Cost of Living
in UK

Necessary Expenses

While calculating the monthly cost of living in the UK as an international student, you must consider five major and unavoidable types of expenses. They are as under:

1. Accommodation

   Like with every big city in the world, the monthly cost of living in UK as a student depends on whether you choose to live on or off-campus. Most universities provide on-campus accommodation, also known as 'halls of residence.' These halls are owned and managed by universities and generally include double occupancy rooms with a shared lounge area and kitchen. Also, utility expenses such as electricity, gas, water, and internet are often included in your costs, making this type of accommodation a less expensive choice. Private renting is yet another option you can consider if you seek to live independently. However, this can prove to be quite expensive and does not include the cost of utilities. In the UK, average rent per month in university residences is around £727 in London and £515 in other cities. Similarly, private housing in London will cost you about £848, whereas that in other cities will be around £500, excluding utility bills.

2. Transport

   UK’s extensive and sophisticated train network connects you to various towns and cities; for instance, you can travel from London to Edinburgh within 4 hours. As a full-time student between the 16-25 age groups, you can apply for a 16-25 railcard and save a third on your rail travel throughout the country. Students living in London also can buy a top-up student oyster card or add it to the 16-25 railcard to get further discounts. A one-way ticket on the oyster card can cost up to £2.50, whereas a monthly pass can cost about £65, and a 16-25 railcard costs £30. The monthly pass may cover you for both train and bus rides within London city. While calculating your transportation expenses, remember to calculate the costs of travelling to the UK and visiting India, which will be a significant expense.

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3. Food

   A great way to manage the cost of living in UK for Indian or international students is to live on-campus, as it includes meal plans and reduces your food expenses considerably. The cost of the meal plans differs from city to city and school to school. Also, the meal plan may not include all meals. Most universities also have on-campus canteens where you can eat at subsidised rates. If you choose to live in private accommodation, you can apply for grocery store memberships and buy your groceries at discounted rates.

4. Schools

   While speaking of UK life cost for students, school fees take the centre stage as this is your prime expenditure. Most high-ranking universities in the UK have their own fee structure. Typically arts, education, and humanities courses are cheaper, whereas courses in business, medicine and engineering tend to be more expensive. On average, an undergraduate bachelor and post-graduate master’s degree will cost you anywhere from £10,000 to £20,000 per year, whereas a doctoral degree can cost about £15,000 to £24,000 per year.

5. Healthcare

   Many universities in UK have initiated health insurance plans for international students. But this insurance is valid only so long as you continue to attend the program you have enrolled in. It ceases to exist once you leave the university or graduate. As per the National Health Service, you, as an international student, have to pay anywhere from £150 - £300 per annum for the duration of your stay in the UK on a student visa. The insurance fee also depends on whether you live in the UK for less or more than six months in a calendar year. You can consult your university for more information on health care charges.

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