Planning to study in the UK is exciting. But alongside choosing the right course and university, one of the most important things to plan is your budget. How much does it cost to live as a student in the UK? Which cities are more affordable? And what should you expect to spend each month?
At Atava Education and Training, we have been helping international students from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond study in the UK since 2013. One of the most common questions our students ask before they apply is:
"How much money do I actually need?"
This guide answers that question honestly, using up-to-date figures from official and trusted sources.
Whether you are planning to study in London or a smaller city, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to make your money go further once you arrive.
1. What UKVI Requires You to Show for Your Student Visa
Before we look at real living costs, it is important to understand the official maintenance fund requirement set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This is the minimum amount of money you must have in your bank account to be approved for a UK Student visa.
The current figures (in effect from January 2025) are:
|
Location |
Required per month |
Required for 9 months (total) |
|
Studying in London |
£1,529 |
£13,761 |
|
Studying outside London |
£1,171 |
£10,539 |
These figures must sit in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your visa application date. Outstanding tuition fees must be added on top of these figures.
These are the minimum amounts required to pass the visa financial check, not a recommended monthly spending budget. Real living costs may be higher depending on your city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. Always verify the current figures directly on the official UK government website before applying.
→ Check the latest UKVI maintenance fund requirements on gov.uk
2. The Immigration Health Surcharge: An Important Upfront Cost
Many students are surprised to learn that the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) must be paid upfront as part of your visa application, before you even arrive in the UK. This is not a monthly cost; it is a one-time payment for the full duration of your visa. In return, you get access to the National Health Service (NHS) throughout your studies.
The current IHS rate is £776 per year. Here is how that adds up depending on your course:
|
Degree type |
Duration |
IHS cost (approx.) |
|
Bachelor's degree |
3 years |
£2,328 |
|
Master's degree |
1–2 years |
£776–£1,552 |
|
PhD / Doctoral degree |
3–4 years |
£2,328–£3,104 |
📌 This is a significant upfront cost that many families do not account for in their initial budget. Make sure you include it when planning your total study budget. You can use the official IHS calculator on gov.uk to find the exact amount for your course.
→ Calculate your IHS cost using the official gov.uk calculator
3. One-Time Costs When You First Arrive
When you first arrive in the UK, you will have some one-time costs to cover before you settle into a regular monthly budget. These are worth planning for separately so they do not catch you off guard:
- Accommodation deposit: most private landlords ask for five to six weeks' rent upfront as a security deposit. For a room at £600/month, that is around £750–£900 before you even move in.
- First month's rent: often due before or on the day you move in.
- Bedding and basics: if you are not in a fully furnished room, you will need to buy a duvet, pillows, towels, and basic kitchen items. Budget around £100–£200 for this.
- UK SIM card: a SIM-only plan from networks such as GiffGaff, Smarty, or Voxi typically costs £10–£20/month. Buying one before you leave home can save hassle on arrival.
- Opening a UK bank account: free to open, but you may need to show your university acceptance letter and proof of address. Some banks like Monzo or Starling allow students to open accounts quickly online.
- Travel from the airport to your accommodation: depending on where you land and where you are heading, this could be anywhere from £5 to £80.
When you add these up, your first month in the UK will cost considerably more than a typical month. A deposit of five weeks' rent on a £600/month room is £750, plus first month's rent of £600, plus around £150–£200 for basics. That is over £1,500 before regular monthly costs. Planning this budget separately, and having it ready before you travel, will make your arrival much smoother.
4. How Living Costs Vary by City
Choosing the right city can make a very significant difference to your monthly budget. According to the NatWest Student Living Index 2025, one of the most trusted annual surveys of UK student finances, based on responses from over 5,000 students, the most affordable student cities overall are Lincoln, Bolton, and Cardiff. Meanwhile, the cities with the cheapest average rents are Newcastle, Sheffield, and Milton Keynes.
Below is an overview of typical costs in the cities where many of our partner universities are based, giving you a practical sense of what to expect:
|
City |
Avg monthly rent (student) |
Estimated total monthly budget |
Notes |
|
London |
£800–£1,200+ |
£1,400–£2,000+ |
Highest costs; biggest opportunities |
|
Manchester |
£500–£750 |
£1,000–£1,300 |
Large international community |
|
Birmingham |
£450–£700 |
£950–£1,200 |
Affordable; well connected |
|
Leeds |
£450–£680 |
£950–£1,200 |
Rents falling in 2025–26 |
|
Sheffield |
£430–£650 |
£900–£1,150 |
Among cheapest rents in UK |
|
Cardiff |
£440–£650 |
£900–£1,150 |
3rd most affordable (NatWest 2025) |
|
Glasgow |
£430–£650 |
£880–£1,100 |
Excellent value; vibrant city |
|
Newcastle |
£420–£620 |
£870–£1,100 |
Some of cheapest rents in UK |
|
Nottingham |
£440–£660 |
£900–£1,150 |
Popular with MENA students |
📌 These figures are based on NatWest Student Living Index 2025, Save the Student National Student Accommodation Survey 2025, and university accommodation pages. They are ranges, not guarantees. Your actual costs will depend on your accommodation type, lifestyle, and spending habits. We recommend checking your specific university's accommodation pages for the most up-to-date figures.
