Living expenses in the UK for international students

Studying in the UK or planning to? No doubt you’re keen to get stuck into your course, make friends, and settle into the local area. Of course, you’re probably also thinking about how much it will cost as an international student.

In this guide, we break down monthly living expenses in the UK, visa fees, regional differences and household bills, so you can plan ahead.

Having an easy way to manage your money in the UK can ease the stress of a new place, too. With a Wise Account, you can hold multiple currencies and spend in 160+ countries with the Wise card.

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Table of contents

UK student visa financial requirements How much do UK student visa applications cost? Financial evidence requirements UK student visa maintenance funds for London courses UK student visa maintenance funds for outside London Monthly living costs in the UK for international students Average monthly accommodation costs Rent for university halls vs. private sector accommodation Cost of utilities and household bills Budgeting for groceries and food expenses Regional differences in living expenses in the UK Average living expenses in London for international students Student living costs in London vs the rest of the UK: Comparison Most affordable cities for students in the UK Other things to budget for Cost of health and wellbeing (Immigration Health Surcharge and healthcare) Transportation and travel costs Tuition fees and associated educational costs Leisure, socialising and personal expenses Strategies for managing your living expenses as an international student Can international students work part-time? Sources of financial support and sponsorship Tips for saving money on living expenses

Understanding UK student visa financial requirements

If you’re based outside of the UK, you can apply for your student visa up to six months before you start your course. If you’re already in the UK, you can apply up to 3 months before. Let’s take a closer look at the financial requirements for a student visa.

How much money do international students need to prove for a UK visa application?

You need enough money to cover your course fees, living costs, and partner or children’s living costs if they’re coming with you on your visa.

You should have your exact course fees from your confirmation of acceptance. Living costs in the UK differ based on the location. For courses in London, you need £1,529 per month for up to nine months. For courses outside of London, you need £1,171 per month for up to nine months.¹ There are additional financial requirements if you bring a dependent.

If you’ve been living in the UK on a visa for at least 12 months before applying for your student visa, you don’t need to prove you have money to support yourself. The same is true if you’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer.

If you’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’, you don’t need to prove you can cover living costs either, though you may need to provide evidence before you receive a visa decision.¹

Financial evidence requirements for a student visa

Financial evidence can be provided through one of the following:

• A government or government-backed student loan, or regulated student loans scheme
• An official financial sponsorship, such as ones from a government or university
• Your own money
• Your parents’ money, providing you have a letter of consent
• Your partners’ money, if they’re in the UK or applying at the same time

Overdrafts, cryptocurrency, and stocks and shares aren’t viable proof. There’s a full list of what’s accepted as financial evidence for a student visa on the GOV.UK website.

UK student visa maintenance funds for London courses

If you’re studying in London, you need to have £1,529 per month in maintenance funds.

UK student visa maintenance funds for courses outside London

If you’re studying outside of London – for example, in Leicester, Manchester, Cambridge, or another location, you need to have £1,171 in maintenance funds.

📚 How to apply for a UK student visa

Monthly living costs in the UK for international students

Student budgets are often tight, and you may find it tricky to manage the costs. But getting a clear idea of what you’ll need to spend while you’re studying can give you some peace of mind and time for financial planning.

Let’s break down individual living costs so you can do the maths.

Average monthly accommodation costs for international students

The average monthly accommodation costs depend on where you’re based in the UK. According to a 2025 survey by Save The Student, average rent for student accommodation is £529 per month.²

Here’s a look at the average monthly rent for three specific university locations:

• University College London: £818
• Nottingham University: £637
• Leeds University: £549

As you can see, the average monthly rent varies considerably depending on where you study. Many universities offer their own estimations of accommodation and living costs. It’s worth checking your university’s website to see if this information is available.³

Rent for university halls vs. private sector accommodation

Sometimes the cost of university halls works out more expensive than private accommodation. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons of staying in university housing or private housing, because both have their perks.

For example, university halls are often located closer to or on campus, meaning you could save on commuting costs. The cost of university halls also usually includes bills, unlike private rentals.

