Living In London As A Student – A Perfect Guide!

London is a prominent educational destination and houses some of the best colleges in the world such as Imperial College (QS world rankings- 7th), UCL  (QS world rankings- 8th) and King’s College  to name a few. 

This has made it a popular destination for many international students who seek admissions to these universities. While it can be exciting to study in London, students should not forget the financial aspect of studying there for, living in London as a student is a tad expensive.

Nevertheless, plenty of job opportunities can take care of these living expenses. 

Additionally, regardless of the area of study, it is always crucial to understand the lifestyle of a specific city. 

To help you out with studying in London more, this article gives a glimpse of the student life in London and the array of opportunities present in the UK.  

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Cost of living in London as a student 

Students living in universities need to face different expenses compared to those living privately. Hence, the cost of living as a student in London is subjective.

Yet, certain approximations present a fair idea for international students. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs depending on different criteria.

Therefore, on average, the monthly expenditure of living in London as a student is around £ 1,395 (₹ 1,41,170). 

Student housing/accommodation

There are two types of accommodations available in London for a student:

1. College-run

2. Private housing

In the former, the college or university provides all lodging facilities in dedicated undergraduate halls or hostels. The fees cover maintenance, cleaning, internet, and utility bill expenses.

On the other hand, living in London as a student in private housing includes finding landlords or halls in different areas around the city. Students need to sign a contract given to them by the renting party.   

Student life in London

London is ranked as the best city for students around the world. Therefore, being a student in London has several advantages attached to it. These are

1. Presence of world-renowned universities

2. Chance to visit top-notch museums, cinemas, restaurants

3. Good connection with local employers

4. A diverse community of students

5. Access to a variety of historical places

Living in London as a student thus can lead to a fine balance of study and amusement. 

Being a student in London

London is one of the costliest places in the world. So, student life in London can be expensive. However, students can make the most of their time in this beautiful location by participating in sports clubs, arts, culture, part-time jobs, and more.

Additionally, the robust network of university facilities offers several opportunities for research activities. 

Part-time jobs for a living

London has various employers who recruit staff for part-time gigs to offset the high expenses. The average pay for part-time employees in the UK is £ 10.34 (₹ 1,050) per hour.

Students can join companies like Nike, Ernest Jones, Morrisons, and Skechers in various part-time positions. 

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Academic cycles and part-time jobs

Students can work for around 20 hours every week in their study period. However, a student visa is mandatory for this purpose. 

Under this visa, international students can study and work in the academic cycles. However, their part-time jobs will depend on the course.