Key takeaways
- London is expensive but offers diverse opportunities
- Higher accommodation and travel costs
- Access to internships and culture
1. Rent – also be aware of the extra costs

Energy bills
The ever-rising price of energy bills became a contentious issue in our household when the winter hit. We soon learned that we all had different utility budgets, leading to some freezing nights and unhappy people. So do establish your budget for the month before and potentially think about making a savings pot for utility bills!Flat amenities

WiFi

Council tax
Students are exempt from council tax, but if your rental contract extends beyond your graduation, you’ll be liable. Council tax is notoriously expensive so do keep an eye out for this in your final year.2. Transport

3.Going out, especially drinking

4. Groceries
Don’t be trapped by the amount of Tesco Express shops that you will see in the city! Whilst they are convenient and do provide exceptional, cheap meal deal options their price levels are often higher than the big supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl. Instead, opt for your local Aldi or Lidl and meal prep/plan for the week ahead so you don’t find yourself scrambling for takeouts.5. Subscriptions
Subscriptions can be a fantastic way to save money as they provide access to services and products at reduced costs compared to one-time purchases. However, if they are not carefully managed they transform into a wallet drainer. Always check the terms and conditions before signing up for subscription services, especially free trials. I did not realise this and ended up being billed for months for services like Amazon Audible and Fabletics that I wasn’t actually using. So yes, London is expensive, especially for students who are faced with an exceptionally tight budget and a slim student loan. However, by highlighting the primary expenses these challenges can be navigated more effectively and with prior planning. On a more personal level, the highs and lows of not only the financial challenges but also living life in a big city have been so beneficial in shaping me to be a more budget conscious, mature individual.
Change: Reviewed guide for accuracy and added Key takeaways to enhance user experience
Authors
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I am a final year student at University College London (UCL) studying BA French and Spanish. I have just returned from an amazing Year abroad in Paris and Madrid. However, there really is no place like home and I am excited to return home to London and explore more exciting opportunities!
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Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.
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