Living on a Low Budget in the UK as an International Student
Living on a budget in the UK requires a bit of savvy and planning, but don’t worry—we have your back! Stepping into your student journey as an international student is like embarking on a grand adventure. You’ll learn, connect, and explore new things. Amidst this excitement, managing your finances is crucial. With a bit of preparation and research, you can thrive academically, savor your time in the UK, and still save up. Let’s uncover the ins and outs of living costs in different UK cities, with tips on budget living, including cheap and affordable rentals. Your budget-friendly UK student experience starts here!
Living Costs in The UK On Budget
As an international student, you need to understand the general living expenses while you study in the UK. Living costs typically comprise several key components that include accommodation, food, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses, each contributing to the overall budget.
Here’s a rough breakdown to give you an idea:
• Accommodation: 30-40% of your budget
• Food: 20-25%
• Transportation: 10-15%
• Miscellaneous expenses: 15-20%
Now, let’s dive into more specific details based on different factors.
Housing
The majority of your budget may be going towards accommodation expenses, especially if you are living off-campus. The proximity to the campus significantly impacts living costs. Living close to the campus might mean higher accommodation costs, but it can significantly reduce transportation expenses. It also provides convenience and potential savings on travel time.
Choosing accommodation farther from the campus can be more economical in terms of rent. However, consider the additional costs and time in commutes when factoring in your student budget.
Accommodation costs can look different depending on the location of the university itself. Off-campus housing close to a university in a more affordable city or in the suburbs rather than the city center can be more affordable than vice versa.
On-Campus Accommodation:
Although living on campus tends to be on the higher end of the budget spectrum, it often offers convenience, proximity to educational facilities, and a sense of community. You also typically pay for an entire semester or year of on-campus housing upfront. This generally covers expenses like utilities (and sometimes meals if you opt for meal plans). As a result, you don’t have to factor housing into the monthly equations of living on a budget in the UK.
Off-Campus Accommodation:
Choosing to live off-campus provides greater independence but requires careful budgeting. Rent varies depending on the city and neighborhood. Nonetheless, off-campus housing tends to be more affordable than on-campus options. You can make lifestyle decisions on the basis of how you use water and electricity, for example, to have more control over your bills. Staying off-campus does involve more budgeting involvement as you have to factor your monthly rent and utility bill payments.
Food
Budgeting for groceries and meals, exploring affordable food options, and planning meals play a vital role for international students living on low budgets.
The best for saving costs is to cook your meals at home. You can create a weekly grocery list and stick to it. This not only helps you save money but also ensures you’re eating balanced and nutritious meals. In the UK, discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl are your best friends. They offer quality products at a fraction of the cost compared to some well-known brands. The delicious bargains you can find may surprise you.
Additionally, most supermarkets in the UK offer loyalty programs that provide discounts and special offers. Whether it’s a loyalty card or an app, signing up can result in substantial savings over time. On average, the cost of food & groceries accounts for £ 100- £200 per month in the UK for international students.
Look out for farmer’s markets around you too. You can get the freshest produce at much more reasonable prices at farmer’s markets.
Overall, managing your own meals lets you exercise more control when living on a budget in the UK. Eating out is great once in a while, but the bills can quickly stack up if it’s a multiple-times-in-a-week thing.
Transportation
The cost of transportation accounts for the second-largest amount under the category of living costs in England for international students. City transport typically provides concessions for students and lowers the average cost of living in the UK for international students. Student travel cards will allow you to enjoy discount rates on public transportation. This can significantly reduce your commuting costs, especially if you need to travel between home and campus regularly.
You can also try cycling. Cycling is a cost-effective and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Many cities in the UK are bicycle-friendly, and you’ll not only save money on transport but also get some exercise in the process. If you’re fortunate enough to live close to your university or essential amenities, walking can be a simple and free mode of transportation.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous expenses encompass various additional costs, such as:
• stationary
• household items
• internet
• subscriptions
• clothing
• social activities
• unforeseen/emergency expenditures, etc.
