Cost of Living in Leeds for Students, UK 2024

Leeds is among the most reasonably priced student cities in the United Kingdom. Students from all over the world come to the city in pursuit of their higher education, owing to its reputed universities. The city is a popular destination for higher education, in addition to being the cultural, financial, and commercial heart of West Yorkshire, and is considered one of the best places to study abroad. It is well-known for its charming scenery, exciting nightlife, and a plethora of inexpensive entertainment options. So, if you intend to continue pursuing your degree in Leeds and planning to live in Leeds, it is critical that you have a clear understanding of the essential cost of living in Leeds that you will have to bear each month. It will assist you in creating a budget and managing your financial affairs while living in the UK.

Every year, over 45,000 students (including over 8000 international students) enroll at Leeds’ five universities, namely:

1.     The University of Leeds
2.     Leeds Beckett University
3.     Leeds Trinity University
4.     Leeds Arts University
5.     Leeds College of Music

Not only is Leeds student-friendly in terms of its education & social life, but it also has a large and pleasant global community, making it an easy second home. Leeds University accommodation is affordable for international students as compared to cities like London. It is advised that students budget between £1,566 and £1,700 per month in order to live comfortably in the city. Read the article to deep-dive into the individual expenses incurred when living in Leeds as a student.

Average Cost Of Living In Leeds, UK

The average cost of transport for students in Leeds, typically ranges from £60 to £80 per month. To save, take advantage of student discounts on bus and train fares. Exploring the city by bicycle is both cost-effective and eco-friendly, as well.

Leeds has an abundance of cost-effective options for international students making it easy for them to migrate. Below is the monthly breakdown of the living expenses in Leeds that students are likely to incur –

Below Is a Breakdown of the Cost of Living in the Leeds for Indian Students

*The accommodation costs are dynamic in nature and are based on property availability

Leeds Accommodation

Note – Student housing is budget-friendly as it covers utilities, which is priced at £220 to £280 per month. That is around 10-15% of total living costs.

Accommodation:

It’s no surprise that one of the most crucial elements in your spending plan is lodging. As we all know, living in the north of England is significantly less expensive than living in the south. As a result, when trying to compare to southern cities of the UK, Student accommodation in Leeds is more affordable. If you plan to live in Leeds university student housing close to the university, your weekly expenses, including utility costs, will be around £150-£300. The rent will decrease significantly as you move further away from the college.

However, with PBSA, you can also save a lot of money by taking advantage of free onsite services such as daily meals, laundry, gym, cleaning services, gaming, and the internet. The weekly cost of living in Leeds (private renting) is around £90. However, if you share an apartment, you can save even more money on rent and food.

Basic Living Cost in Leed:

Nobody can survive without food, electricity, clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. All of this comes at a cost. The cost of living in Leeds is determined by your lifestyle. For example, if you shop for groceries from a nearby grocery store and cook your own meals, your weekly expenses will range between £20 and £50. However, a night’s dinner with friends at a posh restaurant will set you back at around £11.

Internet and Phone Bills:

Easy internet access is a current requirement in everyone’s life, whether you access the web for coursework, join conference calls, upload photos to social media, or binge-watch Netflix on weekends. A weekly internet package in the cost of living in Leeds is around £4.50, which is significantly less than the national average of £5.36.

Furthermore, loneliness becomes a part of life for students studying abroad. These difficult times will be made easier if you keep in touch with your family and friends back home using a global SIM card. While the phone bill in other cities is around £8.44 per week, it is less than that in Leeds, with an estimated cost of around £7.72 per week.

Tuition Fees:

The average cost of living in Leeds in regards to tuition fees for an undergraduate program in Leeds universities ranges between £10,000 and £30,000, which is significantly lower than tuition fees in other cities in the UK. Furthermore, there are multiple kinds of scholarships available to international students. You can research them as well as the eligibility requirements before trying to apply for them.

Travel and Commuting:

Leeds has a vast network of public transportation options that operate from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. You can use these modes of transportation to get around the city. Monthly train and bus passes are available for students who must travel every day, making their journeys less expensive and more convenient.

If you have a smartphone, you can book a bus ticket using the West Yorkshire bus app for about £2.00 per ticket, whereas a standard booking costs about £1.60 for a short distance and £2.50 for long-distance.

Cost Of Food In Leeds:

Cost of food in Leeds students can affordably enjoy diverse food options, with average costs of £468 per month. Cooking at home and shopping at discount supermarkets help budget-conscious students save.

Entertainment and Leisure:

All work and no play can lead to boredom and illness. As a result, Leeds has everything. Theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, cafés, coffee shops, tourist destinations, weekend getaways, you name it.

The cost of living in Leeds for one night out is around £16.56, which is significantly less than that the national average of £17.99. You can also get NUS special offer cards to get discounts at leisure establishments in Leeds.

Benefits Of Living In Leeds:

• Leeds has a vibrant cultural landscape that includes a diverse selection of art galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues, giving enough possibilities for enjoyment and discovery.
• Leeds has a lower cost of living than other major UK cities, making it an appealing alternative for students, young professionals, and families.
• The city is home to prestigious institutions and colleges that provide high-quality education and research opportunities in a variety of areas.
• Leeds has plenty of parks, green areas, and natural reserves, allowing inhabitants to engage in outdoor activities, leisurely walks, and relaxation.
• The city is noted for its diversified culinary scene, which includes everything from traditional British cuisine to international delicacies, as well as a vast selection of restaurants, cafés, and street food markets to suit every taste.

FAQs on Cost of Living in Leeds

1. Is it expensive to live in Leeds?

Leeds is listed as the 20th most expensive city to live in the UK on the list of all cities.

2. Is Leeds a cheap place to live?

Although it is still among the most costly in Northern England, accommodation in Leeds is undoubtedly less expensive than in cities like London and Edinburgh.

3. Is Leeds a good place to live?

Yes, Leeds is a nice place to live. The city is the largest legal and financial hub in the nation, and Leeds Central Station is the third busiest station nationwide. This all helps to create a vibrant metropolis where the incredible variety of venues to eat, drink, play, and shop demonstrates the creativity of the populace. Therefore, leeds is considered as a good place to live.

4. Is Leeds a friendly city?

Locals in Leeds are kind and pleased to be residents. Leeds truly has something to offer everyone, whether you like to shop, take in culture or history, play sports, or just enjoy a good night out.

Conclusion:

Savings planning is critical for an international student with restricted financial aid. Unlike most cities in the UK, Leeds provides students with a cost-effective yet comfortable lifestyle.

PS: If there’s anything more you’d like us to know about. Add it to the comments section!

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