Budget Living in the UK for International Students from India

Topics covered

5 min
Published: 25 November 2024
Updated: 24 November 2024

From Samosas to Scones: Navigating the UK's Student Budget with Spice and Style!

Starting your academic journey in the UK as an international student from India isn’t just about adapting to a new educational environment—it’s also about mastering the art of living well on a budget. The UK, with its rich historical academia and vibrant modern culture, presents a substantial cost of living, which might initially seem daunting. This blog serves as your essential guide to navigating these financial challenges, ensuring your study experience is both fulfilling and affordable. From securing affordable housing to discovering savings on daily expenses, we'll cover everything you need to make your UK adventure both memorable and economical.

Discover why UK graduates are among the most employable globally. With seven in ten international students experiencing significant career progression and increased earnings, a UK education sets you on a fast track to success.

As an international student, you are required to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself. The cost of living in London is approximately £1,334 per month, while residing outside of London can reduce this to around £1,023 per month.

Let's delve into the costs more closely.

Tuition costs for undergraduate and postgraduate studies

UK universities are divided into two categories: Ancient and Modern. Tuition fees are generally higher at Ancient universities compared to Modern ones, but with substantial scholarship options, studying at these prestigious institutions becomes more accessible. Tuition fees can range from £15,000 to £40,000, with major institutions in the UK offering merit-based scholarships ranging from £1,000 to full tuition coverage.

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Average cost of living in London vs the rest of the UK

Here's a breakdown of typical living expenses to help you budget effectively:

Expense Category	London (£)	Rest of the UK (£)
Student Hall	800 - 900	500 - 700
Room in Private Accommodation	700 - 900	500 - 600
Groceries	150 - 300	100 - 200
Public Transport	100 - 250	50 - 100
Mobile Phone Bill	15 - 30	Oct-20

Arriving at the Airport

If you are travelling to the UK by air from outside the European Union (EU), you will likely arrive at one of London's three major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, or Stansted. Other cities with international airports include Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

Banking

Open a bank account within the first few days of arrival to store your money safely, withdraw cash, send bank transfers, and pay bills.

Explore the UK

Although your primary reason for moving to the UK is to study, take the opportunity to explore the country. Whether with course mates, flatmates, or solo, there are many budget-friendly travel opportunities.

Safety in the UK

The UK is generally safe but remember basic safety tips. Do not carry large amounts of cash, travel safely at night, and be cautious on nights out and on social media.

To conclude, here are some tips for saving money in the UK:

Seek out student discounts with a Totum Card or Unidays.
Shop at cost-effective supermarkets like Morrisons, Lidl, or Aldi.
Cook your own meals and buy second-hand textbooks and furniture.
Invest in a national railcard to save 30% on travel.

Remember to enjoy your stay in the UK! With proper budgeting and planning, you can make the most of what the UK has to offer and create lasting memories.

Trigun Bhasin, the Author

Trigun Bhasin serves as the Assistant Manager Counselling - UK at IDP Education, based in Rajouri Garden, India. Trigun Bhasin has been working in IDP from past 5 years 11 months and joined IDP as a Senior Counsellor in 2019.

With almost 12 years of an extensive experience in overseas education sector, Trigun has gained many certifications and trainings including the most important UK certification conducted by British Council.

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