Cost of Living in the United Kingdom for International Students

1. Cost of Living in the UK for International Students

While your personal tastes impact the cost of living in the UK for international students wherever you are, the city in which you reside determines the cost of living in the UK. Although it is challenging to calculate exact costs, we can make an educated guess about the cost of living.

2. Cost of Accommodations in the UK for International Students

The majority of the costs incurred will go toward housing, which is the most significant component of your living expenses in the United Kingdom. Students have a variety of housing alternatives to select from, including dorms, individual apartments, shared housing, university residence halls, and local homestays. There are two types of housing options for  international students.

3. Cost of Food & Groceries in the UK for International Students

In the UK, food is a necessary component of your monthly cost of living. If you make your own food rather than going out to expensive restaurants, you can effectively control your food budget. Frequent eating out will undoubtedly increase your expenses and be costly. Indian students in the UK have access to a variety of Indian grocery stores that offer all the ingredients needed to prepare an Indian dinner. Indian students can effectively manage the cost of living in the UK as a result. The following is a list of basic food and grocery costs in the UK:

4. Tuition Fees in the UK for International Students

For Indian students, the expense of studying in the UK is largely made up of tuition fees. Undergraduate course tuition can easily cost between INR 7,00,000 and INR 8,00,000, with an ultimate limit of INR 27,00,000 depending on the university, the prestige of the course, the location of the university, etc. When you take an MBA, an engineering degree, or a clinical degree into consideration, postgraduate tuition prices tend to be more expensive. Arts courses are relatively less expensive.

5. Cost of Transportation in the UK for International Students

You must factor these fees in, especially if your flat is distant from your university. However, there are many student discounts for overseas students, making the cost of travel relatively reasonable. Additionally, the UK's public transportation system is so well connected and practical, for students can always use it. Compared to taxis, taking the bus, train, or tube, or just cycling around the city, can be a much cheaper travel choice for international students in the UK. There are typical transportation options and associated ticket prices.

6. Cost of Entertainment in the UK for International Students

There are many more aspects of college life besides coursework, reading, and exams. It is beneficial to engage in some pastime to expand your social network, tour the nation, and discover the people and culture in greater depth. Consequently, while estimating living expenses in the UK for Indian students, you need to account for the cost of recreation. Look at some of the most popular entertainment choices and their associated prices in the table given below:

7. Cost of Household Bills in the UK for International Students

When residing in the UK, a number of household expenses are involved. Electricity, water, cellphone, internet, and other utility bills should all be paid on time. The majority of the time, the rent already includes all of these expenses, but in the event that it doesn't, you must take into account the cost of several expenses while living in the UK. In addition, health insurance costs are included in the price of living in the UK for Indian students. Look at the total estimated price of all the invoices you might be required to pay:

8. Cost of Student Visa for UK from India

Tier 4 Visa Cost is an additional price for Indian students applying for student visas to the UK. To study in the UK, an Indian student is required to have a Tier 4 visa. In order to obtain a visa, you must either pay your first academic year's tuition in full or provide documentation demonstrating that you have the money necessary to do so. Additionally, you must provide documentation demonstrating that you have enough money to cover your living expenses for nine months. You must demonstrate that you can afford to pay GBP 1,015 per month if you reside outside of London or GBP 1,265 per month if you do so for a nine-month period if you do so in London.

9. Other Miscellaneous Expenses

Last but not least, miscellaneous expenses cover a wide range of things including social activities, shopping, stationery, toiletries, household goods, and any extra purchases you might make. Please be aware that supplemental spending might differ from person to person and is entirely dependent on your lifestyle. You must therefore prepare properly. When you are attempting to set out a fair budget for living in the UK, it is strongly advised that you stay away from expensive items and imported other expenses listed below:

10. Insurance and Income Tax in the UK

However, you will be required to pay national tax and insurance if you obtain employment in the UK while you are still a student.

National Insurance: If your weekly income exceeds GBP 166, you must pay the National Insurance.

Income Tax: If your weekly income exceeds GBP 1,042, you must pay the Income Tax.

As a student, you must purchase insurance, for which you must pay a monthly cost of roughly GBP 15 to GBP 25. Other personal costs include things like books, clothing, cleanliness, and other things that run about GBP 100 each month.

