Cost of Living in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2025 for Indian Students

The UK has become a top choice for Indian students, and it’s easy to see why. With world-class universities like the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, and Imperial College London, the country offers degrees that are respected across the globe. In 2024, over 120,000 Indian students made the leap to study in the UK.

Fields like Business Management, Data Science, Engineering, and Medicine are especially popular. Many students dream of working at companies like Deloitte, Google, or AstraZeneca after graduating, and the UK’s post-study work visa makes it easier to achieve those goals.

But along with quality education comes the reality of managing expenses—rent, food, transport, and more. 

The good news? With some smart planning, it’s possible to balance a student budget and still enjoy life in the UK. 

This guide will detail the cost of living in the UK in 2025 and show you how to make your money work for you.

Cost of Living in the UK: On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

Your accommodation in UK choice depends on your budget, how close you want to be to campus, and whether you prefer a simple or independent lifestyle. Both on-campus and off-campus options have their own pros and cons. 

On-Campus Housing

Staying on campus is convenient and popular among international students.

• Monthly Rent: £500–£800 (₹50,000–₹80,000), and most utilities like electricity, water, and internet are included.
• Why Students Like It:
  • You live close to your classes, saving time and transport costs.
  • University-managed housing is secure and easy to arrange.
  • Shared facilities mean you don’t have to worry about paying separate bills.
• Things to Consider:
  • Limited availability, so apply early.
  • May cost more than shared housing options off-campus.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing offers flexibility and independence but comes with extra responsibilities.

• Monthly Rent: £400–£1,000 (₹40,000–₹1,00,000), depending on the city and type of housing.
• Types of Housing:
  • Shared apartments: You share rent and bills with friends, which makes it affordable.
  • Private rentals: More privacy but higher costs, especially in cities like London.
  • Homestays: Live with a family, with meals and utilities often included.
• Extra Costs:
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water): £100–£150 (₹10,000–₹15,000) per month.
  • Internet: £20–£30 (₹2,000–₹3,000) per month.
  • Council tax: Students are exempt, but non-student housemates may need to pay.

Here’s a comparison of the costs and benefits associated with each option for international students.

Accommodation Type	Monthly Rent	Distance from Campus
On-Campus Housing	£500–£800	Walking distance
Shared Apartments	£400–£600	Varies by location
Private Rentals	£700–£1,000	Farther from campus in many cases
Homestays	£500–£700	Usually close to campus

Food Habits and Grocery Costs for Indian Students in the UK

Food costs depend on whether you cook at home or eat out. Cooking is cheaper and healthier.

• Grocery Costs:
  Expect to spend around £150–£250 (₹15,000–₹25,000) per month on groceries.
• Popular Stores:
  • Tesco, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, and Sainsbury’s are affordable and varied.
  • Indian grocery stores offer spices, lentils, and snacks that you might miss from home.
• Dining Out Costs:
  • Budget meals: £10–£15 (₹1,000–₹1,500) per meal.
  • Mid-range restaurants: £20–£30 (₹2,000–₹3,000) per meal.

Saving Tips for Food Costs

• Cook at home. It’s cheaper and lets you eat what you like.
• Shop at Aldi or Lidl for lower prices.
• Visit Indian stores for ingredients like rice, masalas, and dals.

Public Transport vs. Private Transport: What’s Cheaper for Students?

For most students in the UK, public transport is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel. Private transport like renting a car is rarely used due to high costs. Let’s compare the two options:

Public Transport

Public transport is affordable and widely available in cities and towns.

• Monthly Pass Costs: £60–£120 (₹6,000–₹12,000) depending on the city.
• Common Options: Buses, Tube (in London), and trains connect most places.
• Student Discounts:
  • Use railcards for train discounts (16–25 Railcard gives 30% off fares).
  • In London, Oyster cards offer discounted Tube and bus travel for students.

Why It’s Better: Public transport is reliable, cheaper, and saves you from parking and fuel costs.

Private Transport

Owning or renting a car is less common for students because of the high costs.

• Car Rentals: Around £300–£500 (₹30,000–₹50,000) per month, depending on the vehicle.
• Fuel Costs: £1.5–£2 per liter (₹150–₹200).
• Insurance: £1,000–£2,000 (₹1,00,000–₹2,00,000) annually, depending on the car and coverage.

Why It’s Expensive: Fuel, insurance, and parking costs add up, making it unaffordable for most students.

Transport Option	Average Monthly Cost (GBP)	Coverage
Public Transport	£60–£120	City-wide buses, trains, Tube
Private Transport	£300–£500	Limited to private travel

What is the Cost of Health Insurance and NHS Services: Cost of Living in the UK?

Healthcare in the UK is mostly free for students who pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Private insurance is optional for extra coverage.

NHS Health Insurance for International Students

All international students must pay the IHS during the visa process.

• Cost: £470 (₹47,000) per year, covering the entire visa duration.
• What It Covers:
  • Doctor visits (GP).
  • Emergency care.
  • Hospital treatment.
  • Prescriptions (small charges apply, usually £9–£10 per item).

Benefits: You can access most NHS services for free after paying the IHS.

Private Health Insurance

Private health insurance is optional and useful for additional coverage.

• Cost: £200–£600 (₹20,000–₹60,000) per year.
• What It Covers:
  • Dental care.
  • Optical services (eye tests, glasses).
  • Faster access to specialists.

