Navigate housing, food, discounts, part-time work, and weekend trips to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic (and expensive) cities.
Studying abroad in London immerses you in a city where centuries of history meet cutting-edge innovation. From Shakespeare’s Globe to Canary Wharf, opportunities are endless—but so are potential costs. This guide breaks down housing, food, discounts, work, and weekend trips so you can enjoy London without overspending.
Housing in London
Large, competitive, and pricey—start early and be flexible.
University Halls
UCL, King’s, LSE and others offer options near campus.
- Shared/basic: £650–£900/mo
- Single ensuite: £900–£1,300/mo
- Utilities/Wi-Fi often included; apply months ahead.
Private Student Accommodation
IQ, Unite Students, Chapter London.
- Typical: £950–£1,400/mo based on location/amenities.
Shared Flats & Homestays
Spareroom, Rightmove Students, Zoopla.
- Rooms (Zones 2–4): £700–£1,100/mo
- Homestays for cultural immersion.
Popular Student Areas
- Camden: lively, near UCL/British Library
- Shoreditch: creative, nightlife
- Islington: central, lots of student housing
- Greenwich: scenic, value
- Hammersmith: West London access
Tip: Prioritize proximity to Tube/Overground/bus—commute shapes daily life.
Food on a Student Budget
Groceries
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda; cheapest: Lidl/Aldi.
- Weekly budget: £30–£50
- Markets: Borough, Camden, Maltby Street
Eating Out (Affordable)
- Dishoom: £12–£20 mains
- Franco Manca: £7–£12 pizza
- Wasabi: £6–£9 sushi boxes
- Pret Meal Deals & supermarket meal deals ~£4–£5
Pubs often run burger+drink deals < £12.
Tip: Tap water is free everywhere—refill bottles.
Student Discounts & Perks
Transport
- 18+ Student Oyster: ~30% off Travelcards
- 16–25 Railcard: extra national rail savings
- Santander Cycles: £2/day access
Culture & Entertainment
Free museums: British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History.
Deals via TodayTix, Student Beans, UNiDAYS.
- 2-for-1 cinema nights, half-price National Theatre tickets (U26), 20–30% retail discounts.
Fitness
University gyms ~£25/mo; parks (Hyde/Regent’s) for free running.
Work Options for International Students
Regulations
- UK Student Route (Tier 4 legacy): generally up to 20 hrs/week in term, full-time in breaks (check visa specifics).
- EU: verify post-Brexit rules by nationality.
Common Roles & Pay
Barista/retail, campus ambassador, tutoring/babysitting, hospitality.
- £10–£14/hr typical; campus roles fit class schedules.
Internships
Finance/media/marketing/arts: track Indeed, LinkedIn, Prospects.
Unpaid roles can build networks—budget accordingly.
Tip: Monitor spending; London costs can escalate quickly.
Weekend Trips from London
- Oxford/Cambridge (day): colleges, museums, gardens
- Brighton (day): pier, beach, nightlife (~£30–£40)
- Bath + Stonehenge (weekend): Roman Baths + UNESCO stone circle (tours £60–£80)
- Edinburgh (weekend): castle, Old Town hostels ~£25+/night
- Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam (long weekend): Eurostar; book early; student fares from ~£70 RT
Pro Tip: Passport required for EU trips; keep it with you.
Budget Planning (Monthly)
| Category | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared flat) | £800–£1,100 |
| Food | £200–£300 |
| Transport | £120–£160 |
| Phone | £20–£30 |
| Entertainment | £100–£150 |
| Total | £1,200–£1,700 |
Use Monzo, Revolut, Emma to track spend.
Cultural Tips
Punctuality matters. Politeness (“please/thank you/sorry”) goes far. Always let passengers exit the Tube first. Weather changes often—carry an umbrella. Tipping: 10–12% at restaurants; pubs/cafés optional.
Final Thoughts
Preparation + curiosity = thriving in London. Budget smart, exploit student discounts, and explore beyond Zone 1. By semester’s end, London won’t just be where you studied—it’ll be a city that taught you independence and confidence.