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Posted May 21, 2025

London – Student City Guide

As one of the best loved capitals on the entire planet, London is a metropolis that attracts people in search of fame, fortune and academia. London offers a who’s who of world-leading universities, with five of the 24 members of the prestigious Russell Group based within the capital.

Whether you choose to pursue a postgraduate program at Imperial College London, King’s College London, LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science), Queen Mary University of London, University College London or one of the other top rated London-based institutions, you’ll want to read our guide to London life below.

The cost of living in London

While not the most expensive place to live – this rundown places London 19th most expensive with Hong Kong taking the top spot – London remains one of the most expensive cities for students in the UK.

Monthly living expenses for students in London typically range from £2,300 to £2,500, which includes the cost of on-campus or privately rented accommodation, utilities, transport, groceries, entertainment, leisure and insurance. This figure could however be much higher depending on your choice of student accommodation, lifestyle and personal spending habits.

As with any student city however, there are several ways to save money when living and studying in London. As SOAS, University of London MA student Anna reveals, managing your postgrad budget is all about having the right tools to hand:

“As an international student, efficiently managing expenses is crucial, and two lifesavers for me have been the Revolut and Monzo accounts. They are effortless to sign up for and provide a seamless way to track my spending habits, helping me stay within my budget. Over coffee, I use Monzo and Revolut to monitor precisely how much I'm spending, keeping an eye on currency conversion rates to be aware of any hidden costs that can accumulate rapidly.”

Boosting your bank balance

Many students opt to supplement their income with part-time work. The busy capital promises lots of opportunities, with retail, hospitality, tutoring and administrative roles readily available.

Your university could also help you find employment, boost your bank balance and gain valuable work experience in London. The LSE CareerHub, for example, plays a key part in helping students who want part-time or temporary work find employment.

Immerse yourself in London life

When you’re not studying, it’s so easy to immerse yourself into London’s rich cultural scene. In fact, even the budget conscious don’t have to go without their cultural fix! Many of London’s museums and galleries are free to visit, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Imperial War Museum, V&A, British Library and Tate Modern.

For a weekend treat, visit London’s world-famous West End. Many West End musicals and shows offer discounted tickets for students. If the great British weather is behaving itself, then it’s prime time to visit the capital’s many beautiful green spaces. From Primrose Hill and Greenwich Park – which both boast some of the best views of London – to the iconic Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Richmond Park, there’s a lot to love.

Want to study postgraduate in London? Browse the thousands of postgraduate programs available at London-based universities right here.

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