→ Explore Atava's university partner cities and courses
A note on London vs outside London
London is by far the most expensive city for students in the UK. The British Council's Study UK estimates that students in London spend £1,300–£1,400 per month on living costs, compared to £900–£1,300 outside London. That can add up to a difference of over £4,800 per year. That can add up to a difference of over £4,800 per year, money that could go towards tuition fees, travel, or savings.
This does not mean you should avoid London. It has unmatched career opportunities, cultural diversity, and is home to some of the world's most respected universities. But if budget is your priority, the UK has excellent universities in many cities where your money goes significantly further.
A note for students from MENA countries
If you are coming from Libya, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, or Tunisia, you may have specific practical needs, particularly access to halal food. The good news is that the UK has a large and well-established Muslim community, and halal food is widely available in most major university cities. Cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, and Nottingham have large Arab and Muslim communities and a wide range of halal restaurants, supermarkets, and butchers. Sheffield, Cardiff, and Glasgow also have good halal food options.
At Atava, many of our students come from Libya, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. We understand the practical questions that matter to you and your family, and we are always happy to talk through city choices as part of your application journey
5. What Your Money Actually Covers Each Month
Here is a plain breakdown of the main expenses you will face as a student in the UK. Figures are based on the NatWest Student Living Index 2025 and the Save the Student National Student Accommodation Survey 2025:
|
Expense |
Approx. monthly cost |
Notes |
|
Accommodation |
£430–£1,200 |
Biggest cost. See city table above |
|
Groceries & food |
~£147/month |
Based on NatWest Student Living Index 2025 |
|
Household bills |
~£124/month |
Often included in university halls |
|
Transport |
£30–£150/month |
Varies widely; lower outside London |
|
Mobile phone |
£10–£25/month |
SIM-only plans from major UK networks |
|
Personal & social |
£50–£150/month |
Your choice; budget accordingly |
One important tip: if you choose university halls of residence for your first year, bills such as electricity, water, heating, and internet are usually included in the rent. This makes budgeting much simpler and removes the risk of unexpected bill surprises, particularly helpful in your first year when everything is new.
6. Saving on Train Travel: The 16-25 Railcard
If you plan to travel by train in the UK to visit other cities, explore the country, or travel home during holidays, the 16-25 Railcard is one of the best investments you can make. It gives you one third off most train fares across Great Britain, including Advance tickets.
- Cost: £35 for one year, or £80 for three years (updated March 2025)
- Average saving: approximately £208 per year (source: 16-25railcard.co.uk)
- Available to: anyone aged 16–25, or any full-time student aged 26 or over
- Can also be linked to your Oyster card for one third off off-peak underground travel in London
- Available as a digital card stored on your phone, or as a physical card
You can buy the railcard directly at 16-25railcard.co.uk, or at any staffed train station.
📌 The 3-year railcard at £80 saves you £25 compared to buying three separate 1-year cards , great if you are starting a 3-year degree.
7. Student Discount Apps and Cards
As soon as you arrive and have a university email address, sign up for these three platforms. They are free (or very low cost) and give you instant access to hundreds of discounts on everyday essentials, technology, food, travel, and entertainment:
|
Platform |
Cost |
What you get |
Website |
|
UNiDAYS |
Free |
Discounts from 800+ brands: fashion, tech, food, fitness |
|
|
Student Beans |
Free |
Similar to UNiDAYS, great for UK-specific brand deals |
|
|
TOTUM |
Free basic / paid+ |
NUS-endorsed; physical card + ISIC accepted in 130+ countries |
All three platforms are available to international students enrolled at any UK university, regardless of your nationality. You just need a university email address to verify your student status.
A few other discounts worth knowing about:
- Amazon Prime Student : six months free, then 50% off the standard Prime price. Good for deliveries and streaming.
- Spotify Premium: heavily discounted student rate for music streaming.
- Many cinemas, museums, restaurants, and attractions offer student discounts when you show your student ID. Always ask, as many places offer discounts that are not advertised.
8. Part-Time Work: What You Can Earn and Where to Look
As an international student on a UK Student visa, you are permitted to work part-time alongside your studies. This can help cover everyday expenses such as groceries and transport, though it should not be relied upon to meet your visa maintenance fund requirement. You must already have those funds in your account at the time of your application.
Your work rights on a UK Student visa
- Up to 20 hours per week during term time
- Full-time during official university holidays
- You cannot work as a self-employed person on a Student visa
The UK National Living Wage from April 2025 is £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, and £10.00 per hour for ages 18–20. At 20 hours per week, that is a potential income of around £240–£980 per month during term time, depending on your age and the role.
