Living Cost in UK for International Students

The UK is one of the most popular countries for international students due to its education system, which is renowned all over the world. It is also filled with diverse cultures and rich heritage. However, the UK is not the most affordable country to study and live in, especially for international students. So, in this blog, we shall discuss the living cost in UK for international students, which cover total expenses from living accommodation, groceries, insurance, and other costs. Furthermore, there are a few tips to reduce the living cost in UK for international students, which will be provided in this blog. Before we discuss the living cost, let us briefly talk about why you should choose to study in the UK.

Why Choose To Study In The UK?

There are many country options for international students, and the UK is one of them. Here are a few reasons why you should choose to study in the UK.

• The degree value is high and recognized globally.
• Shorter course durations for undergraduate degrees.
• Rich culture and many tourist attractions places.
• Internship opportunities after graduation.
• A chance to travel through Europe and visit multiple countries.
• Wide range of courses to select from.
• Post-graduation work visas to start up your career.

Many international students select the UK to continue their further studies due to these reasons and many more. Now, let us discuss the primary purpose of this blog: the living cost in UK for international students.

Living Expenses in UK For International Students Per Month

The main concern of international students when it comes to studying and living in the UK is the cost. London is relatively less affordable when compared to other cities, so we shall show a fair comparison of living in London and other cities. This will give you an idea of whether you can afford to live in London or you can choose other cities in the UK that are more comfortable. Let’s dive in.

• Accommodation: Living accommodation is the most important living cost in UK for international students and the most costly expense. It includes rent and utilities and accommodation in London is higher than in other cities. 

• • London: £600-£900/month
  • Other cities: £400-£700/month 
• Food: It is the cost of eating out and other food expenses that pile up in a month. Here is a breakdown of food costs in the UK, though it depends on how much you eat out and how much time you have for cooking.

• • London: £220–£270/month
  • Other cities: £180–£230/month

• Bills (Gas, electricity, broadband, TV license and water): Paying your bills on time is necessary when you are an international student living in the UK. Handling your finances well builds your credit score and makes the living cost in UK for international students easier. So, here is how much bills cost in the UK.

• • London: £90–£110/month
  • Other cities: £70–£100/month
• Groceries: The cost of groceries is cheaper than eating out. Food is fuel, and groceries are a necessity, so this is a mandatory cost. Here is the estimate of groceries in the UK.

• • London: £220/month
  • Other cities: £180–£200/month

• Books and Supplies: Your academic books and supplies also fall under the living cost in UK for international students. Most books are available in the library while you may have to purchase a few.

• • Books Price: £50-£100/month

• Health Insurance: Living abroad requires health insurance to ensure your health is intact. It is normally a yearly payment, and here is how much health insurance costs in the UK.

• • Paid annually: Approx. £624/year (£52/month)

• Personal Expenses: The living cost in UK for international students also includes personal expenses. You need some extra money for your personal spending. It varies in London and other cities, so here is a breakdown:

• • London: £70–£100/month
  • Other cities: £50–£80/month

• Miscellaneous Costs: Random costs just add up, so it is necessary to set some cash aside for miscellaneous costs. It covers things like travel passes and entertainment. The costs are different in London and other cities.

• • London: £90–£120/month
  • Other cities: £70–£100/month

• Total Estimated Annual Living Costs: Summing up all the expenses mentioned above, here is a total estimated annual living cost for London and other cities.

• • London: £12,000 - £15,000
  • Other cities: £9,000 - £12,000

These are average estimates, and the total cost depends on your way of spending and how wise you are with your finances. To help you reduce these costs even more, let us discuss the tips to reduce the living cost in UK for international students.

Tips To Reduce Cost of Living in UK for International Students

According to the prices listed above, living in the US is can cost a decent amount of financial resources. So, we made a list of tips to reduce those costs and help you spend less so that you can have an amazing study abroad experience without financial burden.

• Choose university accommodation or shared housing. It reduces your living accommodation expense to half.
• Cook at home by buying groceries instead of eating out so that you can save more money and eat leftovers.
• Use student discount cards provided on different occasions.
• Buy books second-hand or use online resources for studying.
• Use free university facilities to make the most out of your study abroad experience.
• Work part-time to pay your bills yourself.

You can follow these tips to minimize spending. Now, let us discuss an educational consultancy that can provide guidance on your study abroad journey.

Conclusion

The UK is a heaven for further studies. This blog covers the living cost in UK for international students, along with why choose to study in the UK, the average cost of living in UK for Nepali Students, and tips to reduce cost of living in UK. If you are looking for a consultancy to help you prepare for studying in the UK, we recommend AIMS consultancy.

Studying in the UK is a huge opportunity that is not easy to get. Visiting the best consultancy in Nepal can guide you through your study abroad journey. AIMS Education has experienced professionals with high success rate of helping students study in the UK. You can contact them and book a free consultation to clear your doubts about studying abroad. If you enjoyed this blog, you can read similar ones on our website. Thank you for reading till the end. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Living Expenses in UK for Nepali Students

What is the basic pay in UK for international students?

International students can earn around £8-£12 per hour through part-time jobs, depending on the location and job type. You can earn a little more in London than in other cities. 

Is the UK too expensive for international students?

Yes, living and studying in the UK can be costly, especially in cities like London, but proper budgeting and part-time work can make it manageable.

What is the average cost of living in UK for Nepali Students?

On average, you can expect to spend about  £9,000-£12,000 per year, depending on your location and lifestyle. You can use the tips above to reduce the cost. 

Which city in the UK is best for Nepali students?

The word ‘best’ is subjective, but cities like Birmingham, Manchester, and Leicester are popular due to lower living costs, diverse communities, and good university options.