Studying in the UK as a foreign student is exciting. It’s home to some of the oldest and best universities in the world. Degrees from UK universities are respected around the globe and, what’s more, the country is a historical yet modern and forward-thinking place to live. But how much does it cost to live there as a student? Let’s take a look...

It’s not always easy to know where to spend and where to save - which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you visualise the main costs of studying abroad. Plus, there are tips on how you can budget.

• Accommodation and bills
• Studying expenses
• Food shopping
• Part-time job
• Social life
• Transport

Accommodation and bills

Accommodation is likely to be the main expense for international students. Costs can vary depending on the size, facilities and location.

For example, accommodation closer to the city centre or the university can be more expensive than one that’s on the edge of the city. The North of England also tends to be cheaper than the South in terms of living expenses.

Universities will usually offer secure accommodation (also known as halls of residence) on campus whereby utilities such as gas, water and electric are typically covered in the price. So, you don’t have to worry about taking these into consideration when calculating your budget.

There’s also private accommodation which you can rent with friends. Utility bills are sometimes included, which can save you the trouble of budgeting and arranging for payments, but sometimes they’re not so it’s worth checking.

Studying expenses

Just to be clear - we’re not talking about your course fees here. You’re also going to need to buy extra things to assist your learning - for example, textbooks.

Self-study is often encouraged at university and chances are, you’ll spend a lot of your time reading, researching, revising and submitting assignments.

Buying all the books on your reading list in the form of brand new copies can be expensive. Instead, take a look online for second-hand copies. You can get a good deal and make your budget last longer.

Some other common study-related costs are:

• Computers and laptops - you can easily use the ones provided by the university - such as at the library (for example, here at Newcastle University, we have over 3,000 networked computers). Bringing your own isn’t always needed. However, if you’d like your own personal computer, they are easy enough to purchase in the UK and you can buy refurbished machines for a fraction of the price.
• Photocopying and printing - you’ll usually have to cover the cost of your own printing. Typically, universities have a credit system where you can streamline your printing transactions and top up if you’re running low.
• Field trips - To further enhance your learning, courses will have field trips that are relevant to your course. Some universities will pay for travel and accommodation on compulsory field trips whilst others will require payment.
• Specialist equipment - Certain courses require specialist equipment (e.g. safety goggles, lab coats and scientific calculators). These will have to be purchased in order to complete your course and won’t be provided by the university.

Food shopping

The cost of food in the UK varies depending on where you buy it from, but it’s easy to buy food to suit your budget. For example, discount supermarkets are great places to grab a bargain.

Here are some other top tips for food shopping and eating out in the UK:

• Supermarkets often have their own brands which are cheaper than the more recognised brands. Substituting a few of your staple items for these alternatives could save you money.
• Take a look in the reduced section of the supermarket. Often, fresh produce is marked down and you may be able to pick up some ingredients for a meal.
• Do your grocery shopping in the evening. In the evenings, most supermarkets start to heavily reduce prices on items they need to clear out by the end of the day. So, start making lists on what you need and time your visits perfectly so you get discounted food items.
• There are lots of eateries that offer a student discount, so when you want to eat out, take advantage of these deals.

Part-time job

Think about taking up a part-time job to earn some extra cash. There are plenty of jobs that have shifts that can be arranged around your study.

Depending on the visa you can get, you may be eligible to work 20 hours per week. This extra cash can help pay for recreational activities like socialising with your new friends or going out for lunch between classes.

If getting a part-time job isn’t feasible for you, there are lots of easy hacks on how to manage your money.

Social life

Putting money aside each month for social activities is an important part of the university lifestyle. It isn’t just study, study, study all the time. You have to find your way of relaxing and clearing your mind - especially around exam periods.

There’s no set amount on how much social lives cost; it’s completely down to each individual. But, keep in mind that you can’t get involved with everything and expect to still have money left over.

Make sure that you’re honest with yourself about your social life, but stick to the budget you draw up and just say no to that one extra night out, meal or cinema trip per month - however tempting it may be.

However, there are ways to manage the money you’ve set aside for socialising. For example, many shops and restaurants offer student discounts and there’s no shame in utilising this perk. The university is likely to have plenty of free societies to get involved in.

Transport

If your university is in a major city, chances are you will have access to a vast transportation network. From trains to trams, you’ll be able to navigate around the city with ease.

You can purchase a bus pass which will work out cheaper than purchasing a bus ticket every day on your commute. This is also beneficial for those who live on campus as they can go into town and socialise whenever they like.

Public transport might be essential for your day-to-day life so make sure you’re getting the most of it by purchasing a ticket tier you’ll utilise.

Living, Budgeting and Studying in the UK - All You Need To Know

We know that moving abroad to study is an exciting adventure but we are also aware of the important side. Smaller details like food and bus passes are often overlooked, left to the last minute or forgotten about completely - however, they all play a role in giving you the best possible university experience and should all be considered.

To help you out, we’ve created a guide that covers everything when it comes to university. It has lots of helpful material to assist you with your decision to study in the UK.