If you’re opting for a private rental, it’s likely you’ll need a UK guarantor, or the capacity to pay for accommodation upfront.

But with a private property, you also have the option to share it with friends, and have your own communal kitchen and living spaces. It’s likely you’ll be located further away than campus, but it might also be cheaper to rent privately than to stay in student halls.

Cost of utilities and household bills

The average student energy bill is £88 per month, according to Save The Student.⁴

Water and sewerage is £10 a month on average, and broadband usually comes in at around £6-£11.⁵

If you opt for a private rental, you have the opportunity to split bills with housemates. This is an important factor in working out what’s affordable for you.

Budgeting for groceries and food expenses

Students pay an average of £146 per month on groceries.⁶

This doesn’t include the occasional takeaway or eating out, which comes at an additional cost.

You might find it helpful to make meal plans and batch cook, so there’s always something ready for you to heat up after a long day. Planning your meals ahead is also helpful for budgeting and avoiding overpurchasing.

Many UK supermarkets offer points and loyalty schemes that are free to join, and get you cheaper prices on your shopping. It’s worth signing up for these loyalty schemes where you can.

Regional differences in living expenses in the UK

Generally speaking, students will find the cost of living in London much higher than cities and towns further away from the capital. The north of England and Scotland typically offers lower living costs, but this depends on the specific town and city. Let’s take a closer look at these regions and variations.

What are the average living expenses in London for international students?

Let’s have a look at some average costs for students living in London. Here are some estimates if you’re studying at Imperial College London, King’s College London, or London Metropolitan:⁶

Living expense	Average cost
Groceries	£160-180
Transport	£100-£210
Health and wellbeing	£10-£30
Going out and socialising	£50-£130
Mobile phone	£10-£30

Student living costs in London vs the rest of the UK: Comparison

A living costs survey from Save The Student shows just how much spending can vary between cities and universities. Below, are cities across the UK (including Wales and Scotland), and the cost of every day expenses:⁶

	Groceries	Transport	Health and wellbeing	Going out and socialising	Mobile phone
London Metropolitan	£183	£208	£17	£50	£26
Glasgow Caledonian	£188	£240	£20	£40	£17
Anglia Ruskin	£140	£67	£33	£61	£16
Cardiff	£129	£36	£14	£51	£8
Newcastle	£167	£25	£18	£78	£10

Most affordable cities for student living in the UK

According to NatWest’s student living index 2025, the most affordable UK cities for students are:⁷

• Lincoln
• Bolton
• Cardiff
• Birmingham
• Liverpool

Other things international students should budget for

Housing, utilities bills, and the cost of groceries is usually something you plan for. But other costs can come into the equation for international students, ones you might not have considered.

Cost of health and wellbeing (Immigration Health Surcharge and healthcare)

When you pay for your visa, you’ll also pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS costs £776 per year for students and their dependents.

You’ll need to include your own details, as well as the details of any dependents coming with you, or family you’re joining in the UK. If you’re paying from inside the UK, it costs half; £338 for students and their dependents.

If your visa is for more than a year, you’ll either need to pay a year and a half’s cost or the full two years’ worth, depending on how long you stay.

Transportation and travel costs

Many places in the UK are well-connected, with bus, train, and other public transport routes. Discounted services and prices exist for students, and purchasing a monthly or yearly bus or train pass usually works out more cost effective than paying per trip.

There’s also the option of driving. Of course, you would need a car, insurance, and money for fuel. If you’re on a budget, it’s probably more cost-effective to stick with public transport options.

When it comes to choosing your accommodation, consider the public transport routes to your university campus, to make sure it’s easy to get to and from your classes.

Tuition fees and associated educational costs

The cost of studying in the UK as an international student varies greatly. According to the British Council, international undergraduate students can expect to pay between £11,400 - £38,000 in tuition fees. International postgraduate students can expect to pay between £9,000 and £30,000.⁸

Your course fees will usually be confirmed when you receive your acceptance onto the programme. But, there are often other educational costs that need factoring in.

