Read on to get your latest updates on Universities, Courses Offered, Student Visa Updates, and lots more!
![Image](/images/2024/07/03/mask-group-7-2.webp)
When considering studying in the UK, it's essential to understand the cost of living in the UK. On average, international students spend about 12,000 GBP per year in London (1334 x 9 months), and 9,207 GBP per year outside London (1023 x 9 months), though this can vary. For example, the cost of living in UK per month is higher in vibrant cities like London compared to smaller towns. Knowing the average cost of living in UK will help you budget for accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
By planning ahead, you can manage the cost of living in the UK per month for students and enjoy your study experience to the fullest.Note: The annual inflation rate in the UK reached 11.1% in October 2022, the highest in 41 years, before easing to 2.3% in April 2024.
Understanding the cost of living in the UK is essential for international students, especially regarding housing. The cost of living in the UK per month for students can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation and location. Here's a breakdown of the different housing options available to international students and their average costs:
Budgeting Tips |
|
Managing your food and grocery budget is a big part of handling the cost of living in the UK. On average, international students spend about £150 to £250 per month on groceries. Food prices rose sharply, with a peak increase of 19.1% in March 2023, the highest since 1977. However, by April 2024, food prices were 2.9% higher compared to the previous year.
Here's the table providing food and grocery items with their average cost:
Item |
Average Cost of Living in UK |
Groceries |
£40 - £45 per week |
Restaurant Meal |
£12 - £13 per meal |
Mid-Range Restaurant |
£30 - £35 per person |
Coffee |
£2.50 |
Fast Food |
£7 |
Fresh Produce |
£2 per kg |
Dairy Products |
£1.50 per litre/kg |
Bakery Items |
£1.50 per item |
Snacks |
£1.50 per pack |
Quick Read: How to Get Scholarships in the UK?
Getting around in the UK is an important part of managing your overall cost of living in the UK. Here's a breakdown of typical fares for different transport modes and some potential cost-saving options for students.
Transport Mode |
Description |
Average Cost (GBP) |
Gasoline (1 litre / 0.25 gallon) |
Fuel cost |
£1.47 - £1.76 |
Monthly Public Transport Pass |
Unlimited travel within cities |
£131 - £160 |
Bus Ticket, Single Use |
Single fare within cities |
£1.65 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
Initial fare for a taxi ride |
£4.65 |
Taxi Tariff, 1 km (Normal Tariff) |
Cost per kilometre in a tax |
£1.70 |
Toyota Corolla, New |
Vehicle price |
£24,526 |
Volkswagen Golf, New |
Vehicle price |
£24,300 - £29,639 |
COST-SAVING TIPS |
|
Managing personal care costs is an essential part of handling the overall cost of living in the UK. Here's a breakdown of common personal care expenses and some tips on how to minimise these costs through student discounts and budget-friendly choices.
Item/Service |
Description |
Average Cost (GBP) |
Laundry |
Per load in a laundromat |
£4 - £6 |
Hairdressing |
Standard men's haircut |
£10 - £30 |
Gym Membership |
Monthly fee |
£20 - £50 |
Toiletries |
Monthly supply (shampoo, soap, etc.) |
£10 - £20 |
Personal Care Products |
Skincare, and grooming items |
£15 - £30 |
Cold Medicine |
6 days (Tylenol, Frenadol, etc.) |
£5.53 |
Shampoo |
2-in-1 (400ml) |
£4.37 |
Toothpaste |
4 rolls |
£2.29 |
COST-SAVING TIPS |
|
As an international student in the UK, understanding healthcare options is key to managing your cost of living in the UK. According to Statista, healthcare spending in the UK has increased steadily from 78.5 billion GBP in 2000 to 282.62 billion GBP in 2022.
Here's what you need to know about NHS coverage, extra health insurance, and out-of-pocket expenses.
NHS Coverage for Students
The National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents and international students studying in the UK for more than six months.
Pro Tip: To use the NHS as an international student, you need to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year.
Additional Health Insurance Costs
While the NHS covers most health needs, some students opt for private health insurance for additional services such as:
Typical Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Even with NHS coverage, there are some medical expenses you'll need to pay for:
Item/Service |
Description |
Average Cost (GBP) |
Prescription Medications |
Per item |
£9.65 |
Dental Check-ups |
NHS Band 1 treatment |
£23.80 |
Eye Tests |
Per test |
£20-£25 |
Glasses/Contact Lenses |
Per pair |
£50-£200 |
Private Doctor Visit |
Short consultation (15 minutes) |
£82 |
Pro Tip: As part of your student visa application, if you plan to study in the UK for more than six months, you must pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
Utility costs for international students in the UK cover essential services such as electricity, water, Internet, heating, and more. These costs can vary based on region and season. Here's a breakdown of typical monthly utility expenses and tips to manage them effectively.
Utility |
Average Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Variations |
Electricity |
£35 |
Higher in winter due to heating and lighting |
Gas (Heating & Cooking) |
£40 |
Significantly higher in winter |
Water |
£15 |
Can vary slightly depending on location and usage |
Internet |
£25 |
Prices vary depending on the provider and package |
Waste Collection (Council Tax) |
£10 (included in council tax) |
Varies depending on local council tax band |
Quick Read: Exams Required to Study in the UK
For international students in the UK, budgeting for clothing and accessories is an important aspect of managing your cost of living in the UK. Here's a breakdown of typical costs for various clothing items and accessories you might need.
Item |
Average Cost (GBP) |
1 pair of jeans |
£78 |
1 summer dress |
£36 |
1 pair of sports shoes |
£89 |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes |
£97 |
T-shirt |
£10 - £20 |
Sweater |
£20 - £40 |
Jacket/Coat |
£50 - £100 |
Backpack |
£15 - £40 |
Managing the cost of living in the UK as a student can be challenging, but with some planning, it's manageable. By understanding the costs for accommodation, food, personal care, and leisure activities, you can budget effectively. Take advantage of student discounts, shop wisely, and participate in campus events to keep expenses down.
If you need more help or have questions about studying in the UK, AECC is here to support you. Contact AECC today for expert advice and make your time in the UK both enjoyable and affordable.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Degrees abroad