Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students: Complete 2026 Guide

Studying or settling in the United Kingdom continues to be a popular choice for Indian students thanks to globally ranked universities, diverse career opportunities, and an international lifestyle. However, alongside tuition fees, understanding the true cost of living in the UK is essential for realistic financial planning.

Living expenses in the UK vary sharply by city, accommodation type, and lifestyle choices. London remains one of the most expensive cities in the world, while many regional cities offer a far more affordable yet equally rewarding student experience.

This 2026 guide explains the complete living cost in the UK for Indian students, including accommodation, food, transport, utilities, visa financial requirements, and practical budgeting tips.

Cost of Living in Major UK Cities (Monthly Estimate)

London is consistently the most expensive, while cities in the Midlands and Northern England are far more budget-friendly for Indian students.

UK Student Visa Financial Requirements (2026)

Before booking flights or accommodation, students must meet the UK student visa maintenance funds requirement.

You must show proof that you can afford:

• Full tuition fees (as stated on CAS)
• Living expenses
• Dependent costs (if applicable)

Monthly Maintenance Funds Required:

• London universities: £1,529 per month (up to 9 months)
• Outside London: £1,171 per month (up to 9 months)

This roughly translates to ₹1.6–1.8 lakh per month for Indian families, depending on exchange rates.

Students already living in the UK for 12 months on a valid visa or holding certain exemptions (such as student union sabbatical officers) may not need to show maintenance funds.

Accepted Financial Evidence for UK Student Visa

Funds can be shown through:

• Government or government-sponsored education loans
• Official university or government sponsorship
• Personal savings
• Parents’ savings (with consent letter)
• Partner’s funds (if applicable)

Not accepted: cryptocurrency, shares, overdraft facilitiesAlways verify the latest rules on the official UK government website.

Accommodation Costs in the UK for Students

Rent is the largest monthly expense for international students.

Average Student Rent (Monthly):

• UK average: £529 (varies by city)
• University College London: £818
• University of Nottingham: £637
• University of Leeds: £549

Most universities publish estimated living costs on their websites, which Indian students should check before accepting offers.

University Halls vs Private Accommodation

• University halls include utilities and are closer to campus, making budgeting easier.
• Private rentals can be cheaper when shared but often require a UK guarantor and upfront deposits.
• Utilities are usually extra in private housing.

Utility & Household Bills in the UK

Approximate monthly costs:

• Energy (electricity & gas): £88
• Water & sewerage: £10
• Broadband: £6–£11

Sharing accommodation significantly reduces per-person utility expenses.

Food & Grocery Expenses in the UK

Average grocery spend:

• £146 per month (home cooking only)

Indian students save money by:

• Cooking at home
• Shopping weekly
• Using Asian grocery stores
• Taking advantage of free supermarket loyalty cards

Eating out frequently increases costs quickly.

Regional Cost Differences Across the UK

London is the most expensive region, while manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow are more affordable.

Here it is cleanly segregated with headings and bullet points, easy to scan and student-friendly:

London

• Rent (University halls / Private): £800 / £1,200
• Food & Groceries: £250 per month
• Transport (Student pass): £100 per month
• Utilities: £150 per month
• Study Materials: £50 per month
• Entertainment: £100 per month
• Total Monthly Estimate: £1,450–£1,850

Manchester

• Rent (University halls / Private): £600 / £850
• Food & Groceries: £220 per month
• Transport (Student pass): £65 per month
• Utilities: £130 per month
• Study Materials: £40 per month
• Entertainment: £80 per month
• Total Monthly Estimate: £1,135–£1,385

Edinburgh

• Rent (University halls / Private): £620 / £880
• Food & Groceries: £230 per month
• Transport (Student pass): £60 per month
• Utilities: £140 per month
• Study Materials: £40 per month
• Entertainment: £90 per month
• Total Monthly Estimate: £1,180–£1,440

Glasgow

• Rent (University halls / Private): £550 / £800
• Food & Groceries: £210 per month
• Transport (Student pass): £55 per month
• Utilities: £130 per month
• Study Materials: £35 per month
• Entertainment: £80 per month
• Total Monthly Estimate: £1,060–£1,310

Birmingham

• Rent (University halls / Private): £580 / £850
• Food & Groceries: £220 per month
• Transport (Student pass): £60 per month
• Utilities: £135 per month
• Study Materials: £40 per month
• Entertainment: £85 per month
• Total Monthly Estimate: £1,120–£1,390

