Cost of living in London for international students

London is one of the world’s best-known student cities. It has people from many countries, a large public transport network and plenty to do outside your classes.

But before you move, there is one important question: how much does it cost to live in London as a student?

The cost of living in London can be high, especially when it comes to accommodation. However, planning your money before you arrive can make student life much easier. Your monthly costs will depend on where you live, how often you travel, where you eat and what you like to do in your free time.

This guide covers the main international student expenses in London and gives you simple ways to plan your budget.

How much does it cost to live in London as a student?

There is no single monthly budget that will work for every student.

Accommodation will usually take a large part of your budget. You will also need to plan for food, transport, your phone and social activities.

As a useful starting point, the UK government currently requires eligible Student visa applicants studying in London to show they have £1,529 for each month of their course, for up to nine months, in addition to their course fees. This is a visa requirement and should not be seen as the exact amount every student will spend each month.

Before arriving in London, it is a good idea to make your own London student budget based on your accommodation and lifestyle.

Here are some costs to keep in mind when planning your budget:

Sources: Save the Student, National Student Money Survey 2026; GOV.UK; Transport for London.

*Eligible students with an 18+ Student Oyster photocard can get 30% off adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets.

1. Student accommodation in London

Estimate cost: Around £793 per month

Where you live can make a big difference to your monthly spending.

There are different types of student accommodation in London, including student residences, shared houses and homestays. The amount you pay will depend on the type of room, location and what is included in the price.

Living closer to central London can be convenient, but it can also cost more. Staying further away may help you save on rent, although you should also think about the time and money you will spend travelling.

Before choosing accommodation, check:

• Whether bills are included
• How far it is from your school
• What public transport is nearby
• Whether the room is private or shared
• The size of the room
• Whether you are sharing a house or renting your own studio or apartment
• Whether meals are included

Do not look at the rent alone. A room that costs a little more but includes bills or reduces your daily travel may sometimes make budgeting easier.

Students studying at English Path London can choose from accommodation options such as homestays and student residences, depending on their needs and budget.

2. Transport costs in London

Estimate cost: Around £120 per month

London is a large city, so transport may be an important part of your monthly budget.

The Tube, buses, trains and other services make it easier to travel around the city. How much you spend will depend on where you live, where you study and how often you travel.

Some students may be able to apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard. Eligible students can save 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. There are rules about who can apply, so it is important to check your eligibility before planning your travel budget.

The normal student discount does not apply to standard pay-as-you-go fares. However, students who also have an eligible Railcard may be able to receive a discount on some off-peak pay-as-you-go journeys and daily caps.

Walking can also be a simple way to save money when places are close enough. It is free, and you get to see more of the city at the same time.

3. Food and groceries

Estimate cost: Around £155 per month

Food is another regular expense when living in London as a student. How much you spend will depend on whether you usually cook at home or eat out.

Cooking at home is often one of the easiest ways to control your spending. You can plan meals for the week, take lunch to class and shop at larger supermarkets when possible.

Eating out will usually cost more. As a general London price guide, an inexpensive restaurant meal costs around £20, while a fast-food meal costs around £8. These are average city prices, so the amount you pay will depend on where you eat.

A few small habits can help:

• Make a shopping list before you go
• Cook enough food for more than one meal
• Take snacks or lunch with you
• Look for supermarket own-brand products
• Check prices before choosing where to shop

Of course, part of student life in London is enjoying the city. London has food from around the world, so you may want to eat out with friends sometimes. Adding some money for this to your budget means you can enjoy it without worrying about your other costs.

4. Phone and internet

Estimate cost: Around £15 per month

You will probably need a UK mobile plan while you are in London.

Prices depend on the amount of calls, texts and mobile data you need. A SIM-only plan may be useful if you already have an unlocked phone.

Before choosing a plan, check how much data you normally use. You may not need a large data package if you have Wi-Fi at your accommodation and school.

Internet may already be included in your accommodation, so check this before paying for anything extra.

5. Social activities and entertainment

Estimate cost: Around £60 per month

Studying abroad is not only about going to class. Meeting people and enjoying your new city are also important parts of the experience.

The good news is that enjoying London does not always mean spending a lot of money.

Many museums and galleries in London offer free entry to their permanent collections, although you may need to pay for some special exhibitions. You can also visit parks, markets and different areas of the city without spending a lot of money.

For example:

English Path London also runs a social programme for students. Activities include conversation clubs, museum visits and trips, giving students more opportunities to use English while experiencing London. Some activities are free, while others have an extra cost.

How to create a London student budget

A simple budget can help you understand where your money goes each month.

Start with the costs you must pay, such as:

• Accommodation
• Transport
• Groceries
• Phone
• Study-related costs

Then add money for things you would like to do, such as eating out, shopping, events and trips.

It is also useful to keep some money aside for unexpected costs. You may need to replace something, make an extra journey or pay for something you did not plan for.

At the end of each week, check how much you have spent. If you are spending more than planned in one area, you can make small changes for the following week.

Simple ways to save money as a student in London

You do not have to stop enjoying London to spend less.

Small choices can make a difference. Walk when you can, cook some of your meals at home and check whether you can get student travel discounts. Look for student offers before buying tickets or eating out and make use of London's free places and activities.

It is also worth planning ahead. Knowing what you need to spend each week can make it easier to manage your money throughout the month.

Most importantly, choose a budget that works for your student life rather than trying to copy how somebody else spends their money.

Is London a good place for international students?

London gives international students many chances to use English outside the classroom.

You may speak English when ordering food, travelling across the city, meeting new people or asking for help in a shop. These everyday moments give you more chances to practise what you study in class.

At English Path London, students can study English in Stratford, with central London easily accessible by public transport. The school offers English courses, student accommodation options and a social programme to help students experience life in the city.

The cost of living is an important part of your decision. Planning your budget before you arrive can help you understand what you may need and manage your money more carefully while you study.

If London feels like the right place for your English language journey, take the next step and study English in London with English Path.