It is important to consider the cost of housing or accommodation as a first step in planning your living budget in the UK. The country has a variety of accommodation options with prices that are generally high for international students.
When choosing where to live while studying in the UK, it is important to consider your personal lifestyle, available budget and individual preferences. Choosing the right place to live can have a positive impact on your UK study experience.
Cost of Living in the UK
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Although the accommodation system in Europe such as England is different from the concept of boarding houses that are common in Indonesia, there are several types of accommodation available for students with various cost ranges. Here are some choices of accommodation for students in England with various cost ranges:
Hostel
Campus halls are a popular choice for international students as they provide easy access to academic and social facilities on campus. Living in halls can also provide added security with the presence of staff. Costs for campus halls vary, with the University of Manchester ranging from £392-£608 per month, while King’s College London ranges from £480-£840.
Apartemen
Apartemen merupakan opsi untuk mahasiswa yang ingin tinggal sendiri dengan lebih banyak fleksibilitas dalam mengatur jadwal dan lingkungan yang mendukung pembelajaran. Harga sewa apartemen di Inggris bervariasi tergantung pada lokasi, ukuran, dan fasilitas yang ditawarkan, misalnya di London dengan kisaran £1.375-£2.000
Homestay
Homestay is an option where students live with a local family, giving them the opportunity to learn about the culture, language and daily life directly from British people. Homestay costs in the UK range from £600-£1,200 per month or Rp11,625,800-23,251,500.
Read Also: Interesting Facts About England That You Need to Know
Meal cost
In addition to housing costs, food costs are an important component in calculating the cost of living in the UK. Food expenses while living in the UK can vary greatly depending on one's eating habits and lifestyle. In general, a single meal at a restaurant in the UK costs around £6-£10 or around Rp116,250-193,800 in rupiah.
For three meals a day, the estimated monthly cost is between £540-£900 or around Rp. 10,463,200-17,438,600 if converted into rupiah currency.
However, if someone chooses to cook for themselves, the cost of food can be much more affordable. The home cooking approach is estimated to cost only around £180-£230 (or around Rp. 3,487,700-4,456,500) per month. Here is a list of estimated food prices in the UK to give you an idea:
| No. | Food Ingredients | British Pound (GBP) Currency Price | Indonesian Currency Price (IDR) |
| 1. | Milk | £1-£2 | (around Rp. 19,400-Rp. 38,800) per liter |
| 2. | Egg | £2,5-£3,5 | (around Rp. 48,400-Rp. 67,800) per dozen |
| 3. | Tomato | £2-£4 | (around Rp. 38,800-Rp. 77,500) per kilogram |
| 4. | Apple | £2-£3 | (around Rp. 38,800-Rp. 58,100) per kilogram |
| 5. | Potato | £1-£2 | (around Rp. 19,400-Rp. 38,800) per kilogram |
| 6. | Rice | £1,5-£2,5 | (around Rp. 29,000-Rp. 48,400) per kilogram |
| 7. | Onion | £1,5-£3 | (around Rp. 29,000-Rp. 58,100) per kilogram |
| 8. | Chili | £20-£25 | (around Rp. 388,000-Rp. 484,400) per kilogram |
| 9. | Lettuce | £5-£7 | (around Rp. 96,900-Rp. 135,600) per kilogram |
| 10. | Banana | £1-£2 | (around Rp. 19,400-Rp. 38,800) per piece |
| 11. | Orange | £2-£3 | (around Rp. 38,800-Rp. 58,100) per kilogram |
| 12. | Spinach | £3-£6 | (around Rp. 58,100-Rp. 116,300) per kilogram |
| 13. | Broccoli | £1,5-£3 | (around Rp. 29,000-Rp. 58,100) per kilogram |
| 14. | Chicken breast | £4-£8 | (around Rp. 77,500-Rp. 155,000) per kilogram |
| 15. | Beef | £8-£12 | (around Rp. 155,000-Rp. 232,500) per kilogram |
| 16. | White bread | £2-£4 | (around Rp. 38,800-Rp. 77,500) per kilogram |
| 17. | Vegetable oil | £6-£12 | (around Rp. 116,300-Rp. 232,500) per liter |
| 18. | Salt | £0,7-£1,5 | (around Rp. 13,500-Rp. 29,000) per kilogram |
| 19. | Sugar | £0,8-£2,14 | (around Rp. 15,500-Rp. 41,500) per kilogram |
| 20. | Cheese | £6-£8 | (around Rp. 116,300-Rp. 155,000) per kilogram |
Transportation costs
If the distance between your residence and the campus in the UK is quite far, transportation costs are a component that needs to be included in the living cost budget. There are several types of transportation modes available in the country of Big Ben, such as the underground, DLR, MRT, buses, trams, and taxis. These transportation fares are regulated by the ministerial body, Transport for London (TFL):
| Transportation | Estimated Rates |
| Subway | £2.40 (around Rp. 46,500) per zone |
| DLR (Docklands Light Railway) | £2.40 (around Rp. 46,500) per zone |
| Bus | £1.75 (around Rp. 33,900) per journey, with special rates for students |
| Tram | £1.75 (around Rp. 33,900) per journey, with special rates for students |
| Taxi |
|
For example, if you take the bus every day, the estimated cost will be around £91 (around Rp1,763,000) per month. If you feel that the cost of transportation is too high, another alternative is to use a bicycle, with the price of a bicycle in the UK around £300-£500 (around Rp5,812,900-Rp9,688,000) per unit.
