Cheapest cities to live in the UK for international students: Many students move to the UK each year to achieve their dream of studying at a top-grade university. Living in this country could be quite overwhelming if you don’t know how to manage your expenses well. Not all the cities in the UK have the same cost of living. Some cities like London, Oxford, and Cambridge could be quite expensive for students. If you want to know the cheapest cities to live in the UK, then we are here to help. In this blog, you will find the list of the cheapest cities in the UK and the average cost of living in each city. Let’s read the blog to know more!
This Blog Includes:
Leicester
Leicester is one of the cheapest cities to live in the UK and is full of rich history and culture. There are many affordable student accommodations in Leicester, and the average accommodation cost will be around GBP 200/week. A single person in Leicester, on average, spends about GBP 600/month, not including rent and course fees. There are plenty of beautiful attractions in Leicester too, including Leicester Cathedral, Stoneywell House, etc. Some of the top-notch universities in Leicester include the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.
Also Read: Let us help you accelerate your accommodation hunt! Check out the best student accommodations in the UK
Birmingham
Birmingham is a beautiful, historic city in England’s West Midlands region. The city has many affordable cafes and restaurants, and the average student housing in United Kingdom costs around GBP 200-300/week. Transportation is comparatively cheaper in this city than in other cities in the UK. You can get a monthly travel pass for around GBP 65. Your monthly utility bill can range from GBP 142. There are many beautiful places to visit in Birmingham, which gives you another reason to choose this city to live in. Among the top universities that you’ll find in Birmingham are Aston University and the University of Birmingham.
Also Read: You may also be interested to know about the best Museums in the UK
Stirling
Stirling is a city located in central Scotland and one of the cheapest cities to live in the UK. It is a beautiful city that provides all the modern amenities and also has an old-time charm in student accommodations in Stirling. Not only is it one of the most affordable UK cities but it has also been voted as one of the happiest cities in the UK. The city is also located close to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. A monthly travel pass would cost you around GBP 50. A lot of students choose to live in this city to study at the world-famous University of Stirling.
Lancaster
Lancaster is one of the most affordable cities in England to live in. There are plenty of historical attractions to visit in this city, including the magnificent Lancaster Castle. The Lancaster Castle offers incredible views of the River Lune. A lot of students choose this city to live in as the cost of transportation and accommodation is cheap in this city. The average monthly rent in student accommodation in Lancaster is could be only around GBP 567, and the utilities cost around GBP 170. Lancaster also has some of the finest universities in the UK, including Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria.
Further Read: Check out our blog about the best Parks in the UK
Factors That Affect Cost of Living
Before choosing where to study, it’s important to understand what actually drives day-to-day expenses. From rent and groceries to transportation and lifestyle choices, several factors can significantly impact how much you’ll spend as an international student in the UK.
1. Accommodation Costs
Rent is usually the biggest monthly expense. Prices vary widely depending on the city, type of housing (shared flat, private studio, university halls), and location within the city. Cities like London and Oxford are far pricier compared to places like Sheffield or Bangor.
2. Transportation
The cost of getting around can add up quickly. Students in bigger cities may rely on buses, trains, or even the Underground, whereas smaller cities often allow for walking or biking. Many places offer student discounts on travel cards, which can help reduce this expense.
3. Food and Groceries
Weekly grocery bills depend on where and how you shop. Discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl are much cheaper than premium ones like Waitrose. Cooking at home is almost always more cost-effective than eating out.
4. Utilities and Internet
For students living off-campus, costs like electricity, gas, water, and internet can significantly affect monthly budgets. Some student accommodations include these in the rent, which can be a money-saver.
5. Leisure and Lifestyle
Entertainment, gym memberships, dining out, and social activities vary depending on the city and personal habits. Students in smaller cities often find more affordable options for fun, while larger cities offer more but at a higher price.
FAQs on Cheapest Cities to Live in the UK
Birmingham is one of the cheapest cities in the UK for international students and is also home to famous universities like the University of Birmingham. The living costs in Birmingham are also low.
Leicester, Birmingham, Stirling, and Manchester are some of the cheapest cities in the UK for students.
Birmingham is a relatively affordable city to live in, making it a preferred option for students.
Yes, Birmingham is a lot cheaper than London. You would need far less money every month to survive in Birmingham than you would in London.
Yes, it is quite affordable to live in the UK if you live in inexpensive accommodation and manage your monthly budget well.
While London offers excellent education and opportunities, it’s one of the most expensive cities in the UK. Students on a tight budget may find better value in smaller cities.
Yes, international students on a Tier 4 or Student visa can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Many UK universities offer scholarships and financial aid for international students. Always check with your chosen university for eligibility and deadlines.
Most cities offer student discounts on buses, trains, and travel cards, making public transport more affordable.
University halls can sometimes be more expensive but often include utilities and are located close to campus, offering convenience and safety.
This blog was all about the cheapest cities to live in the UK for international students. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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