Saving money in London: Yuki’s top 5 tips for living on a budget
Hello, everyone! I’m Yuki, a Pre-Master’s student at INTO City, University of London. Today, I’m going to share my personal top 5 tips for living comfortably in London as a student. I hope you find them helpful!
1. Choose your accommodation wisely!
Selecting accommodation that fits your budget is crucial. Student housing is often the best and easiest option when starting your life in London. You can choose from various options like studios or flats based on your financial plan. After settling in, you can also consider sharing a flat with friends or finding a flat on your own. I currently live in a flat close to City with a kind and caring landlady who feels like my London mom. It’s been a great experience!
2. Make the most of student discounts!
The UK offers a wide range of student discounts. For transportation, get a student Oyster card and Railcard. Many restaurants and shops also offer student discounts, so keep an eye out for those. I highly recommend Amazon Prime Student and UNiDAYS. Additionally, save money by using the Too Good To Go app for affordable food or get discounted last-minute tickets through TKTS for shows. I often enjoy going to see musicals and plays, and sometimes I can get tickets for as low as £30!
3. Embrace the free spaces and discounts in London!
London offers a wealth of free attractions, especially museums. Some notable ones include the British Museum, National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, etc. I’ve visited these museums with my classmates, but there’s still so much more to explore! Many of these places are conveniently located near INTO City on Liverpool Street. Apart from museums, there are also beautiful gardens and parks in London worth visiting, such as Regent’s Park, St. James’s Park, Greenwich Park, etc. Additionally, you can join London social meetups, which are often free or require a small fee.
4. Cook your own meals!
Preparing meals at home can significantly reduce expenses. Instead of relying on takeout or eating out, try cooking. You can find affordable groceries in local supermarkets and even explore diverse cuisines by cooking recipes from your home country. It’s not only cost-effective but also a fun way to learn new recipes and improve your culinary skills! I enjoy exploring supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi, M&S, and Waitrose, as well as learning new recipes and occasionally sharing traditional food with friends!
5. Explore job opportunities!
Consider gaining work experience during your time in London. It can be a fascinating and rewarding option. Setting up your LinkedIn profile and signing up for job services is the first step. With relevant experience, you’re more likely to be hired. Even if you don’t have much work experience, there are plenty of entry-level jobs available! Highlight your interests, passion, and involvement in school government, social activities, or volunteer work. Don’t hesitate to give it a try! In my case, I created a LinkedIn profile and secured a summer job related to my previous work after completing my INTO courses! Just remember to check the working hour restrictions imposed by your student visa before taking up employment.
I hope these tips help you navigate the cost of living in London as a student. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city while managing your finances wisely!
Want to put Yuki’s tips into practice yourself? Start your study abroad journey at INTO City. You’ll find a range of pathway courses leading to City, University of London – a career-focused university home to one of the world’s top 70 business schools (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
Click here to find out more about the study options available at INTO City, University London.
You may also like to read: Studying in London led to my dream career: Sabina’s story and We chose to study in London. Here’s why YOU should too!
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