Insurance Costs
Unexpected health conditions can occur without warning, and the cost of treatment can be very high. Therefore, the UK government has made health insurance an essential requirement for students who want to study there, with an estimated premium cost of around £434-£692 or around Rp. 8,409,300-Rp. 13,408,400 per year.Â
This insurance is essential as it can safeguard the health and wellbeing of students while studying in the UK, while healthcare services for expats in the UK can vary depending on immigration status and access to NHS healthcare.Â
Some expats may choose to pay for the healthcare services they need out of pocket, but these costs can add up quickly in an emergency.
For those living in the UK for six months or more and not eligible for NHS healthcare, considering international health insurance is a wise option, which can provide better protection and access to healthcare services.Â
Around 13% of the UK population has private health cover, which can provide benefits such as reduced waiting times for medical treatment and more convenient private facilities, including private hospitals, for those not on the NHS.
Worker's Cost of Living
The cost of living for workers in the UK is greatly influenced by various factors, such as location of residence, lifestyle, and personal expenses. However, in general, the cost of living in the UK tends to be higher than in Indonesia.Â
According to data from Numbeo, the average cost of living for single workers in the UK is around £1,500 per month. This includes things like rent or mortgage, food, transport, utility bills and entertainment.
The UK job market offers a wide range of career opportunities in sectors such as finance, technology, education and healthcare. The average salary for workers in the UK varies depending on the sector and level of experience, ranging from £20,000-£30,000 (or around Rp. 404 million-Rp. 606 million). These salaries can be higher in urban areas such as London, where the cost of living is higher and competition for senior positions is usually fiercer.Â
For internationals seeking employment in the UK, it is important to understand the applicable work visa requirements and seek information on an effective job search process. Tips for finding a job in the UK include updating and perfecting your CV to UK standards, exploring reputable websites and job portals, attending recruitment events and career fairs, and tapping into professional and alumni networks.Â
Additionally, preparing for a job interview by researching the company you are interested in and practicing common interview questions is also an important step.
Read Also: Cost of Living in Taiwan Per Month Details
Student Living Costs
The cost of living for students in the UK varies greatly depending on location, lifestyle and individual needs. However, in general, the cost of living for students in the UK tends to be higher than in Indonesia. According to data from Numbeo, the average cost of living for single students in the UK is around £1,200 per month.
Read Also: Studying in England: Tips, Requirements, Courses and Costs
In addition, students must also consider the cost of education, such as tuition fees, textbooks, and learning equipment. University fees in the UK can be quite high, especially for international students. Here is a range of average tuition fees in the UK:
| University | Average cost per year | Tuition fees per clinical year* |
| University of Cambridge | GBP 23,340 – GBP 35,517 | GBP 60,942 |
| University College London | GBP 24,000 – GBP 35,100 | GBP 43,733 |
| University of Edinburgh | GBP 21,200 – GBP 32,100 | GBP 49,900 |
| University of Manchester | GBP 20,000 – GBP 24,500 | GBP 47,000 |
| University of Birmingham | GBP 19,980 – GBP 27,180 | GBP 44,100 |
Source: https://www.hotcourses.co.id/study-in-the-uk/student-finance/biaya-kuliah-di-inggris/Â
If the cost of studying in the UK seems too high for you, don't despair. There are many scholarship opportunities available to help you make your dream of studying in the UK a reality. There are a variety of scholarships to consider, from full-cost scholarships to tuition fee reductions. These include both undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, so you have plenty of options when it comes to funding your education in the UK.
| Scholarship Name | Organizer | Types of Scholarships | Level |
| Beasiswa Pascasarjana LPDP | LPDP | Fully Funded | S2 dan S3 |
| Beasiswa Indonesia Maju | Kemdikbud Ristek | Fully Funded | S1, S2 dan S3 |
| Jardine Scholarship | Jardine Matheson Group | Fully Funded to study at Oxford University or Cambridge University | S1 dan S2 |
| GREAT Scholarship | British Council | A minimum allowance of £10,000 to support the cost of studying for one year in the UK | S2 |
| Chevening Scholarship | Pemerintah Inggris | Fully Funded | S2 |
Source: https://www.hotcourses.co.id/study-in-the-uk/student-finance/biaya-kuliah-di-inggris/Â
In addition to higher education, alternative education pathways such as vocational training are also viable options to consider, especially after Brexit. Vocational training offers programs that focus on practical skills and training in specific jobs.Â
Although tuition fees may be lower than university, this route can still provide a good opportunity to advance your career and gain skills needed in the job market.