Who Needs It? Students who need regular specialist care or want extra health protection.

Healthcare Type	Average Cost (GBP)	Coverage Details
NHS (via IHS)	£470 per year	Doctor visits, emergency care, hospital treatment
Private Insurance	£200–£600 per year	Dental, optical, faster specialist access

Which UK Cities Are Most Affordable for Indian Students?

Some cities are friendly on your wallet, while others, like London, can be quite expensive. Here’s a quick look at the options to help you decide:

Affordable Cities

• Leicester: A favorite among students because of low rent and affordable living costs.
• Manchester: A lively city with budget-friendly housing and good public transport.
• Newcastle: Known as one of the most affordable student cities in the UK.
• Sheffield: Offers affordable living and a welcoming student community.

Expensive Cities

• London: High rent and transport costs make it the priciest city for students.
• Oxford and Cambridge: These prestigious university cities are beautiful but come with higher living costs.

City	Total Living Expense
Leicester	£600–£900 (₹60,000–₹90,000)
Manchester	£700–£1,000 (₹70,000–₹1,00,000)
Newcastle	£600–£900 (₹60,000–₹90,000)
Sheffield	£600–£900 (₹60,000–₹90,000)
London	£1,400–£2,000 (₹1,40,000–₹2,00,000)
Oxford/Cambridge	£1,000–£1,500 (₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000)

Unexpected Expenses You Should Budget for While Studying in the UK

Apart from your regular expenses, there are some costs of living in the UK you might not think of right away. It’s important to keep these in mind so you’re not caught off guard.

• Visa Renewal Costs: If your visa needs renewal, it can cost £500+ (₹50,000).
• Flight Tickets: Round trips between India and the UK range from £500–£1,200 (₹50,000–₹1,20,000). Book early to save money.
• Textbooks and Course Materials: Depending on your course, you might spend £100–£300 (₹10,000–₹30,000) per semester. Check for used books or online resources to save.
• Health Emergencies: If you don’t have private insurance, unexpected health issues may cost extra, such as dental care or prescriptions.

How Indian Students Can Save Money While Studying in the UK

There are practical ways to save money without missing out on the experience. Here are some tips to help you manage your expenses:

• Eating out at restaurants can easily cost £10–£15 (₹1,000–₹1,500) per meal. Cooking at home, however, can bring your food expenses down to just £150–£250 (₹15,000–₹25,000) per month. For example, making dal, rice, or pasta at home costs much less than dining out.
• Instead of renting a flat on your own, share one with friends or other students. For instance, a two-bedroom apartment costing £800 (₹80,000) monthly can become much more affordable when split between two or three people.
• Always ask for student discounts. For example, stores like Co-op give discounts with a Totum card, and the 16–25 Railcard saves you 30% on train fares. Small savings like these can add up quickly.
• Many universities offer on-campus roles like working in the library or being a student guide. If you work 10 hours a week at £10.42/hour (₹1,042), you could earn about £400 (₹40,000) monthly, which can cover your grocery bills or transport costs.

Can You Work While Studying in the UK? Rules and Earnings Explained

Part-time work is a great way for Indian students to earn extra money and gain work experience. The UK allows students to work while studying, but there are specific rules to follow.

Part-Time Work Rules for Indian Students:

• You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the semester.
• During university holidays, you can work full-time.
• Jobs must not interfere with your studies.

Earnings:

• The National Minimum Wage in the UK is £10.42 per hour (₹1,042) as of 2025.

Popular Part-Time Roles:

• On-campus: Library assistant, campus guide, or student ambassador.
• Off-campus: Retail, hospitality, or customer service roles.

Work Type	Average Earnings (GBP)	Work Hours Allowed
On-Campus Jobs	£10–£12/hour (₹1,000–₹1,200)	20 hours/week (term-time)
Retail/Customer Service	£10–£12/hour (₹1,000–₹1,200)	20 hours/week (term-time)
Hospitality	£9–£11/hour (₹900–₹1,100)	20 hours/week (term-time)

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Study in the UK

Studying in the UK is a great opportunity, and upGrad Abroad is here to make it easier. We offer flexible learning options and support to help you succeed from start to finish.

Benefits of upGrad Abroad:

• Learning Programs: With upGrad, get free profile evaluation, university shortlisting,  and finish your degree in the UK. This helps save money on tuition and living costs.
  • Explore Learning Programs
• Test Prep Support: We help you prepare for exams like IELTS, PTE, or GRE with expert tips and resources.
• Scholarship Guidance: upGrad helps you find scholarships to reduce your costs and make studying in the UK more affordable.
  • Learn more about UK Scholarships

Popular Courses:

• Cyber Security
• Digital Marketing
• Data Science
• Accounting

Why Choose upGrad Abroad for Your UK Studies?

Feature	With upGrad Abroad
Blended Learning	Start online, finish on campus in the UK.
Test Prep Support	Get expert help for IELTS, PTE, and GRE exams.
Scholarship Guidance	Find scholarships to reduce your costs.
University Access	Apply to top UK universities with ease.
Course Variety	Choose from popular fields like Cyber Security, Data Science, and more.

With upGrad Abroad, you get all the support you need to study in the UK without the stress. From flexible learning options to finding scholarships, we’re here to make your journey easy.

Ready to start studying in the UK? Contact upGrad Abroad today!