Student life in London. The honest numbers.
£1,529/mo
London loan max
£155/wk
Cheapest halls
+£857/mo
After cheapest halls
None
Work to break even
100
Affordability scoreThe monthly breakdown
Maintenance loan+£1,529
Halls (cheapest, £155/wk)−£672
After halls+£857
Transport−£100
Groceries−£250
Monthly balance+£507
✓ Budget works on max loan — no part-time work required for basics
London maintenance loan is £1,529/month. Outside London it is £1,171/month. These figures use the maximum loan. If your household income is above £25,000, check your actual loan →
A real student in London
Z
Zac
“I haven't been out since freshers week.”
Monthly deficit-£373per month
Zac's life on £1,129/month
🐕
A dog
£60+/mo
✗ Can't afford
🎸
Guitar lessons
£30/mo
✗ Can't afford
💇
Haircut
£35 London
~ Stretching it
🍜
Wagamamas
£22
~ Stretching it
Universities in London — affordability compared
UCLRussell Group
Cheapest halls: £155/wk (£672/mo) · Median: £250/wk
LSERussell Group
Cheapest halls: £155/wk (£672/mo) · Median: £250/wk
King'sRussell Group
Cheapest halls: £155/wk (£672/mo) · Median: £250/wk
ImperialRussell Group
Cheapest halls: £155/wk (£672/mo) · Median: £250/wk
Queen MaryRussell Group
Cheapest halls: £155/wk (£672/mo) · Median: £250/wk
City
Cheapest halls: £155/wk (£672/mo) · Median: £250/wk
Halls vs private in London
🏠 University halls
Cost£155/week (£672/mo)
Bills includedYes ✓
Contract40–51 weeks
IncludesWiFi, contents insurance
Monthly surplus£857per month
🏢 Private rental
Cost£1,200/month
Bills+£180 estimated
Contract12 months (summer risk)
IncludesNothing
Monthly surplus£149per month
For first-year students, London halls are better value — you save £708/month and avoid a 12-month contract.
Sending this to your parents?
There's a version written for them. Real numbers. No jargon. What it costs your family.
Open parent guide for London →