11. Scholarships in the UK offered to Indian Students

You must look into the various scholarships available to Indian students who want to study in the UK in order to pay for your further education there. There are many scholarships for international students in the UK. The following are the top scholarships you need to be aware of in order to assist you pay for your studies in the UK and support your daily expenses there:

• Chevening Scholarships which the British government awards to international students wishing to enroll in master's degree programs at the top research institutions in the nation.
• University of Cambridge, University College London, King's College London, Imperial College London, University of Oxford, etc. offer UK university scholarships.
• Erasmus Mundus, offered by the European Union to individuals chosen to pursue a master's degree in Europe.
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, which covers three to four years of doctorate study in the UK along with one-year master's programs.
• Scholarships for Charles Wallace offered by the British Council.
• Euraxess UK offered by the British Council.
• Grants from Marshall Scholarships.
• All-nationality undergraduate students are eligible for Castlesmart Scholarships.
• Grants from Saltire Scholarships.
• Shared Commonwealth Scholarship Program at UK Universities.

12. Money-Saving Tips to Manage Cost of Studying in the UK for International Students

It can be expensive to live in the city, whether you're a family or a student. However, you could save a significant amount of money with careful planning. These adjustments might seem insignificant, but they have a big effect on your total expenditure. Here are some practical money-saving advice for students in the UK:

• Renting two-wheelers or bicycles is always preferable to purchasing them.
• In the UK, there are incredible student discounts available for everything from grocery shopping to movie tickets. These discounts should be utilized as much as feasible because they can control UK student living expenditures very well.
• It is preferable to bring a transportation card that also provides student discounts if you plan to use public transportation frequently. Use an Oyster or Travelcard, for instance, for regular transportation.
• If money is tight, you can shop at supermarkets to find less expensive options. Avoid purchasing expensive or foreign goods.
• When it comes to helping students pay for their living expenses in the UK, scholarships are their greatest option. There are many scholarships available in the UK for international students that could either pay all of your living expenses or your tuition. Find the scholarships that are the best fit for you, then apply.
• If you're wanting to supplement your income in the UK, part-time work is a fantastic choice. Students are permitted to work 20 hours per week, and they can expect to make between GBP 10 and GBP 12 per hour.
• Rent in the UK can equal up to half of your monthly income, and housing costs there are very high. In order to get around this, sharing an apartment is a common practice in the UK.
• If you have a local bank account, everything can become extremely simple. Get a place to stay and the paperwork you need to open a bank account locally first.
• By controlling total utilization, the cost of general utilities such as electricity, heaters and air conditioners, etc., can be decreased. Like in the winter, you can wear some warm garments rather than constantly cranking up the heat.
• Your top priorities should be paying off the credit card debt, education loans, and any additional personal loans. When you've finished, you can begin saving money. It is important to realize that the easiest approach that would save money is to pay off your debts first because the loan's exorbitant interest rates prevent you from doing so.
• If you already own a phone, look for "sim only" deals and choose the ones that offer good returns at a lower cost. You will save a great deal of money by making these small adjustments towards the end of each year.
• You cannot afford to spend so much money on upscale food and services if you frequently eat at restaurants and cafés. Make sure to take advantage of bargains and deals while you search for additional reasonably priced restaurants that serve delicious meals. Additionally, you have the option of cooking your own food at home or purchasing supermarket-priced prepared foods.
• A contactless travel card has a maximum on the cost, so you can't spend more than that amount in a single week. A commuter oyster card is also available. However, it is always a good idea to investigate trains and their prices online. Taxis can be expensive for short commutes, while Uber may be less expensive. In the UK, using a coach is the most affordable option for long distance travel. Book your tickets online after checking and comparing costs. It also makes sense when flying, as airline tickets can be expensive. Try to locate decent prices and purchase the tickets in advance.

13. Conclusion

Living abroad can be difficult because you constantly have to think about finances. For Indian students, the cost of living in the UK is a significant issue that necessitates careful investigation and comparison, particularly in regards to issues of housing and rent. You are now aware of the numerous elements that affect the cost of living for foreign students in the UK.

14. Who are We!

However, do not panic if you run into problems at any stage of the study abroad process, such as applying for a scholarship that is appropriate or selecting a course that fits your budget. You can schedule a free counseling session with one of our professionally qualified counselors at Career Clinic. Apply with us for the upcoming 2024 intakes in the UK.