Living in central London costs more than studying in many other parts of the UK, but careful budgeting can make expenses much easier to manage. Since LSBF campuses are close to the City, many students also reduce transport costs by choosing accommodation within walking distance or a short Tube journey away.
Excluding rent, most students spend around £180 to £250 per week on everyday living.
A typical weekly budget looks like this:
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Expense
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Average Weekly Cost
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|
Groceries
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£34
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|
Transport
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£0–£25
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|
Household bills*
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£16
|
|
Social activities
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£25–£50
|
|
Mobile plan
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£3–£5
|
*Applies mainly to private rentals where utility bills aren't included.
Food and Groceries
Food costs depend largely on where you shop.
Students living around Whitechapel often use local markets alongside supermarkets such as Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Aldi to keep grocery bills down.
Preparing meals at home instead of buying lunch in the City can make a noticeable difference over the course of a month.
Transport
One advantage of studying at LSBF is that many nearby neighbourhoods are connected by a short walk or a single Tube journey.
Students living in Aldgate or Whitechapel may hardly need public transport during the week, while those staying in Bermondsey, Shoreditch or Waterloo usually rely on the Underground, buses or the DLR.
Eligible students can apply for an 18+ Student Oyster photocard, reducing the cost of Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes.
Household Bills
If you're renting through a private landlord, check exactly what's included before signing your tenancy.
Bills may cover:
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Electricity
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Gas
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Water
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Broadband
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Heating
Most purpose-built student accommodation includes utilities within the weekly rent, making monthly budgeting much simpler.
Social Spending
LSBF attracts many postgraduate and professional students, so social spending often looks a little different from a traditional university experience.
Meeting classmates after lectures, attending networking events or spending an evening around Shoreditch, Spitalfields or St Katharine Docks can quickly become part of your weekly routine.
Setting aside a realistic entertainment budget helps avoid overspending, particularly in central London.
Course Costs
Professional programmes often involve expenses beyond tuition fees.
Depending on your course, you may need to budget for:
Planning for these costs throughout the year is usually easier than paying larger amounts when assessments arrive.
International Student Budget
Students applying for a UK Student visa must meet the Home Office's financial maintenance requirement.
For London, applicants currently need to demonstrate access to £1,529 per month for living costs, for up to nine months.
This figure is used for visa purposes rather than everyday budgeting, but it provides a useful benchmark when planning your finances before moving to the UK.