Studying in the UK is a dream for thousands of international students and for good reason.
Home to world-class universities like Oxford, Cambridge, UCL and Manchester, the UK offers global exposure, cultural diversity and career opportunities that make it one of the most popular study destinations in the world.
But before you board your flight, one question always comes up:
“How much does it cost to live in the UK as an international student?”
In this blog, We breaks down the average cost of living in UK for international students (2025–26) including rent, food, travel, and tuition with smart saving tips and accommodation options.
Average Cost of Living in UK for International Students (2025–26)
Your total cost of living depends on where you study and your lifestyle.
On average, international students in the UK spend £1,200–£1,800 per month, including rent, food and other daily expenses.
| Expense Type | Monthly Cost (GBP) | Annual Cost (Approx.) |
| Accommodation | £500 – £1,200 | £6,000 – £14,400 |
| Food & Groceries | £150 – £300 | £1,800 – £3,600 |
| Transportation | £50 – £150 | £600 – £1,800 |
| Utilities & Internet | £60 – £120 | £720 – £1,440 |
| Health Insurance (NHS) | £470/year (one-time) | — |
| Personal Expenses | £100 – £300 | £1,200 – £3,600 |
| Total (Per Month) | £1,200 – £1,800 | £15,000 – £21,000/year |
London is more expensive, while cities like Leeds, Nottingham, and Sheffield are much more budget-friendly.
Student Accommodation Costs in the UK
Your biggest expense is usually your student accommodation.
Here’s a breakdown of popular housing options and their average rent:
1. On-Campus Halls of Residence
- Managed by the university
- Includes bills and internet
- Great for first-year students
- Average Rent: £600 – £1,000/month
Safe, convenient, and perfect for settling into UK life.
2. Off-Campus Student Apartments
- Shared flats or studios near the university
- Bills may be included
- More independence & flexibility
- Average Rent: £500 – £900/month
Most popular choice for second-year and postgraduate students.
3. Homestay or Private Room
- Living with a local family
- Meals often included
- Average Rent: £500 – £800/month
Great for students looking for cultural experience and comfort.
City-Wise Cost of Living in the UK (2025–26)
Your location makes a big difference in living costs.
| City | Average Monthly Cost | Average Rent | Top Universities |
| London | £1,700 – £2,200 | £900 – £1,500 | UCL, Imperial, King’s College |
| Manchester | £1,100 – £1,500 | £600 – £900 | University of Manchester |
| Birmingham | £1,000 – £1,400 | £500 – £850 | University of Birmingham |
| Leeds | £900 – £1,300 | £450 – £800 | University of Leeds |
| Nottingham | £900 – £1,200 | £400 – £700 | University of Nottingham |
| Sheffield | £850 – £1,200 | £400 – £700 | University of Sheffield |
| Liverpool | £850 – £1,200 | £400 – £750 | University of Liverpool |
| Glasgow | £900 – £1,300 | £450 – £800 | University of Glasgow |
| Leicester | £850 – £1,200 | £400 – £750 | University of Leicester |
| Coventry | £900 – £1,200 | £450 – £750 | Coventry University |
Living outside London can save you up to £8,000 per year!
Food & Grocery Expenses
The average cost of food in the UK depends on your diet and eating habits.
| Type | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Groceries (Cooking at Home) | £150 – £250 |
| Eating Out (Occasional) | £40 – £80 |
| University Meal Plan | £250 – £400 |
Cooking your own meals can save up to £1,000 a year.
Transportation Costs
Public transport in the UK is convenient and discounted for students.
- Bus/Metro Pass: £40 – £70/month
- Train Pass (Regional): £60 – £120/month
- Cycle Hire: £10 – £20/month
- 16–25 Railcard: 33% discount on all train fares
Many students walk or cycle to save costs and stay active.
Healthcare & Insurance
The NHS (National Health Service) provides excellent healthcare for international students.
- When applying for a UK student visa, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — around £470 per year.
- Once paid, you can access most healthcare services for free.
Make sure to register with a local GP (doctor) after arriving in the UK.
Utilities, Internet & Study Essentials
| Expense | Monthly Cost (GBP) |
| Electricity & Heating | £50 – £80 |
| Internet & Phone Plan | £30 – £60 |
| Books & Supplies | £20 – £50 |
Many student accommodations include bills in the rent, helping you manage your budget easily.
Part-Time Jobs for International Students
International students can work up to:
- 20 hours per week during classes
- Full-time during holidays
Average Pay: £9 – £15/hour
Popular Jobs: Retail, hospitality, library assistant, barista, or tutor
Working part-time helps cover living expenses and adds valuable UK experience to your CV.
Average Annual Cost of Studying in the UK (2025–26)
| Expense Type | Annual Cost (Approx.) |
| Tuition Fees (UG) | £15,000 – £25,000 |
| Tuition Fees (PG) | £18,000 – £30,000 |
| Living Expenses | £15,000 – £21,000 |
| Total (Annual) | £30,000 – £45,000 |
Budget around £1,200–£1,500 per month to live comfortably as a student.
How to Save Money in UK as an International Student
- Choose student cities outside London
- Book accommodation early
- Use student discounts (NUS, UNiDAYS)
- Cook your own meals
- Use railcards for travel
- Work part-time
A little planning goes a long way in saving thousands every year.
Find Affordable Student Accommodation in UK
Finding safe, affordable, and comfortable housing in a new country can be stressful — but Stubard makes it easy!
Why Students Trust Stubard:
- Verified & safe student homes
- Fully furnished rooms near top universities
- All bills included (Wi-Fi, electricity, water)
- 24/7 student support
- Flexible rent & move-in dates
Popular UK Cities Covered:
London | Manchester | Leeds | Birmingham | Nottingham | Sheffield | Glasgow | Liverpool | Coventry
At Stubard Accommodation, we help students find safe, affordable, and verified rooms near top UK universities — from London to Manchester.
FAQs
1. What is the average cost of living in the UK for international students?
The average cost of living is £1,200–£1,800 per month, including rent, food, travel, and personal expenses.
2. Which city in the UK is cheapest for students?
Sheffield, Nottingham, and Leeds are among the most affordable cities, with average monthly costs under £1,000.
3. Is living in London expensive for international students?
Yes, London is the most expensive city in the UK. Students spend around £1,700–£2,200 per month on living expenses.
4. How much does student accommodation cost in the UK?
On-campus halls cost £600–£1,000/month, while shared off-campus apartments range from £500–£900/month.
5. Can international students work part-time in the UK?
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks.
6. How much money do I need for a UK student visa?
You must show proof of funds covering tuition and at least £1,023 per month (outside London) or £1,334 per month (in London) for 9 months.
7. Is health insurance required for students in the UK?
Yes, students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows full access to the NHS healthcare system.
8. How can students save money in the UK?
Use student discounts, share housing, cook at home, and use railcards to cut travel costs.
9. What are the average tuition fees in the UK?
Undergraduate fees range from £15,000–£25,000/year, and postgraduate programs cost £18,000–£30,000/year.
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