International students living in the UK face significant cost-of-living issues with accommodation, food, transport, and other daily expenses. The average cost of living for students in the UK can go up from around £12,000 to £15,000 annually. This equates to roughly 12 lakhs to Rs 15 lakh rupees in Indian currency, depending on their lifestyle and location. Applying for study visas and successfully achieving your dream course in the UK is commendable. However, managing the budget with the cost of living is essential.
5 Major Aspects of the Expenses in the UK
Here are the five major aspects of the expenses one can anticipate if one is planning to stay in the UK.
1. Accommodation Costs
Student accommodation in the UK, including university halls of residence, private rentals, and shared apartments, tends to be one of the greatest expenses students must bear while studying there.
University accommodation is more cost-effective and convenient, and rent usually includes utilities and internet. This expense can range from £400 (Rs 40,000) to £1,200 (Rs 1,20,000) per month, depending on the location and the facilities available.
Private rentals provide more independence, yet it is usually more expensive. The amount varies depending on your city of choice with cities like London being more expensive than Manchester and Glasgow.
Thinking about accommodation at the early stages is of prime importance for the students aiming for a career in the UK. Start with research and budget plans considering various factors like proximity to the campus, transport options and safety.
Sharing a flat with other students is a preferred option as it can help you cut expenses. Always read the contracts thoroughly and fully understand their terms before signing any lease agreements.
2. Food and Grocery Expenses
Another major expense international students living in the UK face is the increasing cost of food and groceries. Supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi offer products at dynamic price ranges that enable students to stay within their budgets effectively. Many supermarkets also provide bulk purchase discounts or loyalty schemes, which allow students to save money.
Students typically spend between £100 to £200 per month (Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000) on groceries, depending on their eating habits and dietary preferences.
Students looking for dining-out options have several discounts available at restaurants and cafes, though this remains costlier than home-cooked meals. International students can also explore local markets for fresh produce at reduced costs. It is wise to plan meals and create shopping lists ahead to prevent unnecessary spending during grocery shopping.
3. Transportation Costs
Transportation expenses are an integral component of life for international students in the UK. Most cities offer reliable public transit systems, including buses, trains, and trams. Many discounts and passes are available to make commuting more cost-effective for international students.
For example, the cheapest means of transport in the UK is undoubtedly cycling and bike sharing. Students use Oyster cards, a smart card used for travel payments and identification throughout the country, to travel via bus, train, or tram.
Students usually spend anywhere between £50 to £100 (Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000) each month on transportation costs, depending on their city and the distance between their college or universities and accommodation.
4. Tuition Fees and Other Academic Expenses
Tuition fees differ significantly based on both university and course of study abroad. On average, international students should be ready to pay between £10,000 and £38,000 annually (roughly equivalent to Rs 10,00,000 to Rs 38,00,000) as tuition fee.
It is important to check the specific fees for your chosen program before finalising your decision. Students need to account for expenses beyond tuition, such as textbooks, supplies, and software, which can add £500-1000 annually to academic costs.
Some universities offer digital resources or libraries, which can help reduce the cost of living in UK for Indian students. It’s important to apply early and connect with a study abroad consultant to learn about different scholarships to fund your education abroad. It is also a good option to buy second-hand books or share resources with classmates.
5. Personal and Miscellaneous Expenses
International students must bear extra expenses related to clothing, toiletries, entertainment, and personal care that can quickly add up over time. These may include clothing purchases for daily wear, entertainment events, and personal care supplies.
On average, students spend between £100 and 300 (Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000) monthly on these items, depending on their lifestyle. Therefore, creating a budget will help monitor spending and eliminate unnecessary expenditures.
Student discounts are widely available for entertainment, such as cinema tickets, theatre shows, and cultural events. You can save even more by joining university clubs and societies that often provide affordable access to social activities and events.
Personal care items and clothing can be obtained at reasonable prices from high street stores and discount shops. Take advantage of student discounts and enjoy your time without overspending.
Students need to budget for books, entertainment, and personal items as part of their study experience in the UK. Scholarships, part-time jobs, and student discounts ease the financial strain and provide a comfortable stay.
Connect with the Best Immigration and Study Visa Consultants in Amritsar
Major cities like London are more expensive than smaller towns. Rent is typically the main expense, which can range from university halls to private rentals. Food costs can be cut down by cooking at home rather than dining out. Further, public transit provides discounts specifically for students, which makes travel more cost-effective.
Understanding and calculating the cost of living in UK for Indian students is overwhelming. But with proper planning and support, it’s easily manageable. PrabVisa provides invaluable assistance for those wishing to study abroad.
Our professional counseling services assist in every step of your education journey, from choosing a university and understanding tuition fees and living costs to finding scholarships or financial aid options to help reduce financial strain.
PrabVisa provides comprehensive assistance upon arrival to ensure a smooth transition. We assist with accommodation arrangements, help navigate local transportation systems, and offer guidance on managing daily expenses.
PrabVisa, as the best immigration consultant, is always available to answer questions and help, making your study abroad experience as stress-free as possible. By choosing PrabVisa, you can focus on your studies while enjoying the time spent in the UK, knowing that reliable support will always be at hand. Connect with PrabVisa now!
Last updated on: July 18, 2024