For example, you may need to purchase lab or art equipment and materials, or specific text books and reading materials to complete your course.

Where possible, check your course guidance and induction information to see if there’s anything you need to purchase ahead of your start date.

Leisure, socialising and personal expenses

The university experience isn’t just about study.

No doubt, you’ll want to get involved with things happening outside of lectures, including taking trips with your friends, going to music, sport, or other live events, and keeping yourself well and healthy.

This can all come at a cost, so make sure you factor it into your budget early on.

Strategies for managing your living expenses as an international student

It might take a little bit of trial and error to get your budget and expenses right. Keep coming back to your budget, tweaking it, and tracking your spending. This will help you stay on the right side of things.

Can international students work part-time in the UK?

In many cases, yes. It depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term time. Many international students pick up part-time hospitality or bar jobs, or are employed part-time in student union jobs.

You can’t be self-employed while in the UK, or be a professional sportsperson or entertainer. You’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do on your visa once it’s accepted.

On a student visa, if your course is at degree level, you can usually stay for up to five years. Following your course, you may be able to switch to a graduate visa and work in most jobs.⁹

Sources of financial support (student loans and official sponsorship)

Student loans from the UK government are less common for international students, though you might still be able to secure one if you meet certain criteria. It’s worth checking on the GOV.UK website, just in case you might be eligible for tuition fee or maintenance loan.

There are still plenty of international student funding options available, including:

• Scholarships are available across the UK for international students, and can cover part or all of your university costs. Examples include the Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships
• Awards, bursaries and grants are also an option. These are typically offered by individual universities. An example is The Vice Chancellors Award at Sheffield Hallam University, which offers applicants from South Asia, Nigeria, South East Asia, and Ghana up to £3,000 for first year tuition fees
• Private grants and loans are available from companies and third parties, often in specific industries. While scholarships are typically awarded on academic merit, grants are often awarded based on financial aid requirements.

You can search for different types of funding on the UCAS website.

Tips for saving money on living expenses

A little extra planning can go a long way when it comes to managing your finances. Here are some tips for saving money on your expenses:

• Shop around for utility bills and subscriptions – use comparison websites to make sure you’re getting the best price
• Sign up for student discount providers, like UNiDAYS and Student Beans, to get money off in a range of shops
• If you’re using public transport, check for monthly or even annual student passes that will save you money compared to paying per trip
• Cook from scratch where you can, and batch cook to make sure there’s always something in the fridge
• Plan how much you’ll spend at social events before you go, so you don’t run the risk of overspending
• Find an account designed for students – they often come with perks like cashback, discounts, and overdrafts
• Alternatively, open a Wise account, and manage multiple currencies in one place easily so you can spend at home and at university in your local currency without racking up fees

Be Smart, Get Wise

Managing your living expenses in the UK as an international student can be tricky, but the opportunity to study something you’re excited about makes it all worthwhile.

Make student expenses more manageable with a Wise account. You can hold multiple currencies with Wise, and you always get the mid-market exchange rate, so spending in foreign currencies can work out at great value.

Using the linked Wise card could help you save money on fees as a student living abroad, and you’ll be able to switch to your home currency just as easily for trips back to family and friends.

Open a Wise account today for free, with no monthly fees.

Open a Wise account online and you can order the Wise card for a one-time fee of £7. You can use this clever card in 150+ countries. It automatically converts your pounds to local currency whenever you spend using the mid-market exchange rate, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* – or it’s free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

You also get two free ATM withdrawals for up to 200 GBP (or currency equivalent) each month. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

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Sources used:

1. GOV.UK – student visa and money in the UK
2. Save The Student - student living costs
3. Save The Student - cost of student accomodation
4. Save The Student - National student accommodation survey 2025
5. Save The Student - average student bills
6. Save The Student - student living costs
7. Natwest - Natwest student living index 2025
8. British council - cost of studying in the UK
9. GOV.UK - student visa overview

Sources last checked: 1 Dec 2025