🎓Introduction
Studying at London South Bank University (LSBU) puts students right in the heart of London—one of the most exciting cities anywhere, but also one of the most expensive. With world-class culture, diverse food, and unbeatable career connections, London offers huge advantages, but it's vital to budget smartly to thrive as a student.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explains all the key costs LSBU students can expect and offers practical tips to help manage expenses while making the most of student life in the capital.
🏠Accommodation Costs at LSBU
Accommodation is the single largest expense for LSBU students, with significant variation depending on housing type and location:
LSBU Halls of Residence
- 📚 Undergraduate (39 weeks): £12,600 – £18,400/year (£324 – £472/week)
- 🎓 Postgraduate (52 weeks): £16,200 – £24,500/year (£311 – £471/week)
- 💡 Bills (utilities & Wi-Fi) are included, making it easier to budget.
£200 – £300 per week
(£800 – £1,200/month)
Up to £400 per week
(£1,600/month)
🍴Food & Grocery Expenses
London's food prices are high but manageable with smart choices:
| Food Category | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries | £200 – £300/month | Aldi, Lidl, Tesco are cheapest |
| Eating out | £12–£20 per meal | Central London prices |
| Coffee/sandwiches | £3–£8 | Daily essentials |
| On-campus meals | £3.50 | LSBU Students' Union meal deal |
Top tip: Cooking at home and packing lunches are the biggest ways to cut food spending.
💡Utility & Household Bills
If renting privately, plan for regular bills in addition to rent:
Electricity, Gas, Water
£60 – £100/month
Internet/Wi-Fi
£25 – £35/month
Mobile Phone
£15 – £30/month
Halls typically include most bills, making budgeting straightforward. Private rentals often require splitting costs with housemates.
🚇Transport Costs in London
Getting around London is costly, but student discounts help:
£156/month
(student rate is lower)
£1.75 per ride
(daily caps apply)
£20/month
(unlimited 30-minute rides)
Southwark campus's central location means many LSBU students can walk or bike, minimizing travel expenses.
🎉Lifestyle & Personal Expenses
| Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Entertainment & Socializing | £100 – £200 |
| Gym Membership | £20 – £40 (student discounts available) |
| Clothing & Shopping | £50 – £100 |
| Books & Course Materials | £20 – £40 |
Use free museum entries, university events, and student discounts to keep costs down.
📊Average Monthly Student Budget (2025)
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800 – 1,200 |
| Food & Groceries | 200 – 300 |
| Utilities & Internet | 80 – 130 |
| Transport | 150 – 160 |
| Lifestyle & Social | 100 – 200 |
| Study Materials | 20 – 40 |
| Total | 1,400 – 2,100 |
Annual Total
Depending on personal choices and housing
💡Tips to Save Money as an LSBU Student
🚇 Transport Savings
Use a Student Oyster card or a 16–25 Railcard for travel discounts.
🍽️ Food Deals
Take advantage of on-campus and Students' Union meal deals.
🏠 Smart Housing
Live in shared accommodation with included bills for better cost control.
🛒 Budget Shopping
Shop at budget supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.
💳 Student Discounts
Grab every possible student discount (UNiDAYS, Student Beans).
💰 Financial Support
Apply early for scholarships, hardship funds, or bursaries if needed.
💼 Part-time Work
Seek part-time work in Southwark or Elephant & Castle for extra income.
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
📝Conclusion
Living in London as an LSBU student comes with premium costs, but with proactive budgeting—such as choosing shared accommodation, cooking at home, and using student deals—you can enjoy city life while keeping your finances healthy.
Plan ahead, use every available discount, and take control of your expenses to make the most of both your LSBU studies and your London experience.
💬 Share Your Experience
Great guide! I'm in my second year at LSBU and can confirm these costs are pretty accurate. The Students' Union meal deals are a lifesaver for budgeting.
Living in Zone 2 and commuting to LSBU has saved me about £200/month compared to central London accommodation. Highly recommend considering areas like New Cross or Peckham.