Nottingham

• Rent (University halls / Private): £500 / £750
• Food & Groceries: £200 per month
• Transport (Student pass): £50 per month
• Utilities: £120 per month
• Study Materials: £35 per month
• Entertainment: £75 per month
• Total Monthly Estimate: £980–£1,230

Sheffield

• Rent (University halls / Private): £470 / £700
• Food & Groceries: £190 per month
• Transport (Student pass): £45 per month
• Utilities: £115 per month
• Study Materials: £30 per month
• Entertainment: £70 per month
• Total Monthly Estimate: £920–£1,150

Discounted student travel cards help offset higher transport costs.

Most Affordable UK Cities for Indian Students (2025–26)

According to recent student living indexes:

• Lincoln
• Bolton
• Cardiff
• Birmingham
• Liverpool

These cities combine quality education with manageable living expenses.

Healthcare & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge:

• £776 per year (students & dependents)
• £338 when applying inside the UK

This provides full access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Average Tuition Fees in the UK (International Students)

• Undergraduate: £11,400–£38,000 per year
• Postgraduate: £9,000–£30,000 per year

Additional academic expenses may include textbooks, lab equipment, or course-specific materials.To understand how tuition fees vary by course, university, and location, you can explore our detailed guide on UK university fees for international students.

Personal Expenses, Leisure & Social Life

University life includes travel, fitness, and social activities. Budgeting for leisure early helps avoid financial stress later.

Part-Time Work Rules for International Students

Most international students can:

• Work part-time during term
• Work full-time during vacations

Common jobs include retail, hospitality, and campus roles.Self-employment and professional sports work are prohibited.

After graduation, students can apply for the Graduate Route Visa to work full-time in the UK.

Scholarships & Financial Support

Sources of financial support (student loans and official sponsorship)

• UK government student loans: Generally unavailable for international students, but you may be eligible in specific cases. Check the GOV.UK website for tuition fee or maintenance loan eligibility.
• Scholarships: Offered by UK universities and external bodies; may cover part or all of your study costs. Examples include Chevening Scholarships and Commonwealth Scholarships.
• Awards, bursaries, and grants: Usually provided by individual universities based on merit, financial need, or region. For example, the Vice-Chancellor’s Award at Sheffield Hallam University offers up to £3,000 for first-year tuition fees to students from select regions.
• Private grants and loans: Available from private organisations and third-party providers, often linked to specific industries or financial need.
• Funding search platforms: Explore and compare funding options for international students on the UCAS website.

Smart Money-Saving Tips for Students in the UK

• Share accommodation
• Use student discount platforms (UNiDAYS)
• Cook at home regularly
• Buy monthly transport passes
• Track spending monthly
• Choose student-friendly bank accounts

Small savings consistently applied make a big difference.

Conclusion

For Indian students, studying in the UK requires careful financial planning—especially when converting expenses into INR. While tuition fees are a major investment, everyday costs like rent, food, transport, and healthcare also add up quickly.

The good news is that with the right city choice, shared housing, student discounts, and realistic budgeting, living in the UK can be both affordable and deeply rewarding. Planning early brings peace of mind and lets you focus on what truly matters—your education and global experience.

FAQs

What is the average monthly cost for Indian students in the UK?

Most students spend £1,100–£1,500 per month, depending on location.

Is London too expensive for Indian students?

London is costly, but part-time work, shared housing, and student discounts help manage expenses.

Are groceries expensive in the UK?

No. Home-cooked meals and Asian grocery stores keep food costs affordable.

Can Indian students work part-time in the UK?

Yes, subject to visa rules.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

£776 per year, giving access to NHS healthcare.

Which UK cities are cheapest for students?

Lincoln, Cardiff, Liverpool, Bolton, and Birmingham.

Is private accommodation cheaper than university halls?

Often yes, especially when shared, but utilities may be extra.

Do students need to show living costs for all years?

No. Visa maintenance funds are required for a maximum of 9 months.

Do Indian students get scholarships in the UK?

Yes, many universities and organisations offer scholarships and bursaries.

How should Indian parents plan finances for UK education?

By budgeting in INR, factoring exchange rate fluctuations, and planning both tuition and living costs.