London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but let’s be honest, it can also be expensive. Between transport, food, social life, and course materials, it’s easy for money to disappear faster than you expect. After a couple of months of trial and error, I’ve learned a few tricks to make my student budget stretch further while still enjoying what the city has to offer.
1. Transport Discounts
Getting around London quickly adds up, especially if you commute daily. The 18+ Student Oyster photocard is an absolute essential. Once the university approves your application, you’ll get 30% off adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Passes. It’s a lifesaver if you use the tube or buses often.
If you regularly travel outside London, maybe to visit family or go on weekend trips, the 16-25 Railcard is worth every penny. It gives you one-third off most rail fares across the UK, and you can even link it to your Oyster card to save on certain off-peak London Underground journeys.
2. Streaming and Online Subscriptions
Little monthly subscriptions can sneak up on your budget, but there are great student versions of most major platforms:
Spotify Premium for Students – Only about £5.99 per month, roughly half the usual price, and you still get ad-free music and downloads.
Amazon Prime Student – Free for the first six months, then £4.49 per month (or £47.49 a year). It includes free delivery, Prime Video, and exclusive student offers.
These are small discounts, but together they can save a surprising amount over the years.
3. Budget-Friendly Shops and Finds Around Westminster
One of my favourite discoveries is The Works, a shop packed with cheap books, art materials, and stationery. It’s perfect if you’re a DCDI student or just love picking up small gifts and craft kits without overspending.
Beyond that, I always check UNiDAYS and Student Beans before buying anything online or in-store. From fashion to food to tech, there’s almost always a student discount somewhere; you just have to look for it.
London also has amazing street markets and food stalls that offer affordable meals compared to restaurants. Try visiting them towards closing time; stallholders often reduce prices to clear stock, so you can get tasty dinners for half the cost.
4. Easy Budgeting
When I first moved to London, I didn’t realise how quickly “small” daily expenses added up. A coffee here, a tube ride there, and suddenly my account balance looked… Sad. I started keeping a simple budget sheet; nothing complicated, just tracking what I spent on groceries, transport, and fun each month. It helped me understand where my money was really going.
Here’s what worked for me:
– Separate your “must-haves” (rent, utilities, groceries) from “nice-to-haves” (takeaways, clothes, streaming).
– Put a limit on flexible categories like eating out or nights out.
– Treat saving like another monthly bill; even setting aside £20-£30 regularly makes a difference.
– Pay attention to off-peak travel times if you use public transport a lot; fares can be noticeably cheaper.
– Most importantly, I stopped feeling guilty for spending money on things that genuinely make me happy. The key is balance; budgeting should make your life easier, not miserable.
5. Making the Most of Free (or Almost-Free) Experiences
Being at Westminster means you’re surrounded by free things to do: museum exhibitions, student society events, and library spaces for reading or studying. I try to say yes to more of those now instead of automatically going for paid activities. London has so much knowledge and entertainment that doesn’t cost a thing; it’s just about finding it.
For DCDI students, you can create a free Tate Modern membership and pay £5 for exhibition tickets instead of £20.
Final Thoughts
Living in London on a student budget is all about being smart and creative. Once you get into the rhythm of checking for discounts, tracking your spending, and finding low-cost spots to shop or hang out, it stops feeling overwhelming.
I’ve found that saving money here isn’t about restriction, it’s about making conscious choices. You can still enjoy the city fully; you just learn how to do it your way.
What are your tips for enjoying London on a budget?
Sveva
For more insights from international students studying at the University of Westminster and living in the heart of London, please visit International Student Blogs
- London on a Budget: My Tips as a Westminster Student - November 26, 2025
I love how you highlighted that budgeting in London isn’t just about cutting costs, but about making smarter choices. The idea of treating savings like a monthly bill is so practical yet often overlooked by students. Have you tried using any budgeting apps like Monzo or Notion to track expenses? I’d love to know if they work better than a simple sheet for you.