Discover real-world costs for Imperial students in 2025, including rent, utilities, groceries, transport, lifestyle, and study expenses—plus smart ways to budget in central London.
Imperial College London is one of the world's top universities, consistently ranked among the global elite for science, engineering, medicine, and business. Located in South Kensington, one of London's most prestigious (and expensive) areas, Imperial offers world-class academics but also some of the highest student living costs in the UK.
In 2025, Imperial students must plan their finances carefully, as rent, transport, and daily expenses in central London can quickly add up. However, London also offers unrivalled opportunities for networking, internships, and cultural experiences, making the investment worthwhile.
This blog provides a detailed breakdown of the cost of living for Imperial students in 2025, including accommodation, utilities, food, transport, and lifestyle costs.
Accommodation is the largest expense for Imperial students.
| Residence Type | Weekly Rent (£) | Annual Cost (40 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Bathroom (budget) | 190 – 230 | £7,600 – £9,200 |
| En Suite (Zone 1–2) | 240 – 310 | £9,600 – £12,400 |
| Studio / Premium En Suite | 330 – 400 | £13,200 – £16,000 |
👉 Average rent: £1,200 – £1,800/month near Imperial.
Halls include utilities, but private renters pay extra:
👉 Utilities (private housing): £130 – £180/month
South Kensington is expensive, but supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Aldi, and Lidl nearby help students cut costs.
👉 Total: £220 – £350/month
💡 Tip: Cooking at home is essential — eating out daily in London can cost £300–£400/month.
Imperial's South Kensington campus is well-connected by London Underground and buses.
👉 Average transport: £100 – £150/month
London offers endless cultural opportunities, but they come at a price.
👉 Lifestyle costs: £200 – £300/month
| Category | Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 1,200 – 1,800 |
| Utilities (if private) | 130 – 180 |
| Food & Groceries | 220 – 350 |
| Transport | 100 – 150 |
| Lifestyle & Social | 200 – 300 |
| Study Materials | 30 – 60 |
| Total | £1,900 – £2,800 |
👉 Annual living cost (excluding tuition): £23,000 – £33,000
Studying at Imperial College London means access to one of the world's best universities in the heart of London. However, the cost of living is among the highest in the country. Students should budget £1,900 – £2,800/month in 2025, with accommodation making up the bulk of expenses.
With smart budgeting, choosing affordable housing in Zones 2–3, and using student discounts, it is possible to reduce costs while still enjoying all that London has to offer. Imperial is a significant financial commitment, but the opportunities and career advantages it provides make it a worthwhile investment.