Study UK Now
City guidesVerified May 2026

Study in London — universities, cost of living and student life

By Study UK Now Editorial

London hosts many world-ranked universities; it offers unmatched opportunity but the highest UK living costs, so budgeting carefully is essential.

Universities
UCL, Imperial, KCL, LSE, QMUL and more
Cost level
Highest in the UK
Visa maintenance
Higher London rate (confirm on GOV.UK)

Key takeaways

  • London hosts many of the UK's and world's top-ranked universities.
  • Living costs are the highest in the UK; the visa maintenance figure for London is higher.
  • Unrivalled internships, networks and graduate opportunities.
  • Budget realistically — accommodation is the biggest single cost.

Why study in London

London concentrates more world-ranked universities than anywhere else in the UK, alongside the career networks, internships and culture of a global capital. For many subjects — finance, law, the arts, sciences — being in London is a real advantage.

What it costs

London is the UK's most expensive city to study in, with accommodation the largest cost. The Student visa also requires a higher monthly maintenance figure for London than the rest of the UK. Study UK Now builds an honest London budget with you so there are no surprises.

How Study UK Now helps with this

Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to study in London as an international student?

London is the UK's most expensive student city. Beyond tuition, you should budget a higher monthly living cost than elsewhere in the UK, driven mainly by accommodation. The Student visa maintenance requirement for London is also higher — always confirm the current figure on GOV.UK.

Which universities are in London?

London is home to many leading universities including UCL, Imperial College London, King's College London, LSE and Queen Mary, among others, across a wide range of subjects. Study UK Now helps you choose the right one for your goals and budget.

Sources — verified May 2026

Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.

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