Student Living Costs London: Rent, Food, Transport and How to Save

When you think about student living costs London, the total amount of money a student needs to cover housing, food, transport, and daily expenses while studying in the city. Also known as student budget London, it’s not just about rent—it’s about how much you actually spend each week just to get by. Many students arrive thinking they can live like tourists, but London doesn’t work that way. A single room in shared housing outside Zone 1 can cost £800 a month. Inside Zone 1? You’re looking at £1,200 or more. And that’s before bills, food, or transport.

London rent for students, the monthly expense for accommodation specifically targeted at university students in the city. Also known as student housing London, it’s the biggest slice of the pie—often over half your total spending. You can find cheaper options in places like Croydon, Stratford, or Walthamstow, but then you’re adding £100–£150 a month in transport. That’s where London transport for students, the cost of using buses, Tube, DLR, and Overground with a student discount or Oyster card. Also known as student travel London, it becomes a make-or-break factor in your budget. A monthly Travelcard costs £130–£160. A student Oyster with 30% off brings it down to £90–£110. Still a lot, but it’s the difference between eating out once a week or every day.

cheap food London students, affordable, filling meals available to students without relying on expensive restaurants. Also known as budget vegan meals London or student food hacks London, this is where you start saving big. You don’t need to cook every meal, but knowing where to grab a £3 vegan wrap in Camden or a £1.50 bagel from a market stall makes a difference. Supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi are your friends. Meal prep on Sundays cuts your weekly food spend by 40%. And yes—there are still decent student deals at places like Dishoom and Wagamama if you know when to go.

It’s not just about cutting corners. It’s about working smarter. The student living costs London isn’t a fixed number—it’s a puzzle. You can live well on £1,000 a month if you know where to look. Skip the tourist traps. Use the DLR instead of the Tube. Shop at local markets, not chain stores. Claim your TfL refund if you’re overcharged. Use free museums and libraries to save on entertainment. The city has more hidden perks than you think.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students who’ve done this before—how to eat vegan for under £5 a day, how to get refunds on overcharged Oyster cards, where to find the cheapest groceries, and which areas actually give you the most bang for your buck. No fluff. No marketing. Just what works.