Is it worth living in London as a student?

Asked by: Dr. Eliane Hahn  |  Last update: November 18, 2023
Score: 4.1/5 (71 votes)

The best city in the world for university students (QS Best Student Cities 2023). Home to 4 of the world's top 45 universities (QS World University Rankings 2021). Thousands of green parks and beautiful open spaces. A global capital of culture, with hundreds of museums, galleries and live music performances every day.

Is London a good place to live for students?

London is home to 18 universities, including Imperial College London and UCL, which are in the top 10 globally. It also has one of the largest student populations in the country thanks to its culture, nightlife, green spaces and job opportunities. It's actually been named the Best Student City in the world for 2023.

How hard is it to live in London as a student?

You can be sure that there will always be something to do with your pals. However, London is known for its high prices – whether that's rent, food, drink or entrances fees – London is way more costly than all the other cities in the UK – making it difficult to manage a monthly budget.

How much money does a student need to live in London?

On average, the cost of living in London for students ranges between £1,237 and £1,309 per month. There are a variety of ways to save money and stick to your budget, which is why it is essential to know your expenses and see what consumes most of your budget.

Is it good to be a student in London?

London has been ranked as the best student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2018, making it a fantastic place to study. 17 universities from London are included in the QS World University Rankings, two of which are in the global top 10.

PROS AND CONS OF STUDYING IN LONDON // STUDENT LIFE AT LSE, UCL, KCL, QMUL, IMPERIAL & MORE

32 related questions found

Is London too expensive for students?

The cost to live in London as an international student is high, but that doesn't mean it's unaffordable. Spend wisely, choose the right accommodation for yourself, and most importantly — have a blast!

Is London very expensive for students?

Average Cost of Living in London for Students

This becomes an average of GBP 1,265 (INR 1.26 lakh) per month for the city of London or roughly GBP 15,180 (INR 15.18 lakh) per year.

Is $20 000 enough to live in London?

Can you live in London on 20k? It would be very difficult to live alone in London off of 20k net a year, requiring some serious financial planning. A budget of 20k a year translates to around £1,666 per month, of which nearly £1,000 will likely need to be paid in rent.

How do students afford rent in London?

Look for shared accommodation: Sharing a flat or a house with other students is an excellent way to save money on rent. Consider living in university accommodation: Many universities in London offer student accommodation at reasonable rates. Check with your university's accommodation office for availability and prices.

Is it expensive to live in UK as an international student?

Thus, planning your budget well will help you a lot in UK. How much does it cost for an international student to live in the UK? The living costs may vary depending on the city, lifestyle, university etc, but the average cost of living in UK for international students is around GBP 900 to 1300 per month.

Is it easy to live in London as an American?

When you first move to London, you may feel a bit of culture shock from your work environment. In London, there is a lot more protection for workers than in America. This means that the law is more on your side than on your employer's side. It's not as easy to fire you as it would be in the States.

How to survive as an international student in London?

International student checklist
  1. Plan your funding and research scholarships. ...
  2. Organise your student visa. ...
  3. Prepare for British life. ...
  4. Sort your student accommodation. ...
  5. Make sure you have health insurance. ...
  6. Set up a student bank account. ...
  7. Work out the cheapest way to make international calls. ...
  8. Figure out public transport.

Is London a good city for international students?

For example, one survey by Q.S. named London as the best student city, a title it has consistently held. The ranking is based on world-class universities and openness to international students, positive feedback, and career opportunities.

Where do most students in London live?

Best Areas for Students to Live in London
  1. Camden, North London. ...
  2. Tower Bridge, East London. ...
  3. Bermondsey, South-east London. ...
  4. Shoreditch, East London. ...
  5. Richmond, South-west London. ...
  6. Brixton, South London. ...
  7. Kings Cross, Central London. ...
  8. Kensington, Central London.

How much do students spend monthly living in London?

Living expenses in London for International Students

The average living expenses in London for Indian students is around £1,015 every month if they are living outside London, and the average expense is around £1,265 per month or roughly £15,180 per year for living expenses in inner London for international students.

How much do international students spend living inside London?

Living costs

As an international student coming to the UK without dependants, you can expect to pay around £1300-£1400 per month in London or £900-£1300 in the rest of the UK to cover your accommodation, bills, groceries, and a range of other living expenses during your studies.

How much does a student need per week in London?

Budgeting is an important part of student life and a useful skill to develop, particularly when you're based in a large and potentially expensive city like London. On average students can spend around £475 per week on rent and living costs in London. This might be more than you expected.

How much do Londoners pay for rent?

The average monthly rent paid by tenants in London (for a room) is £748 while a fifth of all tenants pay more than £200 a month on top for utilities and council tax, says flatmate matching website SpareRoom.

Can I live on $1500 a month in London?

General living expenses

It's thought that a single person living in London will need around £1,500 per month to cover their living expenses and just over £1,200 in Manchester. However, with the pandemic pushing inflation to a 10-year high, the cost of general living expenses is rising sharply.

Is Living in London cheaper than the US?

According to a report by Numbeo in 2021, the cost of living index in the UK is 7.73% lower than that of the US. This is due to a number of factors, such as lower healthcare costs, lower transportation costs, and lower overall living expenses.

Can I live off $1000 a month in London?

Believe it or not, it is possible to live on £1,000 each month. However that comes with big caveats – it is likely possible only if you're a single person. If you have a family with children or dependents, the unfortunate news is that it will be near impossible to do so.

Is US cheaper than UK for students?

The cost of studying abroad can be very expensive but the UK tends to be cheaper than the US. The tuition fees you'll need to pay in the UK will depend on the university you choose but it can be anywhere between £15,000 - £30,000 a year or more.

Why London is famous for students?

London is a hugely diverse city, with people of all religions and ethnicities calling it home. This diversity is one of the things that attracts students from around the world to study in London. There are more than 300 languages spoken in London, so it is a great place to learn a new language.