It is important that you budget carefully during your studies at LFS.
For international students coming to the UK, as a minimum, the Home Office asks Student visa applicants to have specific amounts in your bank account to cover accommodation and living expenses. Living costs will depend on individual own lifestyle. Please check the Home Office for the requirements here.
Studying for a Master’s degree incurs some general costs that you'll need to budget for. These may include:
· Buying stationery, notebooks, computing equipment or software
· Travel costs to get to film sets
· Photocopying and printing costs
· Buying reading materials
Whilst it can be challenging to calculate living costs, you can use the estimates below to help work out initial expenditure in addition to your tuition fees costs for each MA Degree programme. To help keep living costs down, use your Student Union membership card where possible. Your living expenses whilst studying for your master’s degree will vary by personal circumstances and choices. Here are some rough estimates of what you might be spending weekly:
Accommodation
As LFS does not offer on-campus accommodation, finding affordable private accommodation around Greater London means you’ll need to start searching early. Once you start renting privately, bear in mind utility costs with your accommodation costs. Budget: variable
Utilities
Utilities such as electricity, water and gas are not always included in your rent. If you're renting privately or are sharing a flat with others, this may vary depending on the supplier. Budget: £10-£15 a week
Entertainment and Internet
If you want to have a TV, you'll need to get a TV Licence. Currently, a TV Licence costs £150.50 per year, payable in monthly instalments or as an annual lump sum. For more information, please visit the TV Licensing website.
Internet access is not always included in private accommodation, so compare suppliers before locking in a contract. Also consider your mobile phone costs. If you're an international student, then it may make sense to buy a new sim only mobile phone package that works in the UK to make calls cheaper for you. Budget: £40-50 per week
If you're in shared accommodation, buying in bulk and cooking meals with your housemates can help keep food costs down. You can also save money by preparing your own lunch on the days you're at university. Budget: £20-£50 per week
Socialising
We recommend budgeting around £30-£50 a week for socialising. London has plenty of great places for eating and drinking as well as discounts offered to students for theatre, music venue and cinema tickets. It’s always worth getting an NUS Totum card from the National Student Union, offering student discounts particularly. for buying goods such as computer equipment.
Travel
London is a big city, and you will no doubt need to use public transport to get around. The cost of travel will depend on where in London you live and what zone you need to travel to. London Film School is in zone 1. The bus is cheaper than the tube and cycling can help bring down cost. Budget: £25 - £40 per week
Insurance
It’s important to insure important items like laptops, bikes, and phone. It’s a good idea to look for an insurance policy against damage, loss, or theft of your personal possessions. Budget: £2.50 - £4 per week
Useful Links
· British Council guide for international students studying in the UK: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
· A helpful interactive guide for students new to budgeting in the UK: https://www.which.co.uk/money/university-and-student-finance/student-money-and-budgeting/how-much-it-costs-to-live-at-university-ajtFs4L7GHjL
· Advice to help keep costs down for students: https://www.savethestudent.org/
· Travelcards to get around London as a student: https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/18-plus-student-oyster-photocard
· Access to NUS student discounts: https://www.totum.com/about
Updated 26 June 2023