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

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

London is home to a large number of world-ranked universities and the UK's biggest international student community. It offers unrivalled academic, cultural and career opportunity, but living costs are the highest in the UK — the Student visa requires a higher maintenance amount for London. Budget carefully and confirm figures on GOV.UK.

## Quick facts
- **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.

## 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
- [GOV.UK — Student visa money requirement](https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money) — GOV.UK

Canonical: https://studyuknow.com/cities/london
Verified: 2026-05-20