Here's a breakdown of key living expenses to help you understand and budget for the cost of living in London.
The good news is that students in London receive a higher maintenance loan to help cover these costs, more on that at the end of this section.
Let’s look at the typical expenses you’ll encounter:
Main expenses
Accommodation and rent will likely be your biggest expense. Rent costs in London vary widely depending on location and housing type. For student halls or shared apartments within Zones 1-2 (central London areas like Whitechapel, Shoreditch, etc.), you might expect roughly £900 – £1,500 per month for rent depending on the facilities and locations of the accommodation you choose.
Prices can be lower if you live further out (Zones 3-4) or in a student residence hall with shared facilities. If you decide to live in Zone 3 – 4, make sure you consider the additional cost of travel to and from campus, and make sure to apply for your 18+ Student Oyster photocard.
Whichever option you choose, secure your housing early and factor in a security deposit (usually 4-5 weeks’ rent) when planning your finances.
Grocery and food costs in London are slightly above the UK average, but you have lots of choice in how you spend. If you cook most of your meals at home, a reasonable estimate is about £30 – £40 per week on groceries for one person.
Eating out can vary, a cheap meal (like street food or a café lunch) might be £5 - £10, while dinner at a modest restaurant is often around £15 - £20. As a student, you’ll have access to many budget-friendly options, from supermarkets offering student discounts to the wealth of street markets where you can get fresh produce and affordable international foods.
NTU London’s has its own café which offers cheap and fresh options for students in and around their studies. The campus itself is in a lively area with food stalls, chain eateries, and student pubs, so with a bit of savvy you can eat well without overspending.
A pro-tip is to take advantage of student discounts (apps like UNiDAYS or TOTUM) which many eateries offer, and explore local markets (like Whitechapel Market or Brick Lane’s food markets) for bargain meals.
A massive perk of studying in London is that you likely won’t need a car, public transport and walking will cover your needs.
Transport for London (TfL) offers students a 30% discount on Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes with an 18+ Student Oyster photocard. The cost will depend on how far you live and which zones you travel through. For example, if you live near the campus in Zone 1 or 2, a monthly travelcard for Zones 1 - 2 with the student discount is around £90 – £100 (full price without discount is about £146/month), which aligns with taking the Tube or bus regularly. If you live farther out (Zone 3 or 4), the cost will be higher, around £113 - £144, as of current rates.
Many students keep costs down by using buses (cheaper than the Tube and a bus only pass is less), cycling (London has cycle hire schemes and growing bike lanes), or simply walking, especially if you live in East London near campus, you might walk to class and only use transport for outings. Budget around £25 - £30 per week for transport if you’re in inner London and using a student travelcard.
London also has plenty of free transport options for short distances (like the Santander bikes are free for 30 minutes trips).
If you are in a student hall or a bundled rental, electricity, heating, water, and internet might be included. If not, or if you rent privately, factor in these costs. Split among housemates, typical utility bills might come to £50 - £70 per month each for electricity/gas and water, plus around £20 - £30 for internet and phone.
Many student accommodations include internet, so often your only personal bill is your mobile phone, which can be £10 - £20 monthly for a SIM-only plan with plenty of data. London prices for utilities are similar to the rest of the UK, though heating can spike in winter. Always check what’s included in your rent.
London is famous for its social scene, from nightlife to concerts, shopping, and more, and how much you spend here is very much up to individual preference. It’s wise to set aside some budget for fun and personal expenses, like going out with friends, gym membership, clothes, course materials, etc. A general student guideline might be £200 - £300 per month for these miscellaneous expenses, but it varies. We recommend you allow for £247 per month for personal/leisure activities.
London is packed with free things to see and do, making it entirely possible to enjoy a rich social life without breaking the bank. From world class museums and galleries like the British Museum, Tate Modern and National Gallery, to public art installations, live music in parks, and year-round festivals, there’s always something happening that won’t cost a penny.
Many of the city’s cultural institutions offer free entry or pay what you can models, and you’ll often find free film screenings, walking tours, markets and pop-up events across East London and beyond. With so much on offer, you can easily spend a month exploring the city’s culture and nightlife on a minimal budget, saving up for bigger treats like a concert or a weekend trip when you choose.
Look out for student deals too, many venues and events offer discounted rates, and NTU London’s student union or partner institutions often organise low-cost outings and activities to help you make the most of your time in the capital.
Due to higher living costs in London, the UK government provides larger maintenance loans for London-based students. For a student living away from home in London, the maximum undergraduate maintenance loan is currently around £13,300 per year (depending on household income). By comparison, the maximum for a student outside London is roughly £9,500 - £10,200 per year.
These loans are paid in instalments (usually three per year) to help with monthly expenses. While it’s a loan (to be repaid once you earn above a certain salary after graduation), it’s important to utilise it for your living costs.
Many students also supplement their loan with part time work. In London, there are plenty of student job opportunities, from retail and hospitality to internships in your field, often with flexible hours. Remember, NTU London’s support team can advise you on budgeting and money management too. The university wants to ensure that financial challenges don’t hinder your studies, so never hesitate to seek out their advice or emergency assistance if needed (NTU has hardship funds and other resources for those who hit unexpected difficulties).
Prices correct as of April 2025.
It's important to budget
While the cost of living in London is higher than in many other UK cities, careful budgeting and the available student support make it manageable.
Plan ahead for your rent, make the most of student discounts (there are so many in London), and take advantage of that higher maintenance loan.
With a sensible budget, you’ll be able to enjoy all that London offers while keeping your finances under control. After all, the experience you gain here, personal growth, academic opportunities, and the vibrant London life is well worth it. Just keep an eye on your spending, seek advice when you need it, and you’ll thrive both as a student and a Londoner!
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