Great Britain is home to 90 universities recognized among the top 1500 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Yet, the expensive stay and high tuition fees can be a challenge for a lot of students who pass the admissions process and begin life there. No worries though – below, we compile a list of some tips to help you and many other students living on a budget in the UK.

Top Budgeting Tips for International Students in the UK

Scholarships

One of the most effective ways to lower tuition costs is through scholarships. Seek scholarships aligning with your eligibility, financial situation, and academic interests.

The UK government, Commonwealth nations, and various non-profit organizations offer scholarship programs for international students. Broadly, these aim to promote and reward academia, research, and innovation while enhancing the quality of the global workforce.

Below, we list some excellent scholarship programs to look into to start your research:

1. Chevening Scholarships
2. Rhodes Scholarship (funded by the University of Oxford)
3. GREAT Scholarships
4. Gates Cambridge (sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)
5. British Council Scholarships (For women in STEM)
6. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (for research and doctoral studies)

Many universities provide scholarships during the admissions process as well. UK universities hosting international students often set aside thousands of pounds in exclusive scholarships for international students. Schools award scholarships on the basis of students’ academic merit and financial need. You must inquire about such provisions with the admissions authorities. 

Accommodation

While deciding on places to stay during your academic tenure, you must keep in mind these 3 important points:

1. For convenience, choose university housing over private accommodations.
2. For safer stays, do a police verification record check while choosing private or shared accommodations.
3. For cheaper stays, choose suburban areas or locations with less dense student populations.

Mostly, universities offer their in-house accommodation for international students, and some even offer family residences for students with dependents. These options may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to private accommodations. Nonetheless, they reduce transport expenses, provide access to university facilities, and help build a social community on campus.

We recommend living in shared apartments if you are living alone in the UK and worry about budget. This will help you in splitting monthly rent, electricity bills, groceries, and other utility bills.

Accounting for your finances

Managing your money is one of the most underrated skills, but the benefits all add up. International students living on a budget in the UK must manage money carefully. The following tips can help you avoid overriding your monthly budget:

1. Open student-friendly bank accounts with zero balances.
2. Choose banks that offer subsidized or free international transactions. 
3. Choose grocery stores, restaurants, and bookstores that offer student discounts.
4. Join the National Union of Students (NUS) and get the TOTUM card and UniDays. This will help you make incredible savings on leading brands across tech, fashion, food, and entertainment.

You can use wallet apps to track your monthly expenses. Divide the budget into each segment and try not to overspend within each of them.

Part-time work

Local jobs with hourly pay are the most common part-time work students in the UK opt for to get hands-on experience. Some of the roles include: 

• Local delivery agent
• Warehouse manager
• Teaching assistant 
• Student union manager
• Sales worker
• Home tutor for kids and teenagers

In-person jobs aren’t your only options either. In an increasingly online world, there are more and more opportunities for remote work. It is the best option for part-time work for international students living on a budget in the UK. Online work saves your travel time, increases work productivity, and pays well. 

Some of the categories for remote work are:

• Content writing
• Graphic design
• Video editing
• Data analytics
• Online education
• Content creation
• Digital marketing

Travel

If you choose to live in a suburban area or accommodation at a distance from the university to save on housing costs, then travel might be a hassle. We recommend the following tips to save money on daily logistics:

1. Buy a National Railcard to save 30% on each train journey.
2. Link your National Railcard with the Oyster card while planning to travel in London
3. Take into account options for carpooling when using a private vehicle. 
4. Follow traffic rules actively to avoid penalties
5. Consider walking or cycling to nearby areas for health benefits.
   

Health coverage

Choose a health insurance plan supported by the NHS in the UK as your first option. It will cover your healthcare bills. Remember that as an international student, you will need to apply for the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your visa application.

First, be aware of the coverage and benefits of your health plan. Use the in-house medical services the university offers to enjoy student resources as well. If further care is necessary, seek a referral to other hospitals. This will help you lower your consultation expenses.

While purchasing medicines from the drugstore, check whether your insurance covers all or part of your expenses.

Miscellaneous 

UK student societies provide community services and online resources for daily activities. Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace are excellent online platforms for discovering second-hand items. You can buy books, bicycles, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and even rent living spaces.

Local markets are cheap in comparison to supermarkets. You can also cook your food to avoid the bills of dining out and enjoy a healthy meal. Replace expensive nightclubs with university gatherings to give yourself a break.

Concluding Remarks

It’s all about strategizing and staying on budget! To stretch your finances, staying on top of your spending and tracking your expenses and income carefully can make all the difference. Student discounts and deals can also make your life easier when living on a budget in the UK. Plan ahead, spend wisely, and you’ll be surprised how much financial wiggle room you accomplish!