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Cost Of Living In UK for International Students

8 min read
Blog Summary An overview of the cost of living in the UK for Nigerian students, encompassing accommodation, transportation, food, and general expenses, is provided. Information about the UK education system, tuition fees, and scholarships is also shared.
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Students from all over the world go to the United Kingdom to study. According to the World University Rankings, it is home to three of the top ten universities in the world. Top universities, employers, and government entities around the world accept the degrees granted by UK universities. According to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, graduates from prominent UK universities such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford have a high employability quotient. The cost of Living in UK for Nigerian students can vary greatly based on your lifestyle. In 2023-24, these are expected to range between £1,215 and £1,755 per month. 

The Average Cost of Living In UK for International Students

To study in the UK, international students must pay for living expenses and tuition costs. Students can live and study in the UK by utilising on-campus housing. The cost of living varies by city. Other living expenses for students include books and supplies, cell phone charges, and the cost of travel and transportation.

Expenses

Lower range

Upper range

Lower range

Upper range

Food

£290

£410

£2,610

£3,690

Accommodation

£680

£810

£6,120

£7,290

Personal items

£135

£260

£1,215

£2,340

Social activities

£45

£120

£405

£1,080

Study costs

£45

£100

£405

£900

Other

£20

£55

£180

£495

Total

£1,215

£1,755

£10,935

£15,795

Related Article: Study in UK

Students can incur many other expenses while their studying abroad, which largely depends on the lifestyle they choose to lead. Let's dive further into this to comprehend the various parts that make it whole.

Accommodation Cost in UK for International Students

These anticipated lodging expenses include related bills (such as electricity and heating) and are based on the most recent available college accommodation costs plus an inflationary rise. For the first year and at least one other year of their course, all colleges provide rooms for their undergraduate students during term time, and rent varies based on the college and room standard.

You can also choose to live in privately rented housing, but keep in mind that you will normally be required to pay rent for the entire calendar year, including any vacations. Private accommodation costs may differ from those shown, depending on the number of people sharing, as well as the quality and location of the property.

On-Campus Accommodation

On-campus accommodation is mostly comprised of Halls of Residence, commonly called simply "halls." They are buildings featuring a number of separate rooms as well as community amenities such as a kitchen, communal restrooms, entertainment facilities, and so on. Single-occupancy rooms are available, as are rooms shared by two to six persons. They can vary in size and have en-suite bathrooms. The rooms have basic amenities such as a cot, desk, and chair, but students must obtain all other goods on their own. They can be catered, meaning you get meals every day for a certain charge, or self-catered, meaning you prepare your own.

Accommodation 

Rent (per week)

In-built student accommodation

£166

Private sector accommodation

£155 

Ensuite room 

£228

Studio

£259

Off-Campus Accommodation

If you want to live off-campus, you can opt for either university-owned or privately owned housing. Private property can be owned by landlords as private persons or licensed housing agencies, but in either case, the places to stay can be shared rooms, flats, apartments, studio apartments, and houses. University-owned accommodation is less expensive, but you can only remain for the time period specified by the university. Although it is usually more expensive, renting a private property may provide you with a place to stay even while on vacation.

City

Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre

Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre

Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre

Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre

London

£1,730

£1,235

£3,320

£2,050

Edinburgh

£770

£605

£1,380

£1,050

Cardiff

£700

£540

£1,190

£910

Belfast

£630

£435

£960

£650

Manchester

£755

£545

£1,345

£840

Liverpool

£660

£470

£1,018

£665

Glasgow

£620

£445

£1,230

£850

Cambridge

£1,030

£820

£1,700

£1,300

Oxford

£1,060

£870

£2,050

£1,500

Bath

£800

£680

£1,430

£1,000

Related Article: Cost of Studying in UK

Transportation Costs in UK for International Students

That, like many other public services in the UK, is heavily dependent on where you live. Public transportation networks in major cities are well-developed and cost-effective. However, service in smaller towns and cities might be unpredictable at best.

For lengthier journeys, the train network is relatively accessible and fairly efficient, contrary to popular belief. However, it can be rather expensive, so take advantage of any travel card discounts or special offers you can find. The country's payment mechanisms range from cash to contactless mobile phone payments.

Transport in UK

Approximate cost (GBP)

Taxi

4.00 upwards

Bus fare

1.80 single

Underground

3.00 per trip

Train 

13.10 upwards 

 

The Lowest Cost Of Living Cities In UK

In terms of living expenses, the UK is a fairly diversified country, ranging from cheaper locations to live in large cities like London to more expensive regions to live in. No matter how much money you have, you can still find affordable locations to live in the UK, and none of this comes at the expense of living a regular life. In principle, it is correct to claim that a student's living expenses in the UK are determined by his budget.

Cities 

Weekly Rent 

Warwick

£119 

Stirling

£115 

Coventry

£135 

Lancaster 

£139

Cardiff

£114

Newcastle

£117

Belfast

£113

Lincoln

£118

Related Article: Part - Time Jobs in UK

Money-Saving Hacks For International Students In UK

Living in the United Kingdom can be costly. However, there are numerous ways for international students to save money. It can be related to Accommodation, general living expenses, or Tuition Fees; these are a few tips that can assist you in these hurdles.

Regarding funding students' living expenses in the UK, scholarships are the greatest option. There are numerous scholarships available in the UK that may cover your tuition expenses or the complete cost of living. Look for and apply for scholarships that are a good fit for you.

If you plan on taking public transportation regularly, getting a transportation card that also gives student discounts is a good idea. There are fantastic student discounts on everything in the UK, from grocery shopping to cinema tickets. These reductions can help students manage their living expenses in the UK quite well; thus, they should be utilised as much as possible.

Part-time jobs are a fantastic choice if you want to supplement your income in the UK. Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week and can earn between GBP 10 and GBP 12 per hour.

We have got more hacks up our sleeve to save your pockets and also avail the best experience in the UK as an International student. AECC has expert counsellors who will guide you through this journey at ease. Be it the Visa process, Application guidance, Scholarships or the right University, AECC can assists you in all these aspects.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Nigerian students choose to study in the UK?
The UK is home to three of the top ten universities in the world according to the World University Rankings. Degrees granted by UK universities are accepted by top universities, employers, and government entities globally. Graduates from prominent UK universities, such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, have a high employability quotient.
What is the average monthly living expense for a student in the UK?
The average monthly living expense for a student in the UK is expected to range between £1,215 and £1,755. This includes costs for campus accommodation, utilities, food, travel, books, mobile phone, and other miscellaneous expenses.
How much does accommodation cost for international students in the UK?
The cost of accommodation varies based on the type and location. On-campus accommodation, known as "halls", costs around £166 per week. Private sector accommodation is approximately £155 per week. Ensuite rooms cost about £228 per week, and studios are around £259 per week. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in cities like London is £1,730 in the city centre and £1,235 outside the city centre.
What are the transportation costs for students in the UK?
Public transportation networks in major cities are well-developed and cost-effective. A taxi starts at £4.00, a single bus fare is £1.80, an underground trip is £3.00, and train fares start from £13.10 upwards.
What are the typical food and grocery expenses for students in the UK?
The average weekly grocery bill is £60.00. Some specific costs include a loaf of bread at £0.75, 1 kg of rice at £1.20, 1 jar of instant coffee at £2.00, and a pint of milk at £0.32. Eating out frequently can significantly raise expenses, with restaurant meals ranging from £15 to £25.
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