London is an expensive city, but that doesn’t mean it’s unlivable! Through proper budget planning and by keeping some basic things in mind, you can save several hundred or even thousands of pounds every single month.
London is a major educational and economic hub in the world, and therefore it boasts a number of institutions for higher education, including 5 Russel Group universities and several other top-ranking universities globally. Hence, in this guide, we shall discuss 7 top secret hacks for students to study in London at affordable prices.
Why is London Considered Expensive for Students?
London is the biggest and the capital city of England and therefore, the property market is always a hot pot. The city is currently experiencing a severe, multi-faceted housing crisis in 2026, driven by a chronic shortage of supply, soaring rental costs, and a collapse in construction, with new home commencements potentially falling to only 5,000 in 2025.
Therefore, the primary way for students to save money is to look for affordable student accommodation in London. Other expenses that can cost you a fortune are food, transportation, utilities, etc. A simple meal can cost you upwards of £20. Therefore, let’s discuss how you can save yourself from all these expensive expenses! Don’t worry, with a set budget and proper planning, you can live affordably in London.
1. Choose Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
Purpose-Built Student Accommodations, or PBSAs, are properties that are built specially for students to live. These properties usually go on rent for quite less compared to other properties like a private apartment or a house. PBSAs are of three types namely:
- Shared Apartments
- En-Suite Accommodations
- Studio Apartments
PBSAs are the most preferred type of student accommodation in London and the best part about them is that these are fully furnished properties and the rent generally includes water, electricity and gas bills, along with several shared amenities that vary from property to property. Therefore, students choose PBSAs over other private accommodations or university halls.
2. Book Accommodation Early to Lock Lower Rents
The ideal time to book a PBSA in London is at least 6-8 months prior to moving to the city. Students usually secure their spots right after they receive the Letter of Acceptance from their university.
This might seem useless, but booking accommodation in advance has several benefits. You get to:
- Choose from a variety of options
- Compare prices
- Select the property that best suits you.
Since accommodation in London is always in demand, there is a high probability that if you start late, you might have to pay inflated prices, since the supply is reduced. Basic demand and supply! There are various organisations, like University Living, that act as a bridge between accommodation providers and students, allowing students to choose across thousands of properties in a jiffy!
3. Use Student Discounts Everywhere
Student discounts in London are a game-changer. These discounts are provided to all students who carry a valid student ID. Student discounts apply to restaurants, cafes, shopping, transport, and entertainment. These discounts can also be used at supermarkets like Co-op, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s, which also run student promotions from time to time.
Some cinemas like the Odeon, Vue, and Cineworld also offer special reduced pricing for students, and the same is with several museums and galleries that provide free entries or discounted tickets for students. However, you note that these discounts are applicable only when you provide a student ID card. Daily savings can add up to hundreds of pounds monthly.
4. Rely on Public Transport with Student Travel Cards
Public transport in London is a boon for Londoners, as the city boasts an extensive network of public transit systems. The most widely used mode of transport is the London Underground. You can literally use the London Underground to reach any part of the city without any inconvenience at cheap rates. The next most preferred mode of transport in London is the bus service.
Here are some of the major routes that students use on a regular basis to travel across the city: –
London Underground
- Piccadilly Line – Connects Heathrow Airport, Acton, Earls Court, South Kensington, Knightsbridge, Green Park and central areas
- Northern Line – Provides great connectivity between North and South London
- Central Line – This is one of the busiest lines connecting the East to the West.
Popular Bus Routes
- Route 25 – East London to city centre
- Route 18 – One of the major bus routes connecting Sudbury & Harrow Road to Euston Bus Station, passing major areas used by students commuting into central London.
- Other important bus routes connecting major neighbourhoods to important universities include Route 10, 14, 24, 29, 73, and 134
To save more on transport, students tend to use student transport cards like the 18+ Student Oyster Photocard, the Standard Oyster Card and the 16+ Zip Oyster Photocard.
5. Plan Monthly Expenses with a Fixed Student Budget
Planning makes a man perfect, and therefore, try to keep a fixed budget that is not variable. Keep some funds for miscellaneous expenses, and make sure you do not exceed the funds that you’ve allocated to a certain expense. This will not only help you spend less, but it will also help you save the excess and invest it in whatever you deem fit. The table below provides an idea of what can you expect your monthly expenses can look like:
| Expense Category | Amount (in £ per month) |
| Rent | £800 |
| Food | £200 |
| Transport | £150 |
| Utilities and Subscriptions | £100 |
| Leisure | £150 |
| Total | £1400 |
These figures are average figures. Based on your regular expenditure and lifestyle, the prices may vary.
6. Take Advantage of Free Attractions and Events
London is a historic city and is marked by its old school Gothic and Victorian architecture. There are many museums and galleries that provide free entry to students. Students visit these locations on weekends, and these act as an affordable mode of recreation. In fact, many student homes in London are located strategically near these locations so that students can enjoy their time in the city! Here are some museums and galleries providing free entry to students:
- British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Tate Modern
- National Gallery
- Museum of the Home
Also, several events are conducted by accommodation providers and universities in London. There are several PBSAs in London that conduct live free events for their students on a regular basis.
7. Look for part time work opportunities
Many universities in London encourage students to work part-time and earn some extra money. This not only helps students become independent but also helps them have an understanding of the professional life in London.
There are several stores, restaurants and organisations that offer jobs billed by the hour, and several students work part-time so that they do not have to ask their parents for money to fund their extravagant lifestyle.
Conclusion
Although London is an expensive city, it is quite easy for students to live affordably without any problem. London is an aesthetic city and is livable with good planning. Students might find it difficult to sustain themselves on a strict budget in the initial months, but this will change with time. International students need not worry about their survival in London. Just keep the above-mentioned tips in mind, and students can pursue their higher education at ease!
