Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students but let’s face it, the costs can add up quickly. From tuition and accommodation to groceries and transport, your location can make a huge difference in how much you spend each month. The good news? You don’t have to be in London to get a quality education. There are plenty of UK cities that offer an affordable student lifestyle without compromising on academics or experience.
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most budget-friendly cities in the UK for international students and why they’re worth considering in 2025.
Why City Choice Matters for International Students
When planning to study abroad in the UK, tuition fees are often fixed by the university but your cost of living is heavily influenced by the city you choose. For example, renting a room in London could cost twice as much as a similar room in Liverpool or Sheffield. Plus, cities with lower living costs often offer better savings on food, public transport, and entertainment.
Choosing a more affordable city allows you to:
- Stretch your budget further
- Save money for travel or emergencies
- Reduce financial pressure while studying
- Focus more on your studies (and less on side jobs)
1. Sheffield
Sheffield is one of the UK’s most affordable student cities, with low rent, cheap public transport, and plenty of student discounts. It is home to two major universities (University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam). The city offers a warm, welcoming environment and a thriving student scene.
Average Monthly Cost (Excl. Tuition): £700 – £850
Why it’s great: Low rent, friendly locals, excellent public parks
Top universities: University of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam University
2. Leicester
Leicester offers a great balance of affordability, diversity, and culture. The city is popular with international students, and living costs here are much lower than in bigger UK cities.
Average Monthly Cost: £750 – £900
Why it’s great: Multicultural community, affordable food, active nightlife
Top universities: University of Leicester, De Montfort University
3. Coventry
Coventry consistently ranks as one of the cheapest cities in the UK for students, yet it’s home to a world-renowned university. Accommodation and daily expenses are very manageable, making it ideal for budget-conscious students.
Average Monthly Cost: £700 – £850
Why it’s great: Affordable housing, student-friendly atmosphere, close to Birmingham
Top universities: Coventry University, University of Warwick (nearby)
4. Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle is a vibrant student city with a buzzing social scene, great universities, and surprisingly low living costs. It’s especially well-known for affordable nightlife and public transport.
Average Monthly Cost: £750 – £900
Why it’s great: Cheap public transport, welcoming student culture, coastal location
Top universities: Newcastle University, Northumbria University
5. Liverpool
Liverpool offers a rich cultural scene, affordable accommodation, and a fantastic student lifestyle. It’s also one of the most cost-effective cities in the UK for eating out and entertainment.
Average Monthly Cost: £750 – £880
Why it’s great: Lively city vibe, historic charm, low rent
Top universities: University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University
6. Nottingham
With its central location and compact city layout, Nottingham is easy to navigate and very affordable for international students. It’s also known for its supportive student services and affordable campus accommodation.
Average Monthly Cost: £750 – £900
Why it’s great: Central location, budget accommodation, excellent student support
Top universities: University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University
7. Bradford
Bradford is one of the cheapest places to live in the UK, making it ideal for students on a tight budget. It offers decent university options, diverse communities, and low-cost housing.
Average Monthly Cost: £650 – £800
Why it’s great: Super low rent, budget-friendly living, quiet and peaceful
Top university: University of Bradford
8. Swansea
Swansea gives students a chance to live in a coastal city without the high price tag. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, affordable rent, and stunning natural beauty.
Average Monthly Cost: £700 – £850
Why it’s great: Coastal views, outdoor lifestyle, low-cost student housing
Top university: Swansea University
9. Dundee
In Scotland, Dundee is one of the most affordable cities for students, with very reasonable housing and living expenses. It’s also home to a vibrant arts scene and great healthcare programs.
Average Monthly Cost: £650 – £800
Why it’s great: Low rent, artistic vibe, less crowded
Top university: University of Dundee
10. Belfast
If you’re open to studying in Northern Ireland, Belfast is a hidden gem. It’s cheaper than most UK cities, with world-class education and a low cost of living.
Average Monthly Cost: £650 – £800
Why it’s great: Very low rent, unique culture, safe and scenic
Top university: Queen’s University Belfast
How to Maximise Savings in the UK
- Choose shared student housing over private rentals
- Use student discount cards (e.g. TOTUM, Railcard)
- Cook at home instead of eating out
- Use local buses or bike to uni
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
Studying in the UK doesn’t have to break the bank. By choosing a city with a lower cost of living, you can enjoy all the benefits of a UK education while staying within your budget. Whether you’re drawn to coastal towns like Swansea or cultural hubs like Sheffield, there’s an affordable student city waiting for you.
Need help finding the right university in one of these budget-friendly UK cities? Kampus Group is here to guide you from applications to visa processing.
Contact us on WhatsApp or Call: +234 904 443 7600 or +234807 777 6639
Visit : https://kampus-group.com/ng/onboard
FAQs
1. What’s the cheapest city in the UK for international students?
Bradford and Dundee are among the most affordable, with monthly costs starting around £650.
2. Is London too expensive for students?
Yes, London has the highest living costs in the UK. You’ll need a larger budget for rent and daily expenses.
3. Can I work part-time to cover living costs?
Yes. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
4. Does the cost of living include tuition?
No, living cost refers to expenses like accommodation, food, transport, and personal spending — tuition is separate.
5. How can Kampus Group help me?
We help you find affordable universities, assist with applications, and even help with visa processing for free of charge.