General Living Costs

Your living expenses whilst studying for your master’s degree will vary by personal circumstances and lifestyle choices. The cost of living has had a huge impact on everyone, and we understand students find it particularly challenging to manage. We’ve pulled together some tips and advice on how to save money and cope as living costs increase.

Accommodation

Student accommodation: As LFS does not offer on-campus accommodation, we have partnered with Urbanest who offer student accommodation at convenient central London locations, for more information please visit their website.
Private accommodation: Most students at the London Film School live in private rented accommodation and share with other LFS students. Finding affordable private accommodation around Greater London means you’ll need to start searching early. We recommend websites such as Zoopla, Rightmove, SpareRoom, Roomies, Ideal Flatmate and OnTheMarket. Once you start renting privately, bear in mind utility costs with your accommodation costs.
Top boroughs in London where LFS students found a room:
1. Bethnal Green (E2)
2. East London (E1)
3. Finsbury Park (N4)
4. Hackney (E2, E5, E8, E9)
5. Holloway (N7)
6. Northwest London (NW1)
7. Southeast London (SE1)
8. Stoke Newington (N16)
9. Strand (WC2)
10. West Central London (WC1)
11. West London (W1)

Bills and utilities

Broadband: It’s a good idea to regularly review your broadband provider when your contract is coming to an end. It can be an easy way to cut the bills as the onus is on the provider to switch the service. Check out the best deals for students here.
Energy: Ensure the boiler and radiators are working correctly to avoid inefficient heating and higher bills. Your tenancy agreement should be clear whether you or your landlord should be responsible for this so make sure to check. Check out this list of ways to cut heating costs.
Council Tax: Students are exempt from Council Tax but you must remember to apply for exemption. Your council may need proof that you are a student to be eligible.

Travel

TFL London travel: Get an 18+ Student Oyster card. These will save you 30% on adult-rate Travelcards and Bus & Tram Pass season tickets. Bear in mind, pay-as-you-go may be cheaper than buying a Travelcard if you’re only making a few journeys each week.
UK train travel: Train fares can be exorbitant but by travelling off-peak, booking in advance and buying cheaper multiple tickets to cover one journey can cut down on costs significantly.
UK train railcard: You could be eligible for a 16–25 Railcard or 26-30 Railcard and get a 1/3 off rail travel. Railcards are well worth the price if you’re making multiple journeys across the country.
UK coach travel: Travelling by coach around the UK can be a much cheaper (although longer) way to travel. A Young Persons Coachcard saves a third on fares.

Shopping and spending

Student discounts: Many shops, restaurants and bars offer student discounts, and if it isn’t clear if they do then it doesn’t hurt to ask! Lots of retailers accept your student ID but increasingly shops require a student discount membership card. Totum (formerly NUS) is one of the most common.
Cashback: Using a cashback site such as TopCashback or Quidco can mean that you earn money every time you spend. It is only a small percentage so not a reason to go shopping, but if you need to purchase something anyway check the cashback first.
Discount codes: After you have tried your student discount, always try and find more discount codes for online purchase. Browsers such as Microsoft Edge have a discount code finder built in to save the hassle of searching. Usually, signing up to a retailer newsletter is a sure-fire way to get 10% discount.
Food shopping: Supermarkets tend to discount after 6pm so head for the yellow sticker section in the evening to get cheaper items. Be sure to go down the international food aisle for kitchen staples like beans and lentils as the prices tend to be up to 75% cheaper for exactly the same product.

Cinema tickets

Meerkat movies: Get 2-for-1 cinema tickets for less than £2. You need to make an eligible purchase on Compare the Market which can be done for a few pounds by buying travel insurance. However, it’s important to insure important belongings such as laptops, bikes, phones etc. Look for an insurance policy against damage, loss, or theft of your personal possessions.
Go off-peak: Visit the cinema during the day on Monday – Thursday. Check out more tips to save on cinema tickets here.

Useful links

British Council guide British Council guide for international students studying in the UK

Money saving tips for students Money saving tips for students

Save The Student Cost of living crisis: 20 ways to cope

Student Art Pass Student Art Pass

Courses

Study at LFS

About

The school

Useful links