. Top universities, employers, and government entities around the world accept the degrees granted by UK universities. According to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, graduates from prominent UK universities such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford have a high employability quotient. The cost of Living in UK for Nigerian students can vary greatly based on your lifestyle. In 2022-23, these are expected to range between £1,215 and £1,755 per month.
SKIP TO WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR
The Average Cost of Living In UK for International Students
To study in the UK, international students must pay for living expenses and tuition costs. Students can live and study in the UK by utilising on-campus housing. The cost of living varies by city. Other living expenses for students include books and supplies, cell phone charges, and the cost of travel and transportation.
Expenses |
Lower range |
Upper range |
Lower range |
Upper range |
Food |
£290 |
£410 |
£2,610 |
£3,690 |
Accommodation |
£680 |
£810 |
£6,120 |
£7,290 |
Personal items |
£135 |
£260 |
£1,215 |
£2,340 |
Social activities |
£45 |
£120 |
£405 |
£1,080 |
Study costs |
£45 |
£100 |
£405 |
£900 |
Other |
£20 |
£55 |
£180 |
£495 |
Total |
£1,215 |
£1,755 |
£10,935 |
£15,795 |
Related Article: Study in UK
Students can incur many other expenses while their studying abroad, which largely depends on the lifestyle they choose to lead. Let's dive further into this to comprehend the various parts that make it whole.
Accommodation Cost in UK for International Students
These anticipated lodging expenses include related bills (such as electricity and heating) and are based on the most recent available college accommodation costs plus an inflationary rise. For the first year and at least one other year of their course, all colleges provide rooms for their undergraduate students during term time, and rent varies based on the college and room standard.
You can also choose to live in privately rented housing, but keep in mind that you will normally be required to pay rent for the entire calendar year, including any vacations. Private accommodation costs may differ from those shown, depending on the number of people sharing, as well as the quality and location of the property.
On-Campus Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is mostly comprised of Halls of Residence, commonly called simply "halls." They are buildings featuring a number of separate rooms as well as community amenities such as a kitchen, communal restrooms, entertainment facilities, and so on. Single-occupancy rooms are available, as are rooms shared by two to six persons. They can vary in size and have en-suite bathrooms. The rooms have basic amenities such as a cot, desk, and chair, but students must obtain all other goods on their own. They can be catered, meaning you get meals every day for a certain charge, or self-catered, meaning you prepare your own.
Accommodation |
Rent (per week) |
In-built student accommodation |
£166 |
Private sector accommodation |
£155 |
Ensuite room |
£228 |
Studio |
£259 |
Off-Campus Accommodation
If you want to live off-campus, you can opt for either university-owned or privately owned housing. Private property can be owned by landlords as private persons or licensed housing agencies, but in either case, the places to stay can be shared rooms, flats, apartments, studio apartments, and houses. University-owned accommodation is less expensive, but you can only remain for the time period specified by the university. Although it is usually more expensive, renting a private property may provide you with a place to stay even while on vacation.
City |
Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre |
Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre |
Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre |
London |
£1,730 |
£1,235 |
£3,320 |
£2,050 |
Edinburgh |
£770 |
£605 |
£1,380 |
£1,050 |
Cardiff |
£700 |
£540 |
£1,190 |
£910 |
Belfast |
£630 |
£435 |
£960 |
£650 |
Manchester |
£755 |
£545 |
£1,345 |
£840 |
Liverpool |
£660 |
£470 |
£1,018 |
£665 |
Glasgow |
£620 |
£445 |
£1,230 |
£850 |
Cambridge |
£1,030 |
£820 |
£1,700 |
£1,300 |
Oxford |
£1,060 |
£870 |
£2,050 |
£1,500 |
Bath |
£800 |
£680 |
£1,430 |
£1,000 |
Related Article: Cost of Studying in UK
Transportation Costs in UK for International Students
That, like many other public services in the UK, is heavily dependent on where you live. Public transportation networks in major cities are well-developed and cost-effective. However, service in smaller towns and cities might be unpredictable at best.
For lengthier journeys, the train network is relatively accessible and fairly efficient, contrary to popular belief. However, it can be rather expensive, so take advantage of any travel card discounts or special offers you can find. The country's payment mechanisms range from cash to contactless mobile phone payments.
