Living in London on a budget is a common concern for many aspiring students looking to move to this big city. The question of whether you can live in London with £1,000 a month largely depends on various factors, including your accommodation, lifestyle, and financial management.
But the short answer, is this: It’s gonna be tough.
Don’t be discouraged, though! If you’re determined, you can make it work. In this blog post, we will explore the challenges of living in London as a student with a limited budget, as well as list some ideas on how you can make the most of £1,000 in London. Let’s get into it.
Accommodation Costs
The cost of accommodation is the most significant expense for those living in London. Renting a room in a university dormitory tends to be the most affordable option, so we always recommend to rent university accommodation. However, even prices of university rooms can vary widely.
In general, you can expect to pay between £600 and £900 per month for standard university accommodation in central London. If you choose to live in private rented accommodation, prices will be even higher.
Alternatively, if your university doesn’t offer budget-friendly options, you may want to consider to rent a room in the outskirts of London. If you look further out of Zone 4, you should be able to find rooms for £600 or £700, although it may be a difficult search. This option is particularly good for students who don’t need to be present at the university every day of the week.
Budgeting for Essentials
Living in London on a tight budget requires careful budgeting for essentials like groceries, transportation, and utilities. Here are some tips to help make your £1,000 a month stretch further:
1.Meal Planning: Cooking at home can save you a significant amount of money. Plan your meals, buy groceries in bulk, and look for discounts and special offers. You should be able to eat well with as little as £200 per month being spent in groceries.
2.Public Transportation: Make sure to get a student Oyster card to benefit from reduced fares. Buses are a particularly good method of transport as it’s much cheaper to get around! You can use Apps like CityMapper to help you understand your daily costs with different transport methods. You can also consider walking or cycling to bring your monthly transport cost to £0.
3.Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts on entertainment, dining, and shopping. Many businesses in London offer reduced prices to students, and you may even be able to get free entrance to some cultural events and sites!
4.Part-Time Work: Explore part-time job opportunities to supplement your income, but be cautious not to let work interfere with your studies. If you’re an international student, you can read our article about working in the UK as an international student.
5.Financial Assistance: Investigate if you're eligible for financial support, grants, or scholarships to ease the financial burden. Your university should be able to help you understand what your options are.
Try the London Cost of Living Calculator
Social Life on a Budget
London offers a vibrant social scene and countless entertainment options, but these can quickly drain your budget. While it's important to enjoy your time as a student, be mindful of your spending on leisure activities. Look for free or low-cost events and venues, take advantage of student discounts, and consider home-made alternatives to expensive nights out.
Plan for Emergencies and Unexpected Expenses
It's essential to have a financial cushion for unexpected costs such as medical bills, travel expenses, or unforeseen emergencies. It's wise to set aside a portion of your monthly budget for such situations, even if it’s just a little.
Living in London as a student with £1,000 a month is challenging but feasible with careful planning and budgeting. Your ability to make ends meet will depend on various factors, including your accommodation choices, lifestyle, and willingness to manage your finances diligently. While it might not afford you a lavish lifestyle in one of the world's most expensive cities in the world, it's possible to cover your basic needs and enjoy some of the city's cultural and social offerings.
Students in London often find creative ways to make the most of their budget, whether through part-time work, flat-sharing, or frugal living. The key is to strike a balance between your academic pursuits and your financial situation. With careful planning, resourcefulness, and a commitment to managing your money wisely, you can make the most of your student experience in this dynamic city without breaking the bank.
London's cultural richness and educational opportunities are waiting for you! Even on a student budget.
Cooking should be your favourite activity!
You will be surprised with the number of students who often get Takeaway meals after a long day (or even a night out). Don’t fall for this trap! While it may seem cheap to get some chicken and chips for £4, remember that habits accumulate, and so do values on food. At the end of the month, you may end up spending a lot more than you anticipated. And of course, the same applies for online ordering. Try to stay away from it.
PRO TIPS:
- When it comes to doing your grocery shopping, choose a Tesco or Sainsburys for your weekly shop. Their white label brands are the most affordable ones in London, and the quiality is perfectly fine.
- Get a loyalty card in your favourite supermarket. Over time, you will accumulate enough points to avail some sweet discounts
- Avoid “organic” options. In London there’s a lot of these trendy food options. If you want to live frugally, stay away from these.