Family Living Costs
The cost of living for a family in the UK also varies depending on the city you live in, your lifestyle and personal expenses. In general, the cost of living for a family in the UK is higher than the cost of living for a single worker or student.
According to data from Numbeo, the average cost of living in the UK for a family with two children is around £3,500 per month. This includes rent, food, transport, utilities, education and entertainment.
Total Cost of Living One Month in the UK
After taking into account all the estimated costs required, the estimated funds that need to be allocated to live for one month in the UK are as follows: By adopting minimum costs, such as staying in a homestay, cooking your own meals, and using the bus as the main means of transportation, the estimated average cost of living per month in the UK is around £1,081.25 (or around Rp. 21,017,000).Â
It can be concluded that the average cost of living per month in the UK is around Rp. 21,017,000. However, the cost can be lower if you choose accommodation closer to campus or choose to live in a dormitory, which can reduce public transportation costs by using a bicycle.
Read Also: Working in the UK: How to, Requirements, Work Culture and Salary
Tips for Living Frugally in the UK
Since the cost of living in the UK is quite high, it is important to plan your budget properly and know exactly how much you are spending on all your needs. However, this does not mean that you should deprive yourself of all pleasures.
Budgeting simply means using your money wisely, in the hope of saving some. Here are some tips to help you understand how to reduce the cost of living in the UK.
1. Determine the budget for the funds spent
Determine your monthly budget carefully, including expenses for daily needs and entertainment. Make sure your budget plan includes expenses for entertainment costs and fun activities.Â
Additionally, tracking your expenses will help you plan your finances for the coming month more effectively.
2. Cooking Yourself
Cooking your own food is one of the best ways to save money. By buying groceries in bulk and using simple recipes, you can cut down on your food expenses significantly.Â
In addition, cooking yourself also allows you to control the quality and nutrition of the food you consume.
3. Shop Smart
When shopping, be sure to take advantage of any promotions, discounts, or special offers that are available. This could include buying items in bulk to get wholesale prices or looking for buy-one-get-one-free offers.Â
Additionally, compare prices from various stores or supermarkets before deciding to purchase a particular item.
4. Public Transportation
Take advantage of a transportation card or pass for public transportation, such as the subway, bus, or tram. Passes are usually cheaper than paying for a daily pass.Â
Additionally, consider walking or cycling whenever possible for short trips, as this not only saves money but is also healthy.
5. Using Discount Apps
There are many discount and voucher apps that can help you save money when dining out or shopping. For example, some apps offer exclusive discounts to users or offer shopping vouchers with significant discounts.Â
Always check if there are any offers available before making a purchase so you can optimize your spending.
Cheapest Cities to Live in the UK
Below are cities that have a relatively lower cost of living in the UK:
1. Newcastle
The cost of living in Newcastle tends to be more affordable due to relatively low property prices compared to other major cities in the UK. In addition, the cost of transportation and daily necessities such as food and entertainment can also be more economical.
2. Belfast
Belfast is often considered to have a lower cost of living due to cheaper property and rent prices compared to other major cities in the UK. This also applies to the cost of food and entertainment.
3. Sheffield
Sheffield is known as one of the cities with a more affordable cost of living due to its relatively low rent and property prices. In addition, transportation costs and daily necessities such as shopping and entertainment also tend to be cheaper.
4. Cardiff
Cardiff is a relatively affordable city in Wales. Property and rental prices can be lower here than in other major cities in the UK. Food, transport and lifestyle costs also tend to be more economical.
5. Liverpool
One of the factors that makes Liverpool more affordable is the lower property and rent prices. This also applies to transportation, food and entertainment costs.
When comparing the cost of living in major cities in the UK such as London, Manchester and Birmingham with cities with relatively lower costs of living such as the cities mentioned above, there is a significant difference.
For big cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, housing costs are expected to be high as rents or property prices there tend to be much higher. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in central London can cost £1,500-£2,500 per month (or around Rp. 30.3 million-Rp. 50.5 million), while in Newcastle it can be around £600-£900 per month (or around Rp. 12 million-Rp. 18.2 million).Â
In addition, transportation costs also tend to be expensive, with daily public transport tickets in London costing £6-£12 (or around Rp121 thousand-Rp242 thousand), while in Newcastle it can be around £3-£5 per day (or around Rp60 thousand-101 thousand). Food and entertainment costs in these cities are also much more expensive, with restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues often having higher prices.Â
For example, a dinner at a restaurant in London can range from £10-£50 per person (or around Rp202 thousand-Rp1 million), while in Newcastle it can be around £8-£30 per person (or around Rp161 thousand-Rp607 thousand). The cost of living in these big cities can also include parking fees, club memberships, or entertainment at a higher cost.
How? After knowing the information above, are you ready to start your life journey in the UK? To help you in sending money to the UK, you can use the services Easylink sekarang! Send money to the UK dengan aman, mudah, dan cepat untuk keperluan kuliah serta biaya hidup Anda. Nikmati layanan transfer yang aman dan terpercaya dari kami untuk mewujudkan impian Anda!
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