• Financial Support

    Cost of Living in London

  • Equipment and Materials (Photograph by Alys Tomlinson)
    Equipment and Materials (Photograph by Alys Tomlinson)
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  • This is a very general guide intended to give an idea of the cost of living in London as a student. Obviously these costs can vary greatly depending on which area you live in, your accommodation  and personal spending habits! It is possible to live in London for less than we have estimated, but this would involve finding very cheap accommodation and living on a very tight budget.

    If you are an international student you will need to account for certain ‘start up’ costs, such as bedding and other household items.

    Course costs (e.g. books and materials) are not included as these will depend on which programme you study in, and the materials that you choose to work with.

    Item of Expenditure
    Monthly Weekly
    Rent
    £475 £110
    Water/Gas/Electricity* £52 £12
    TV Licence*  £4
    Personal Insurance £10 £2
    Mobile Phone £40 £10
    Travel £74** £19**
    Food £215*** £50***
    Household/Toiletries £40 £10
    Leisure & Entertainment
    £85 £20
    Clothing/Footwear £40 £10
    Total £1035        
    £243

    * These costs are roughly based on three people sharing a property.

    **The travel costs are based on the cost of a Zone 1 & 2 Travelcard, purchased with a student Oystercard. For more information of fares visit the Transport for London website.

    ***The cost of food is based on someone buying and preparing their own food. The average cost of a cooked meal in the RCA canteen is £5–6.

    For more detailed information on living costs, visit the British Council website.