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Student Living Costs in the UK

Author: Jane Powell
by Jane Powell
Posted: Oct 04, 2022

One of your concerns as an international student may be the expense of living in the UK. Of course, you have to consider the cost of education, but there are other expenses to consider as well, such as rent, utilities, food, and entertainment. The average cost of necessities for a comfortable existence that are found in the UK has been compiled in this article. Let's take a look at them to determine how they will impact your budget and what you should do to manage your money effectively.

Where You Live Will Determine Your Cost of Living in the UK

If you choose to live in London as a student, you will pay significantly more than you would anywhere in the nation. London was listed as one of the ten most expensive cities in Europe to live in in 2020. There are, of course, methods to save some expenses, but the cost will still be high.

For instance, you may opt to reside in northern England rather than renting a home in southern England, which would be more costly overall. In general, the expenses substantially vary throughout the whole UK, making it challenging to establish a cost of living benchmark.

The typical weekly budget for a single student living in the UK should be around £240.89 ($317.92 USD), which includes rent. Depending on the apartment you are renting, you might live on less or more than that, on average £12,000 to $15,000 USD annually (excluding tuition fees).

What Is the Source of This Calculation? Let's Look More Clearly

Rent: Depending on where you live and the kind of housing you have, the average rent you will pay in the UK varies. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is £758 (about $1000 USD) in the city and £614 (around $810 USD) outside of it. If your energy bills are covered by the rent, the amount can be higher. Additionally, if you elect to share your apartment, the cost of living and utilities will be reduced by 50%.

Council Tax: You must pay council tax if you reside in the United Kingdom. Depending on where you reside and how many people you share your home with (if you live alone, your annual payment will be substantially less), they determine how much you should pay. This fee aids in funding roadway upkeep, police protection, and garbage collection. It typically costs approximately £25 ($40 USD) every week on average.

Utilities: The monthly cost for gas, electricity, and water, if not included in the rent, is around £155/$204 USD. These expenditures could be lower if you live alone or don't come home as much because you're out exploring, hanging out with friends, or studying. The estimate should at least help you plan your annual budget even if heat may also cause utility costs to change.

Travel Costs: Many People choose to purchase passes rather than own a car. The commute is sped up, and you may travel considerably farther for a lot less money. The average cost of a monthly pass for most services is £55, however students are eligible for significant reductions. For additional information on public transit, see our guide to transport in the UK.

Mobile Phone Plan: To contact friends, relatives, and other contacts while you're in the UK, you should definitely obtain a local phone number. You have a variety of mobile network options; some are more affordable than others, depending on the services they provide. Here are more details about UK phone providers and plans.

Bank Account: If you intend to relocate to the UK, you will need to register a new bank account in order to send and receive money, pay for costs, and pay bills. Fees can really add up depending on the UK bank you select, especially if you conduct international transfers.

Other incidental expenses include the price of things you might require, such as meals, the internet, literature, toiletries, a phone plan, and other services. Additionally, make sure you set aside money for unexpected school expenses, general emergencies, and any unforeseen health care needs.

For more information on costs and living expenses in the UK, please connect with our study abroad partners today!

About the Author

Jacob is a Seo and website optimization strategist with more than 9 years of experience in developing on page and off page Seo strategies.

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Author: Jane Powell

Jane Powell

Member since: Jun 20, 2021
Published articles: 52

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