Budgeting
Ok, you’ve probably heard horror stories about the price of a pint or meal out in the capital. But living in London doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With careful budget planning and a keen eye for a bargain, you can live like a minor-royal and keep the shirt on your back.
Tips
- Work out exactly what money you’ve got coming in each week
- Keep a spending diary – take note of every penny you spend
- Instead of supermarkets, use your local market – cheaper and fresher
- If your outgoings come to more than your incomings, you’re going to have to find more funds or cut down on your spending
- Always enquire about student discounts. Check out our Student discounts page
- Try using the Smart Money budget planner (download xls)
- Register with daily deals sites like Living Social for great discounts on meals out and more
Pound for pound, living in London is a little more expensive than other UK cities, but savvy students can make the most of their money in lots of ways. Check out our living costs guide to get a rough idea of how much it’ll cost to study here.
If you do find yourself in financial difficulty or you’d like to get some help managing your money, speak to Student Advice.


