Living in London
London is a dynamic and creative hub, perfect for Vogue College students.
Living in London offers an exciting blend of culture, opportunity, and creativity, and with smart budgeting, it can be more affordable than you might expect. By making use of student discounts and planning your expenses, you can enjoy everything the city has to offer while keeping costs manageable. Below is a breakdown of typical monthly living expenses, giving you a clear picture of what to plan for while making the most of your time in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
Accommodation Costs
Your accommodation options in London will vary depending on location and type of housing. Students can choose between shared flats, student residences, or private studios.
Type of Accommodation |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Shared Room in a Student Residence |
£600 – £900 |
Private Room in Shared Apartment |
£800 – £1,300 |
Studio Apartment |
£1,300 – £1,800 |
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water, Internet) |
£150 – £200 |
Living slightly outside the city centre can reduce accommodation costs while still being well-connected to Vogue College via London’s excellent public transport system.
Public Transport Costs
London’s public transport is convenient and student-friendly. With a student Oyster card, you can access discounted rates on the city’s buses, trains, and the famous London Underground (Tube).
Mode of Transport |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Public Transport (Student Rate with Oyster Card) |
£60 – £120 |
Cycling (Bike Rental, London Cycle Scheme) |
£10 – £20 per month |
Walking |
Free |
Consider cycling or walking to the College if you live nearby to cut down on transportation costs. London is a pedestrian-friendly city, and there are numerous cycle routes.
Grocery & Dining Costs
Grocery shopping can be done on a budget, and many supermarkets offer affordable options. If you prefer dining out, there are a variety of student-friendly restaurants and markets.
Item/Activity |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Groceries (for cooking at home) |
£150 – £300 |
Eating Out (Budget Restaurants/Street Food) |
£100 – £150 |
Meal at Mid-range Restaurant |
£15 – £30 per meal |
Coffee at a Café |
£2 – £4 per coffee |
Explore local markets like Borough Market or Camden Market for fresh, affordable groceries and diverse dining options.
Leisure Costs
London offers plenty of free or affordable entertainment options, from world-class museums to local events. You can also take advantage of student discounts for activities like theatre, cinema, or fitness memberships.
Activity |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Cinema Ticket (with student discount) |
£8 – £12 |
Theatre Ticket (student offers available) |
£15 – £30 |
Gym/Fitness Membership |
£20 – £50 |
Streaming Services (Netflix, Spotify, etc.) |
£10 – £15 per service |
Museums & Galleries |
Free (many have free entry) |
Many of London’s most famous museums and galleries offer free admission, and there are regular student offers for concerts, theatre performances, and exhibitions.
Mobile & Internet Costs
Staying connected is important, whether it’s for your studies or keeping in touch with family and friends. Luckily, mobile and internet services in London are competitively priced.
Service |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Mobile Plan (SIM-only, data, calls, texts) |
£15 – £40 |
Broadband (Internet for home) |
£25 – £40 per month (shared cost) |
Consider using a pay-as-you-go mobile plan if you’re only staying for a short period. Many student accommodations come with included internet access, so check before signing up for additional services.
Course Costs
While most costs for your course at Vogue College are covered by the tuition fee, there are a few additional expenses to consider. We recommend a MacBook Pro to support Adobe Creative Cloud during your studies. Printing costs are 10p per colour page and 5p per black-and-white page, with scanning available for free. Printing and scanning require your student ID card, and replacement ID cards cost £10.00.
Students completing our Vogue Fashion Foundation, Vogue Diploma, BA, or MAs’ will have the chance to showcase their work at the annual Graduate Exhibition, offering valuable exposure for career opportunities. Past projects have ranged from marketing strategies to full business concepts, with varying costs.
For BA and MA students, we offer a week-long trip to New York during the Spring semester. The price varies each year but includes flights, States-side transfers, insurance, and multi-room hotel accommodation (note: a credit card is required for incidentals). Costs not included in the price of the trip are UK airport transfers, meals, museum entry (in some cases), tips for bus drivers ($2), ESTA visa (£15), and local transport (7-day unlimited public transport card: $33).
Service |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Adobe Creative Suite |
£19 |
Printing |
£5 |
Graduate Exhibition |
£300 – £1,000 (one-off cost) |
New York Trip |
£1,200 – 1,500 |
Miscellaneous Costs
These are other general expenses that you might encounter while studying in London. They vary depending on your lifestyle, but you can keep them within budget by planning ahead.
Item/Activity |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Clothing and Shopping |
£50 – £150 |
Health Insurance (for international students) |
Free (NHS, with surcharge if applicable) |
Study Materials (books, supplies) |
£20 – £50 |
Personal Care (toiletries, haircuts) |
£20 – £40 |
Keep an eye out for student discounts on clothing, especially in London’s high street stores, and don’t forget to use your student ID for additional savings on supplies.
Overall Monthly Living Budget
Here’s an estimated range of your total monthly living costs, depending on your lifestyle choices and location.
Expense Category |
Estimated Monthly Cost (GBP) |
Accommodation |
£600 – £1,800 |
Utilities |
£150 – £200 |
Groceries |
£150 – £300 |
Transport |
£60 – £120 |
Leisure |
£100 – £200 |
Miscellaneous |
£50 – £150 |
Total Estimated Monthly Cost |
£1,110 – £2,770 |
Living in London as a Vogue College student is a unique and exciting experience. The key to managing your finances is budgeting and taking full advantage of student discounts. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at a local market, catching a discounted theatre show, or spending an afternoon at one of the city’s beautiful parks, there are many ways to make the most of your time in this vibrant city.