BUDGETING AND TRAVEL
As dull as it sounds, budgeting is an important element of independent living. When you move out of halls and into private rented accommodation, costs you haven’t had to pay before can sneak up on you – from the deposit on your flat to monthly bills to household necessities.
One of the biggest contributors to sneaky costs is travel. The ease of contactless payments often means you can forget how much you are spending each day. These seemingly small figures quickly rack up.
Watch our videos below for tips on budgeting while living in London.
Be smart with money
- Budget for your deposit.
- Find a good, reasonably priced supermarket.
- Research the cheapest way to go about your commute.
Simple ways to save
- Budget.
- Look around and compare.
- Ask for help if you need it.
Eating well on a budget
- Go to affordable shops.
- Plan your meals.
- Use money-saving apps.
TRAVEL ZONES
You will need to think about how you will travel to and from university, as this may affect your budget. The London Underground is made up of zones 1 – 9 and the more zones you travel through every day, the more expensive your costs will be. Luckily, students can get 30% off certain Travelcards with an 18+ student Oyster. Check out the TFL Student Guide to Travel in London for more information.
18+ Student caps and Travelcard prices
| Zones | 7-Day | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | £25.20 | £96.80 | £1,008 |
| 1-3 | £29.60 | £113.70 | £1,184 |
| 1-4 | £36.30 | £139.40 | £1,452 |
| 1-5 | £43.10 | £165.60 | £1,724 |
| 1-6 | £46.10 | £177.10 | £1,844 |
| 1-7 | £50.20 | £192.80 | £2,008 |
| 1-8 | £59.30 | £227.80 | £2,372 |
| 1-9 | £65.80 | £252.70 | £2,632 |
Prices accurate summer 2020.