Who’d be a student in London, hey? Well, despite it being the third most expensive city for students in the UK (shocked it’s not the first, let’s be honest) behind Edinburgh and Glasgow, a whopping half a million would want to, actually.

That proliferance doesn’t make things any cheaper, it should be said straight off the bat. In fact, even fairly conservative estimates of the cost of living for students in London arrive at a figure of between £1400 and £3000 a month. Woof.

Of course, there are ways to make London living cheaper for undergrads, with a raft of discounts, hacks and freebies out there and available, if only you know where to look. We know where to look; here’s how to make your money go further in London if you’re a student.

Savvy Accommodation Choices

Let’s face it; apart from the ever-growing, always-extortionate tuition fees (c’mon Kier, sort it out)

Finding affordable student accommodation in London can be a challenge, but there are ways to make it more manageable:

• Intercollegiate Halls: These are halls shared by students from different University of London institutions. They can be a great way to meet people from other universities. Prices vary, but they often include meals, which can save you money on food.
• Private Halls: Companies like Unite Students, iQ Student Accommodation, and Scape offer private student halls. These can be more expensive than university halls but often come with additional amenities like gyms, study rooms, and social spaces. Look out for early-bird discounts and referral bonuses.
• House Shares: Websites like Spareroom and Gumtree are great for finding house shares. Living with others can significantly reduce your rent and bills. Areas like Stratford, Hackney, and Peckham are popular with students and tend to be more affordable than central locations.
• Council Tax Exemption: Full-time students are exempt from paying council tax. Make sure to get a council tax exemption certificate from your university and submit it to your local council.

Travel Smart

London’s public transport system is extensive, sure, but it’s also pretty pricey. Here’s how to save on travel:

• Student Oyster Card: Get a Student Oyster photocard for 30% off adult-rate travelcards and bus & tram passes.
• 16-25 Railcard: Combine this with your Oyster card for a third off off-peak travel on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, and National Rail services.
• Cycle: Consider cycling. Lime Bikes and Santander Cycles represent a cheap and healthy way to get around. Students can get a yearly membership for just £90.
• Walking: London is a walkable city. Use apps like Citymapper to find the best walking routes and discover hidden gems along the way.

Eat Well For Less

Eating out in London can drain your wallet quickly, but there are ways to enjoy good food without breaking the bank:

• Markets: Visit markets like Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane towards the end of the day for potential discounts on food that would otherwise be thrown away.
• Student Discounts: Many restaurants and cafes offer student discounts. Always carry your student ID and check apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans for deals.
• Supermarket Savvy: Shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl. Look out for reduced items in the evenings at larger supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
• Meal Prep: Cook in bulk and prepare your meals for the week. This not only saves money but also ensures you eat healthily. Websites like BBC Good Food have budget-friendly recipes.
• Food Sharing Apps: Use apps like Olio and Too Good To Go to get free or discounted food from local businesses and neighbours.

Free & Cheap Entertainment

London is brimming with free and low-cost activities. Make the most of it:

• Museums and Galleries: Many of London’s top museums and galleries, such as the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery, are free to enter.
• Theatre Tickets: Check out the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted theatre tickets. The National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe also offer cheap tickets for students.
• Outdoor Spaces: Enjoy London’s parks and gardens. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath are perfect for a day out without spending a penny.
• Student Nights: Many, many clubs and bars have student nights with discounted entry and drinks. 
• Free Events: Websites like Eventbrite and Meetup list free events happening around the city, from lectures and workshops to social gatherings and fitness classes.
• If you love to shop, London is home to lots of flea and street markets where you can find clothes at bargain prices.

Part-Time Work & Internships

Balancing work and study can be tough, but a part-time job or internship can provide extra cash and valuable experience:

• University Job Boards: Check your university’s job board for on-campus opportunities. These jobs are often flexible and understanding of your study commitments.
• Hospitality and Retail: London has a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and shops that often hire students. Look for positions in areas with high foot traffic like Covent Garden or Oxford Street.
• Internships: Many companies offer paid internships. Websites like RateMyPlacement and TARGETjobs can help you find opportunities relevant to your field of study.
• Tutoring: If you excel in a particular subject, consider tutoring other students. Websites like Tutorful and MyTutor can help you find clients.

Utilise Student Services

Make the most of the services your university offers:

• Student Unions: They often have free or discounted events, societies, and sports clubs.
• Counselling and Support: Universities provide free counselling and mental health support. Don’t hesitate to use these services if you need them.
• Libraries: University libraries are a great resource for free study materials and a quiet place to work.
• Career Services: Take advantage of your university’s career services for CV workshops, interview preparation, and job fairs.

Tech & Subscriptions

Save on tech and subscriptions with these tips:

• Student Discounts on Tech: Apple, Microsoft, and other tech companies offer student discounts. Check their websites or visit stores with your student ID.
• Streaming Services: Many streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Prime, and Apple Music offer student rates. Share subscriptions with housemates to cut costs further.
• Software: Many universities provide free or discounted access to software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud. Check with your IT department.

Deciding On A University

When it comes to different college options in London, a college quiz match can help you narrow down the best fit for your academic goals and personal preferences. London hosts over 40 universities and higher education colleges, from the prestigious Russell Group institutions like UCL, King’s College London, and LSE to specialized creative arts colleges like UAL and performing arts academies like RADA. 

Consider factors like course offerings, location within London (central locations often mean higher living costs), campus facilities, and the strength of industry connections in your field of study.

The Bottom Line

Living in London as a student doesn’t have to mean constant financial stress. By taking advantage of a whole host of student-specific deals and offers, you can enjoy all that this incredible city has to offer without breaking the bank quite so comprehensively.

Next up, let’s think about how to make London a little less noisy. You know what to do…