British local consumption

British local consumption

When you come to the UK, of course you will want to live a healthy and happy life as a student here. It is a good idea to start by estimating the living expenses. However, the exact cost of living depends on where you live.

The UK government advises:

  • If you live in London most of the time (more than 50%) while studying abroad, you will need £1,265 per month.
  • If you live most of the time (more than 50%) outside London while studying abroad, you will need £1,015 per month.

These amounts do not include tuition fees.

Some websites can calculate the budget for studying in the UK. For example , the Expatistan website calculates daily expenses in the UK based on the latest public information.


Bank account and payment options

The units of pound are "pound" and "penny". You can use coins and banknotes, or cash cards and credit cards for shopping.

You will find that the banknotes used in Scotland and Northern Ireland are different. Although the currencies are the same, banks in the two regions print and issue banknotes separately. These banknotes are also used in other parts of the UK, but if necessary, they can be exchanged for England. Bank-issued banknotes can be serviced by any major bank in the UK.

When living in the UK, you are welcome to open an account with most UK banks. Bank account opening requires the following documents:

  • passport
  • Enrollment certificate or enrollment certificate issued by the school
  • Proof of address at home and in the UK
  • Proof of financial resources and statements from domestic banks

To simplify the process, it is best to consult your domestic bank in advance to find out whether they have a cooperative relationship with British banks and whether they can assist you in opening an account.

You can withdraw cash from your account through the following methods:

  • Use online banking or phone banking services
  • Go to your local branch to apply over the counter
  • Withdraw money from an ATM
  • Ask for "cash back" when using cash cards to make purchases

Handle mobile phone and Internet

After arriving in the UK, it is best to get a mobile phone and internet connection as soon as possible.

There are three phone options:

  • Local: Usually only required by those renting off-campus housing. You can bind local calls and the Internet to use a more cost-effective pricing plan, or you can not apply for local calls and just use your mobile phone.
  • Mobile prepaid card: It is convenient to control the consumption limit and can also be deactivated at any time. Prepaid cards can be purchased in major stores, supermarkets, and mobile communication outlets in the UK.
  • Mobile phone binding: Depends on the purpose and usage of your mobile phone. It will be cheaper to sign a contract with a British telecommunications provider.

International call

International phone calls can cost significantly more than calls within the UK. It is recommended that you buy an international calling card (the price is cheaper), or use online communication software such as Skype or FaceTime. International calling cards can be purchased at most convenience stores.

  • To call a British number from overseas, enter the country code (44), followed by the area code and phone number.
  • To call another country from the UK, enter 00, then the country code, area code (if required) and finally the phone number.

internet

There are a lot of internet options in the UK, but it takes time to search to find the best deal for your internet usage at the best price.

Most schools provide free Wi-Fi, and you can log in with your student account and password. If you don't have access to the Internet from your own laptop or desktop, you can also use the student library, off-campus public library or internet café.

Some places offer free Wi-Fi, but others charge by the hour (e.g. internet cafes). Don’t forget to check whether the internet sources you use are safe.