Transport in UK |
Approximate cost (GBP) |
Taxi |
4.00 upwards |
Bus fare |
1.80 single |
Underground |
3.00 per trip |
Train |
13.10 upwards |
General Living Expense in UK for International Students
Living expenditures constitute a significant component of the total cost of studying in the UK for Nigerian Students Accommodation, food, transportation, household bills, shopping, and other leisure activities are all examples of living expenses. The average monthly cost of living in the United Kingdom is between £1100 and £1300.
Living expenses, like university tuition in the UK, may vary based on overseas students' lifestyle, where they choose to reside, and so on.
Form |
Expenses |
cinema ticket (full price) |
6.00 to 7.00 |
theatre ticket |
7.00 upwards |
bowling |
6.00 |
nightclub entrance |
4.00 upwards |
museum entrance |
often free |
Accommodation |
£400 - £600 per month |
Private Accommodation |
£320 - £530 per month |
Bills (electric/ gas/ water) |
£40 - £50 per month |
TV Licence (mandatory with TV or watching BBC online) |
£12.56 per month |
Mobile phone |
£15 - £50 per month |
Books / Stationery |
£21 per month |
Travel / Transport |
£32 per month |
Socialising / Going out |
£120 per month |
Food & Groceries Expense
Food is an essential component of your monthly living expenses in the UK. Food costs can be kept to a minimum if you cook your own meals rather than eating out at expensive places. Eating out frequently can significantly raise your spending and be costly.
Several grocery stores in the UK sell all of the elements for your home dish, so students may simply prepare their meals. As a result, Nigerian students' living expenses in the UK can be adequately handled.
Food and drinks |
Approximate cost (In pounds) |
Average weekly grocery bill |
£60.00 |
Loaf of bread |
0.75 |
1 kg rice |
1.20 |
1 jar instant coffee |
2.00 |
Pasta |
0.90 |
1 packet biscuits |
0.59 |
packet of sausages |
1.00 |
1 pint of milk |
0.32 |
1kg apples |
1.40 |
6 eggs |
1.20 |
1 packet teabags |
1.50 |
packet of instant noodles |
0.36 |
1 kg bananas |
0.74 |
Can of Coke |
0.65 |
1 litre orange juice |
1.50 |
Minced beef |
1.50 |
Pint of beer |
4.00 |
Average bottle of wine |
10.00 |
Restaurant meal |
15 - 25 |
The Lowest Cost Of Living Cities In UK
In terms of living expenses, the UK is a fairly diversified country, ranging from cheaper locations to live in large cities like London to more expensive regions to live in. No matter how much money you have, you can still find affordable locations to live in the UK, and none of this comes at the expense of living a regular life. In principle, it is correct to claim that a student's living expenses in the UK are determined by his budget.
Cities |
Weekly Rent |
Warwick |
£119 |
Stirling |
£115 |
Coventry |
£135 |
Lancaster |
£139 |
Cardiff |
£114 |
Newcastle |
£117 |
Belfast |
£113 |
Lincoln |
£118 |
Related Article: Part - Time Jobs in UK
Money-Saving Hacks For International Students In UK
Living in the United Kingdom can be costly. However, there are numerous ways for international students to save money. It can be related to Accommodation, general living expenses, or Tuition Fees; these are a few tips that can assist you in these hurdles.
Regarding funding students' living expenses in the UK, scholarships are the greatest option. There are numerous scholarships available in the UK that may cover your tuition expenses or the complete cost of living. Look for and apply for scholarships that are a good fit for you.
If you plan on taking public transportation regularly, getting a transportation card that also gives student discounts is a good idea. There are fantastic student discounts on everything in the UK, from grocery shopping to cinema tickets. These reductions can help students manage their living expenses in the UK quite well; thus, they should be utilised as much as possible.
Part-time jobs are a fantastic choice if you want to supplement your income in the UK. Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week and can earn between GBP 10 and GBP 12 per hour.
We have got more hacks up our sleeve to save your pockets and also avail the best experience in the UK as an International student. AECC has expert counsellors who will guide you through this journey at ease. Be it the Visa process, Application guidance, Scholarships or the right University, AECC can assists you in all these aspects.