A realistic breakdown of housing costs for postgraduate students in London, including rent, bills, deposit, and moving costs by area.
Understanding the true cost of housing in London is essential for postgraduate students planning their finances. The headline rent figure is just the starting point — you also need to budget for a deposit, bills, council tax (if applicable), and moving costs.
Rent is the largest expense. In 2025–26, postgraduate students in London typically pay between £750 and £1,400 per month for a room in a shared house or flat, depending on the area and property quality. Zone 2 areas like Finsbury Park, Bermondsey, and Hackney offer the best balance of affordability and connectivity. Zone 1 areas like Elephant & Castle and Whitechapel are slightly more expensive but save on travel costs. Zone 3–4 areas like Wembley Park and Stratford offer the lowest rents but require longer commutes.
Bills (gas, electricity, water, and broadband) typically add £80–£150 per person per month on top of rent. Some landlords include bills in the rent, which simplifies budgeting but usually costs slightly more overall. Always check what is included before signing.
The deposit is usually 5 weeks' rent (the maximum allowed under the Tenant Fees Act 2019). For a room at £1,000/month, this means a deposit of approximately £1,154. Your deposit must be protected in a government-approved scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days of payment.
Council tax is a significant cost that many students overlook. Full-time students are exempt, but you must apply for the exemption through your local council with a letter from your university. If you live with a non-student, the property is not fully exempt — the non-student pays a 25% single-person discount instead of the full rate.
Moving costs include a van hire (£100–£300 for a local move), any furniture you need to buy, and a small contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Budget at least £500–£1,000 for the move itself.
In total, you should expect to pay 2–3 months' rent upfront when you move in: first month's rent, deposit (5 weeks), and sometimes a holding deposit (1 week, refundable). For a £1,000/month room, this means having approximately £3,000 available before you move in.
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