Little expenses can add up to bigger amounts if you are not carefully tracking where your money is going. Academic life is not just about books, exams, and evaluations. There is a high chance that you will make a social circle, and you will need money to spend on your leisure time as well. Take advantage of student discounts. From cinemas to museums, it’s a good idea to carry your student ID at all times to enjoy special rates.
Some expenses are unavoidable, such as making sure you have constant connectivity. In the growing age of social media, the need to be in touch with family, friends, and the outside world is stronger than ever. Thus, foreign students will need to purchase a SIM card with a call and data plan. You will need to stay in the loop with both loved ones back home as well as your university itself since all major updates about your classes, assignments, and exams will usually be accessible online.
The best way to have fun without costing a fortune is to get creative with your downtime. Host movie nights with friends, organize potluck dinners or explore the great outdoors. The best memories often come from simple, budget-friendly activities.
Cost of Living in Major UK Student Cities
|
City |
Accommodation |
Food |
Transport |
Miscellaneous |
|
London |
Shared Room (£500 – £800 per month) One-bedroom apartment (£1,200 – £2,000 per month) |
Groceries (£200 – £300 per month) Eating out (£10 – £20 per meal) |
Zone 1-2 Travel Card (monthly): £135 Single Bus/Tube Fare: £1.50 – £2.50 |
Entertainment, Clothing, etc.: £100 – £200 per month |
|
Manchester |
Shared Room: £300 – £500 per month One-Bedroom Apartment: £600 – £900 per month
|
Groceries: £150 – £250 per month
Eating Out: £10 – £20 per meal |
Bus Pass (monthly): £60 Single Bus Fare: £1.50 – £2.50
|
£50 – £100 per month
|
|
Bristol |
Shared Room: £300 – £500 per month One-Bedroom Apartment: £600 – £900 per month
|
Groceries: £150 – £250 per month Eating Out: £10 – £20 per meal
|
Bus Pass (monthly): £60 Single Bus Fare: £1.50 – £2.50
|
£50 – £100 per month |
|
Birmingham |
Shared Room: £250 – £450 per month One-Bedroom Apartment: £500 – £800 per month
|
Groceries: £120 – £200 per month Eating Out: £10 – £15 per meal
|
Bus Pass (monthly): £60 Single Bus Fare: £1.50 – £2.50
|
£50 – £100 per month |
|
Edinburgh |
Shared Room: £400 – £600 per month One-Bedroom Apartment: £800 – £1,200 per month
|
Groceries: £180 – £250 per month Eating Out: £10 – £15 per meal
|
Bus Pass (monthly): £55 Single Bus Fare: £1.80 – £2.50
|
£50 – £100 per month |
London fairly expensive for international students in particular when compared to other cities in the UK. However, with good planning comes good management of finances. You might consider the benefits of studying in London – access to some of the country’s best universities, an urban lifestyle, greater work opportunities, etc. – a great trade-off for the price. Plus, living in a budget in the UK looks different for different people.
Tips To Help You Accomplish Low-Budget Living in the UK
• As a full-time international student, you can work while studying abroad. It’s up to 20 hours per week during term time. You can work full-time during the semester breaks.
• If you’re looking to earn while studying, find a job to cover bills and living costs in the UK.
• Consider shared accommodation to split rent and living expenses with other students.
• Explore neighborhoods on the outskirts for more reasonable rent if living in a city.
• Keep an eye on student discounts and deals for everything from subscription services to transport.
• Evaluate your lifestyle and manage it accordingly to keep your spending in check.
• Use budgeting apps to keep track of your spending.
Rounding Up
As an international student, living on a budget in the UK requires strategic planning and a keen eye for cost-saving opportunities. Additionally, exploring part-time work opportunities can contribute to your financial well-being. Remember, with careful planning, you can enjoy a fulfilling student life in the UK without breaking the bank. Being thrifty doesn’t mean sacrificing fun – it’s all about finding the right balance between frugality and enjoyment. So, go ahead, embrace the adventure, and savor every moment of your UK student life!
