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Living In London As A Student – A Perfect Guide!

Updated on 08 November, 2023

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

London is a prominent educational destination and houses some of the best colleges in the world such as Imperial College (QS world rankings- 7th), UCL  (QS world rankings- 8th) and King’s College  to name a few. 

 

This has made it a popular destination for many international students who seek admissions to these universities. While it can be exciting to study in London, students should not forget the financial aspect of studying there for, living in London as a student is a tad expensive.

Nevertheless, plenty of job opportunities can take care of these living expenses. 

Additionally, regardless of the area of study, it is always crucial to understand the lifestyle of a specific city. 

To help you out with studying in London more, this article gives a glimpse of the student life in London and the array of opportunities present in the UK.  

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Cost of living in London as a student 

Students living in universities need to face different expenses compared to those living privately. Hence, the cost of living as a student in London is subjective.

Yet, certain approximations present a fair idea for international students. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs depending on different criteria.

Category

Monthly expenditure (Approx.)
Accommodation

£ 870 (₹ 88,040)- College

£ 810 (₹ 81,970)- Private Institution

Travel£ 114 (₹ 11,530)
Food£ 260 (₹ 26,310)
Miscellaneous£ 180 (₹ 18,215)
Total£ 1,360 (₹ 1,37,630) to £ 1,430 (₹ 1,44,710)

Therefore, on average, the monthly expenditure of living in London as a student is around £ 1,395 (₹ 1,41,170). 

Student housing/accommodation

There are two types of accommodations available in London for a student:

1. College-run

2. Private housing

In the former, the college or university provides all lodging facilities in dedicated undergraduate halls or hostels. The fees cover maintenance, cleaning, internet, and utility bill expenses.

On the other hand, living in London as a student in private housing includes finding landlords or halls in different areas around the city. Students need to sign a contract given to them by the renting party.   

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Student life in London

London is ranked as the best city for students around the world. Therefore, being a student in London has several advantages attached to it. These are

1. Presence of world-renowned universities

2. Chance to visit top-notch museums, cinemas, restaurants

3. Good connection with local employers

4. A diverse community of students

5. Access to a variety of historical places

Living in London as a student thus can lead to a fine balance of study and amusement. 

Being a student in London

London is one of the costliest places in the world. So, student life in London can be expensive. However, students can make the most of their time in this beautiful location by participating in sports clubs, arts, culture, part-time jobs, and more.

Additionally, the robust network of university facilities offers several opportunities for research activities. 

Part-time jobs for a living

London has various employers who recruit staff for part-time gigs to offset the high expenses. The average pay for part-time employees in the UK is £ 10.34 (₹ 1,050) per hour.

Students can join companies like Nike, Ernest Jones, Morrisons, and Skechers in various part-time positions. 

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Academic cycles and part-time jobs

Students can work for around 20 hours every week in their study period. However, a student visa is mandatory for this purpose. 

Under this visa, international students can study and work in the academic cycles. However, their part-time jobs will depend on the course.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth living in London as a student?

Living in London as a student can offer a life-changing experience due to outstanding education, employment, and cultural aspects. Additionally, due to a diverse population base, overseas students in London can grow a rich network of international connections.

Therefore, due to a good level of education, broad career prospects and access to part-time/full-time jobs, it is worth being a student in London.

Is student life easy in the UK?

In terms of daily expenses, student life in the UK can be challenging, However, the cost of living in London as a student also depends on how an individual balances unnecessary costs. For example, sharing private halls or flats can reduce the accommodation fees. 

Therefore, personal finance management can make student life in London and UK overall a bit easier. 

How can a student survive living in London?

Proper personal management is the key to surviving in London. Cutting down on transportation costs, carrying a student ID to avail facilities, and working part-time can help manage finances. 

Renting rooms from private sector landlords can also reduce the cost of living as a student in London. Also, limiting frequent theatre and restaurant visits can help you save money.

Overall, prioritizing necessities, therefore, is essential to surviving in London.

Is the UK good for Indians?

The UK is undoubtedly a hotspot for skilled Indian professionals. A prosperous economy, low pollution, and an active cultural life are things preferred by all. Apart from the mentioned features, it is also a hub for top-ranked educational institutions, interactive teaching methodology and good quality of education backed by the rankings like QS world university rankings and THE ranking. Hence, the UK is an excellent country for Indians for both educational and work opportunities.

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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