London, one of the top two global cities in the world, has been a favorite destination for international students for more than a century. In 2024 also, a huge fad has been witnessed among overseas students to study in London and many students are keen to enroll in London in 2025’s session also.
When you go to London for the first time, you have to make some special arrangements and do some planning. Living in a new city in a different country requires some special considerations. You need to understand a few things before starting your journey to London so that you can live a trouble-free life there. Here are the best hacks for international students to live in London.
Study Fees in London
The tuition fees in London for international students typically range from £10,000 to £38,000 per year. On the other hand, for postgraduate international students, study fees in London can range from £10,000 to £30,000+ per year. However, fees may vary depending on the course you choose for your study.
Cost of Living in London
To live smoothly in London, it is necessary to understand the cost of living in London, which includes the cost of student housing, transport, meals, groceries, and more. However, the cost may vary depending on your habits and requirements but here are some estimated costs for students in London.
| Category | Cost (per month) |
| Accommodation | £700 – £2,500 |
| Food & Groceries | £150 – £300 |
| Transport | £80 – £160 |
| Utilities & Internet | £50 – £140 |
| Entertainment | £50 – £200 |
| Miscellaneous | £50 – £100 |
Student Accommodation Options in London
Numerous student accommodation options are available in London for international students. Universities and colleges in London provide on-campus accommodations to students. If you like to live in the proximity to your campus then these are the best options for you.
Besides, there are some off-campus student housing properties in London, which offer high-end as well as basic facilities to students including gyms, swimming pools, cinemas, games rooms, study rooms, study desks with chairs, Wi-Fi internet connections, kitchen appliances, and more.
Another accommodation option is a private rental apartment, which is a type of usual apartment that can be rented by students also. Private rental apartments are outside the student housing complexes and unlike on-campus and off-campus student housing where you have to follow some rules, you get full freedom in private apartments. Here, you can find general facilities such as kitchen appliances, internet connections, etc.
One more option you get is homestay, which is the arrangement to live with a family in London; hence, you get a chance to closely watch the habits and daily life of a British family and understand British culture.
Rent of Student Accommodation
University-provided accommodation typically costs between £600 to £1,300 per month, depending on location, type (shared or private), and amenities. Off-campus student accommodations can also be found in different price ranges and prices vary on the basis of amenities, location, and more. Types of accommodations, such as shared rooms, ensuite rooms, non-ensuite rooms, studios, and apartments are also the deciding factors of prices. You can get one of the lowest-priced off-campus accommodations in London at £162 per week. High-priced accommodation can be acquired here at £800 per week.
Private apartment accommodation can be obtained in London at the lowest price of £133 per week. A high-cost private apartment accommodation can be acquired at around £15,000 per month. You can get a homestay at as low as £20 per night. A high-priced homestay can be rented at around £200 per night.
How to Live in Budget
How to live in budget will also be worth mentioning here. London is expensive which makes it even harder for a single individual to survive on a certain amount of money, so they have to make wise decisions. To minimize on the rent expenses, you need to select shared accommodation or can rent rooms in more affordable areas of the city such as Zones 3 or 4. Besides, you can rent affordable accommodation easily through online platforms. Take reasonable inexpensive ways of transport such as public transport if possible with an Oyster card. You can also choose cycling for commuting. Reducing food costs can be a major accomplishment by preparing own meals at home, and purchasing from supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.