Where to look for part-time work
Your university's own careers service is the best starting point. They understand your visa conditions, know which local employers regularly hire international students, and can provide tailored CV advice and interview preparation. Most universities have an online job portal. Check your university's website for details.
Beyond your university, these platforms are well suited to student job searching:
|
Platform |
Best for |
Website |
|
Your university careers service |
Most visa-friendly roles; student ambassador positions; on-campus work |
Check your own university website |
|
Unitemps |
University-based jobs specifically |
|
|
StudentJob UK |
UK's largest student-specific job portal; part-time and weekend work |
|
|
Indeed |
Wide range of roles; filter by part-time and location |
|
|
Reed |
General UK jobs; strong filters for part-time and weekend work |
📌 For hospitality and retail roles, walking into a café or shop with a printed CV and asking to speak to the manager can often be more effective than applying online. Look for 'Staff Wanted' signs in windows when exploring your local area.
9. Budget Tips Summary
Here are eight simple steps to help you manage your money well as an international student in the UK:
- Choose a university outside London if your budget is a priority. You can access excellent education at a significantly lower cost of living.
- Opt for university halls of residence in your first year. Bills are usually included, which makes budgeting much simpler.
- Cook at home rather than eating out regularly. Budget supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl are significantly cheaper than standard supermarkets like Waitrose or Marks & Spencer.
- Get a 16-25 Railcard as soon as you arrive if you plan to travel by train. It costs £35 for a year and saves an average of £208.
- Sign up for UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM as soon as you have your university email address. They are free and give you instant access to hundreds of discounts.
- Plan your arrival budget separately from your monthly budget. Your first month will cost more than usual due to deposits, bedding, and one-off setup costs.
- Remember the Immigration Health Surcharge must be paid upfront as part of your visa application. Budget for this separately and well in advance.
Check your university's careers service first when looking for part-time work. They know which employers in the area accept students on a visa and understand your study schedule. See also Unitemps and StudentJob UK for student-specific job listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
From January 2025, you need to show £1,529 per month for London (up to 9 months = £13,761) or £1,171 per month outside London (up to 9 months = £10,539). Outstanding tuition fees must be added on top. These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application. Always verify the current figures at gov.uk before applying.
Is London expensive for students?
Yes, London is the most expensive city for students in the UK. Total monthly costs including rent, food, and transport typically range from £1,400 to over £2,000. However, London also offers unmatched career opportunities, a large international student community, and the UK's highest concentration of world-renowned universities. If budget is your priority, cities like Sheffield, Newcastle, Cardiff, and Glasgow offer excellent universities at significantly lower living costs.
Which UK city is cheapest for international students?
According to the NatWest Student Living Index 2025, the most affordable student cities in the UK overall are Lincoln, Bolton, and Cardiff. For the cheapest average rents specifically, Newcastle, Sheffield, and Milton Keynes rank at the top. Many cities in the North of England and Wales offer strong academic options alongside a very manageable cost of living.
Can I work part-time as an international student in the UK?
Yes. On a UK Student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university holidays. The National Living Wage from April 2025 is £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over. However, part-time earnings should supplement your budget, not replace the maintenance funds you need to show for your visa.
Do I need a railcard as an international student?
If you plan to travel by train in the UK, a 16-25 Railcard is one of the best-value purchases you can make. It costs £35 for one year and saves you one third off most UK train fares, with an average saving of around £208 per year. It is available to all full-time students regardless of age, and can also be used to get discounts on London Underground off-peak travel via an Oyster card.
Are student discount apps available to international students?
Yes, absolutely. UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM are all available to international students enrolled at any UK university. You just need a university email address to verify your status. They are free to join (TOTUM has a free basic tier and a paid premium option) and give you access to hundreds of discounts on everyday essentials, technology, food, and entertainment.
What are the hidden costs of studying in the UK?
The costs students are most often surprised by include: the Immigration Health Surcharge paid upfront with your visa application (£776 per year), the accommodation deposit required before you move in (often five to six weeks' rent), one-off arrival costs like bedding and basic kitchen items, and the cost of travel from the airport to your accommodation. Budgeting an extra £500–£1,000 for your first month on top of your regular budget is a sensible precaution
Ready to Plan Your UK Study Journey?
Working out your budget is one of the most important steps in planning to study in the UK, and you do not have to do it alone. At Atava, we have helped hundreds of students from across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond find the right university, in the right city, at the right budget. We are accredited by the British Council, English UK, and IALC, and our team has first-hand knowledge of the UK study experience.
Whether you are just starting to research your options or are ready to apply, we offer a free, no-obligation conversation to help you understand your options and plan with confidence.
→ Get in touch with the Atava team today | → Browse our partner universities | → Download our visa documents checklist
Sources: UKVI gov.uk | NatWest Student Living Index 2025 | British Council Study UK | Save the Student National Student Accommodation Survey 2025 | 16-25railcard.co.uk | National Minimum Wage Rates gov.uk