The real cost of living in East London: what UEL students need to know

When you're thinking about university, you're not just picking a course. You're picking a lifestyle. And when that university is the University of East London, the lifestyle comes with a question: What’s the cost of living in East London really like? If you're a current or prospective student trying to figure out how much money you'll need, this one’s for you.

London isn’t cheap – but it’s worth it

The cost of living in London is famously high. Whether you’re eyeing a cheeky flat share or planning your weekly food shop, you’ll quickly realise your student loan disappears fast.

But here’s the thing: it’s London. You’re living in one of the world’s most vibrant, culturally rich, opportunity-packed cities. And more specifically, you're in East London, which has its own unique flavour and vibe (not to mention better value than Central or West London).

To get to the heart of what the student's cost of living in East London is, let’s break it down into some key areas:

1. Rent 

If you’re staying in halls like those on UEL’s Docklands or Stratford campuses, you’re looking at around £170–£230 per week, depending on room type. That usually includes bills, which is a big plus.

If you’re going for private housing around East Ham, Stratford, Plaistow, or Canning Town, expect to pay between £600 and £900 a month for a room in a shared house. Yeah, it adds up – rent is hands-down the biggest chunk of the student cost of living in East London.

Pro tip? The earlier you start looking, the better deals you’ll find. Oh, and always budget for at least one month’s rent as a deposit.

2. Utilities – if you’re renting privately

If you’re not in halls and are dealing with bills separately, factor in about £70–£120 per month for gas, electricity, and water. Broadband is another £20–£30, depending on your provider. 

It’s these kinds of extras that quietly raise the student cost of living in London, so make sure to factor them in.

3. Transport (or, Oyster is your best friend)

East London is brilliantly connected. Whether you're hopping on the DLR from Cyprus station or grabbing the Jubilee Line from Stratford, getting around is pretty easy.

Students get 30 per cent off travelcards, and an 18+ Student Oyster card will make your life a whole lot easier. A monthly travelcard for Zones 1-3 (which covers most of East London and central hotspots) will set you back around £100–£130.
Sure, it’s a cost, but it's worth it for the freedom. Just make sure you’re not tapping in and out randomly without knowing your fare zones – that’s how you burn through money fast.

4. Food

Although the cost of living in East London is high, your weekly food shop doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re smart about where you shop, you can eat well for around £30–£50 a week.

Aldi and Lidl in Beckton or East Ham are your budget-friendly go-tos, while Asda and Tesco offer more variety if you’re willing to compare prices. Local markets like Queen’s Market in Upton Park are brilliant for cheap fruit, veg, and meat.

5. Social life – budget for fun

No one goes to university just to study. Nights out, pub quizzes, open-mic nights, gigs in Shoreditch, or a cheeky Nando’s now and then, all of this adds to your experience and your budget.

Set aside about £100–£150 a month for entertainment. You might spend more some months and less others, but knowing how much you can spend freely without stressing helps keep your head above water.

That’s part of managing your student cost of living – recognising that fun is important too.

6. Study materials and extras

Not every course needs a ton of textbooks, but when they do, they aren’t cheap. The UEL library is amazing, and a lot of materials are available online for free, but sometimes you will need to buy stuff – budget around £20–£40 a month just in case.

Also factor in occasional course trips, printing costs, and software subscriptions (although students often get big discounts).

East London: cheaper than you think

Now here’s where it gets interesting. While the cost of living in London overall is high, East London actually offers better value compared to places like Camden, Kensington, or even parts of North London.

You’ve got more affordable supermarkets, lower rent, great cultural experiences (many of them free), and a strong student community that makes living here exciting and manageable.

That’s why when we talk about the cost of living in East London, we’re not just talking numbers, we’re talking value.
 

Here’s some quick advice I’ve picked up from students.

• Get a part-time job. UEL’s location means there are tons of retail, hospitality, and freelance opportunities
• Use student discounts. Unidays, Student Beans, and your student ID can save you serious cash
• Budget weekly. It’s easier to manage £300 a week than £1,200 a month – trust me
• Cook in bulk. Cook once, eat three times. Your future self will thank you
• Talk money with housemates. Be open about bills and shared expenses. Awkward conversations save you from bigger headaches later

If you’re heading to UEL, you're not just investing in your education; you’re stepping into one of the most dynamic parts of one of the greatest cities in the world. And honestly? That’s priceless.