Summary
Many students in London, including those at the University of East London, find managing their finances difficult due to rising living costs and tuition fees. A survey found that a large majority of students feel overwhelmed by financial pressures like rent and transport. Some students turn to part-time work and financial support services to help manage expenses.
Key Facts
- The cost of living in London for students averages £1,269 per month for essentials such as rent, food, and bills.
- Tuition fees increased from £9,250 to £9,535 in September 2025, marking the first rise since 2017.
- A survey by Visa found that 84% of students in London feel overwhelmed by managing their money.
- Transport costs in London add to student expenses, with the Tube being particularly expensive.
- The University of East London (UEL) provides more than £7 million annually in bursaries and hardship funds.
- 77% of UEL’s UK students come from low-income backgrounds, making it one of the UK’s most accessible universities for these groups.
- More than two-thirds of full-time students now work during term time, a rise from 2023, according to research.
- Students like Anand Sasi Kumar and Viga Lukita take on part-time jobs and use savings strategies to better manage finances.
