Living cost in the UK for international students - our guide

Making the most of your UK student budget

Studying in the UK can be a wonderful experience, but it also means having a solid handle on your spending habits. Tuition aside, you’ll want to make sure you can cover all the essentials without sacrificing having a good time.

The financial requirement: How much does a UK student need to live?

Let’s go over some fundamentals. As an international student, you must have a set amount of funds in reserve as a requirement of your visa.

While the amount you’ll need will depend on your course and personal circumstances,  international students studying in London must have savings of at least £13,348. If you’re studying outside the capital, you’ll need at least £10,224 instead. These funds are meant to cover living expenses for nine months.

You may hold this money as foreign currency in a bank account in your home country, but it must be equivalent to the required amount. UK Visas and Immigration will use the foreign exchange rate of the day you made your visa application.

You’ll also need to hold the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days, the end of which must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

It may all seem a little overwhelming, but don’t let the finer details put you off. Our study abroad advisers can walk you through the entire visa process and beyond.

What else do you need to know about funds as a student?

Ok, you’ve got your visa sorted, with our help, naturally. So what’s next? Let’s see the most practical ways to earn and manage money while you complete your studies.

Earn while you learn: Getting a part-time job

A part-time job is a good way to keep your financial situation stable, especially if you combine it with a sound budgeting plan. It’s also a popular option for most students; according to the NatWest Student Living Index, in 2024, students spend more time than ever on part-time work, averaging 46.39 hours per month, a 153% increase over 2023.

But before you dive headfirst into looking at listings, you will have to bear a few things in mind. Firstly, the UK government only allows international students enrolled in full-time courses to perform up to 20 hours of part-time work per week. You can, however, work full-time during holidays.

Secondly, depending on which part-time job you opt for, you can expect an average hourly rate between £13.11 and £13.83 per hour. It may also be best to find the kind of part-time job that’s related to your field of study. This will give you valuable experience you can add to your CV as well as some steady cash flow.

Ideally, you’ll find something that fits into your schedule easily and doesn’t compromise time for your studies, but if your job search doesn’t go as well as you hope, don’t fret. There’s usually a healthy selection of on-campus part-time work international students can apply for.

Your campus will more than likely have openings for positions like library or research assistants. If you have prior experience in the service industry, you could try your hand at being a waiter and benefit from the recently implemented Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act, which guarantees you 100% of all tips and gratuity. Bartending is an option, too and while tips are less of a certainty, it’s still a great choice for building valuable customer service skills.

You can try getting to know your neighbours as well. Part-time gigs like babysitting or dog walking are also good ways to integrate with and get to know your community. Tutoring is another option and one that’d suit you quite well if your course is teaching-related.

How and why you should open a bank account

Once you have a part-time position, it may help if you open an account at a local bank to simplify managing your finances. To set one up, you’ll need:

• Your passport
• A letter from your university confirming your registration, your home address in the UK and your address in your home country. Letters of correspondence from your university to your home address abroad will also be needed.

It may take the bank between four and five weeks to open your account. Having one can also help you extend your visa since proving you have the required funds will be much easier and quicker with a UK bank than one abroad.

Salary payments from your part-time job will be smoother for your employer, too, and you won’t have to worry about additional bank charges that would apply to an overseas account.

How much does student living cost?

Let’s break down the essentials you’ll need month-to-month. Prices will vary depending on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and whether you live in or outside London:

• Accommodation: Apart from tuition, this will likely be your largest expense. Off-campus monthly rentals outside London may be priced between £480 and £560. Students in London will have to brace for significantly higher costs of between £2,300 and £2,500 per month. Opting for student residence at your chosen university may be a more reasonable option thanks to lower costs and the inclusion of WiFi, gym access and other facilities.
• Food and groceries: With proper meal planning and budgeting for only the essentials, you can expect to pay between £144 and £250 per month, depending on your needs. Shop at local markets and discount stores, and you'll keep costs down.
• Utilities: Outside of London, these may cost between £40 and £80 per month. London accommodation will, of course, be a fair bit more pricey at £140 per month.
• Transport: On average, students pay about £60 and £65 per month.
• Coursework materials: The cost of your books and other materials can vary depending on which course you'll be taking, but try to have a budget of around £140.
• Health insurance: Your visa will require that you pay the annual immigration health surcharge of £776 for every year your visa is valid. This will grant you access to the National Health Service.
• Miscellaneous expenses: And then, of course, there are clothes, supplies and entertainment. Everyone is different, so how much you need will depend on your lifestyle. You don’t need to be too frugal and miss out on having a good time, but a budget of between £100 and £140 per month should be enough for most students.

Which are the most affordable UK cities for international students?

Belfast

For international students on a budget, Northern Ireland is the most affordable region, with Belfast being the most affordable student city of all. Compared to London, consumer prices, including rent, are 43.1% cheaper, while restaurant and grocery costs are 12.7% and 21.4% cheaper, respectively. For one academic year, a budget of between £5,500 and £7,500 (£458 and £625 per month) is recommended.

Derby

As one of England's most popular destinations for international students and one of the most affordable places to live in the UK, Derby is an inviting prospect for studying abroad. Over 100,000 international students arrive in Derby annually, where a low cost of living only requires a budget of £1,038 to £1,282 per month.

Glasgow

A popular choice for its affordability and world-class institutions, Glasgow is an excellent choice for students. Living costs range anywhere between £800 and £1,000 per month, with affordable accommodation options available between its off-campus rentals and cheaper student housing.

Leicester

Recognised for its safety and affordability, Leicester is one of the best locations for international students to call home. Its average monthly cost of living is among the lowest in the UK; expect accommodation to be priced between £350 and £1,000 per month and transport at £90 per month.

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We’ll guide you every step of the way with services covering all your academic and visa needs, from visa application and admissions support to pre-departure assistance and immigration advice.

If you’re looking for a partner to help you find your way to a new academic life in the UK and beyond, don’t hesitate to contact us at study@sableinternational.com or call +27 (0) 21 657 1543 to speak to study abroad advisers.