Priya

London School of Economics · London

Economics · Year 3

left after rent every month

-£221

LSE opens doors. The cost is three years of juggling.

Where does Priya's money go?

I do not regret LSE for a second. The network is real. The doors it opens are real. But the cost is three years of working 18 hours a week alongside a full degree. I am exhausted and I have a Goldman Sachs interview next week. Worth it. Barely.

💷Loan arrives+£829
🏠Rent£672
🛒Food£220
🚌Transport£100
💰What's left£221

To cover that gap, Priya works 18 hrs/week. At minimum wage that's £952/month.

What Priya's loan actually buys

Priya's life on £829/month

🏠
Shared flat Bermondsey
£900/mo
~ Stretching it
💼
Goldman interview
Earned it
✓ Affordable
🍜
Dinner out
£30 London
✗ Can't afford
🐕
A dog
£60+/mo
✗ Can't afford
💅
Manicure
£45 London
✗ Can't afford
📚
Library late nights
Free warmth
✓ Affordable
🚇
TfL Travelcard
£100/mo Zone 1-2
~ Stretching it
🧻
Toilet paper
£3 Savers
✓ Affordable

A week in Priya's life

Monday
8am: Seminar prep on the Tube.
10am: Econometrics lecture.
1pm: Library. Dissertation chapter.
5pm: Shift starts at the restaurant.
10pm: Home. Too tired to study.
Saturday
9am: Double shift. Brunch service.
5pm: Finish. £120 earned.
6pm: Goldman Sachs interview prep.
10pm: Bed. Interview Monday.

Same course. Same loan. Different city.

London
-£221
per month
Manchester
+£201
per month

Manchester would leave Priya £422/month better off

See Manchester vs London

If Priya had chosen Manchester, she'd have £422/month more.

She's got a Goldman Sachs interview next week.

Whether LSE was worth 18 hours a week — she'll know in June.

What happens when Priya graduates?

Student now£-221/mo
Graduate year 1
Financial analyst in London, after rent
1,350/mo
Improvement1,571/mo
See full graduate salary data →

Know someone choosing between London and Manchester?

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