How to Budget as an International Student in Leeds?

Do you know you cannot put a price on happiness? However, living and studying in a new city like Leeds and spending a fortune can offer immense happiness. From tuition fees to experiencing life in student accommodation in Leeds, there is a cost for everything. And, managing cost as an international student is a life skill you can learn only by experiencing it. 

Despite it being an affordable city to live in, managing finances can be challenging. This is why we are here yet again to solve your problem of how to budget. This particular blog will provide you with a detailed guide on how to budget as an international student. Let’s break down every cost you can expect to find. 

Basic Expenses You Can Expect as International Students

In comparison to major cities like Manchester, London, etc, This city is relatively cheaper in the UK. Some of the key areas where you require your budgeting skills include:

• Student housing in Leeds
• Groceries and food 
• Public transportation
• Entertainment 
• Leisure activities
• Nightlife and more. 

Excluding tuition fees and rent, the estimated cost in Leeds can go up to £750. When you include the rent of student rooms in Leeds, the monthly expenses can range from £750 to £1200. However, the monthly expense depends on the way you live. You can spend any amount you wish to but living on a budget is an art. Let’s explore further. 

Student Accommodation In Leeds

The rental market is full of long-term and short-term student accommodation in Leeds. Along with being flexible and affordable at the same time, you can experience a great student life. Before you get into budgeting, it is essential to know the types and their costs. 

You can choose from university student halls, private student apartments, homestays and shared residences. As for the costs, the typical rent ranges from £830 to £1500 per month, depending on the kind of place you live in. 

Food and Groceries  

You need food to survive. If you rely on cooking your own meals, you can expect to spend £25 to £50 per week. As for dining out, the cost depends on the restaurants, cafes and pubs. If you go to budget-friendly restaurants, you can expect to spend £150 to £180 per week. 

Public Transportation 

It is a walkable city with an efficient public transport system. While you rely on public transportation, you can expect to spend £110-£140 per month. Some of the top ways to commute in Leeds include:

• Bus
• Trains 
• Carpools 
• Cycle and walking

Miscellaneous Expenses

After food, transportation and flexible student accommodation in Leeds, there are other costs like entertainment, nightlife and more. You can set your own budget for spending on such expenses. However, the average cost for miscellaneous activities ranges from £190 to £250 per month. 

How to Budget in Leeds?

When it comes to setting a budget, you are required to capture every aspect. You can simply track your expenses through budgeting applications and spend accordingly. Here are some tips to use while budgeting:

• Set a Realistic Budget: You need a realistic budget while you live in the city. Use budgeting applications like Monzo, etc to track your income and expenses. Typically, you are required to allocate your funds as follows:
  • Student Housing in Leeds: 40% – 50%
  • Food and Groceries: 20%
  • Transportation: 10%
  • Entertainment: 10%
  • Savings and Emergency Funds: 10% 
    
• Affordable Student Housing in Leeds: As you spend 40% to 50% on student rooms in Leeds, explore flexible and affordable options. You can simply find affordable options through websites like Uninist, etc. 
  
• Smart Grocery Shopping: Food is another major expense in your budget. You can opt for the following options to stay within your budget:
  • Weekly meal prep
  • Shop at wholesale markets like Aldi, Morrisons, etc. 
  • Take full advantage of student discounts and deals. 
  • Explore food markets to get fresh and budget-friendly groceries. 
    
• Use Student Discounts and Deals: You can simply find many shops, restaurants, transportation, etc offering deals and discounts for students. These student discounts are available through TOTUM cards, MCard, Unidays and Student Beans. 
  
• Explore Affordable Entertainment: You can’t spend your weekends in student apartments in Leeds. Leeds is a beautiful city offering plenty of free and cheap entertainment options. For instance, you can spend your days exploring museums and public parks in Leeds. Besides this, many pubs and nightclubs offer exclusive discounts for students which you can use if you want to experience nightlife.
• Work Part-time: International students often work part-time to strike a balance. Plus, it is a great way to get some extra cash. You can find jobs in retail, gig economy, hospitality and more. However, know your visa requirements for the allowed number of hours before opting for part-time work. 
• Save up and build an emergency fund: Having an emergency fund is essential to be ready for any situation. This way you can be ready for any medical or travel emergency. 

Initially, you might find budgeting a daunting task. However, with the right planning, living in student accommodation in Leeds and more, you can enjoy a great student life. Track your expenses well and prioritize savings to create a balance and live comfortably in Leeds!

FAQ