Planning your budget
We recommend that you plan to budget £17,500 – £28,500 per year for accommodation and living expenses.
Below are average weekly, monthly and yearly amounts for housing and living expenses ( as of April 2023) to give you an idea of the cost of living in London. Although it’s a big city, there are a huge range of activities and opportunities available free of charge or at low cost, and many venues, arts organisations and retailers offer student discounts.
Costs are calculated for an academic year (44 weeks per year) apart from rent for private accommodation. Most private rental accommodation contracts will be for 52 weeks a year.
You can spend varying amounts on accommodation and living expenses. We cannot say exactly how much money you’ll need while studying at Trinity Laban. Everyone has different expectations, needs and budgeting styles. This information should be used as a guide to create your own budget. We also recommend carry out your own research and shop around for prices most appropriate to your financial situation.
The figures given are average ranges of spending for one person. Our Student Services can also provide advice and support with budgeting or financial hardship.
We have included essential and non-essential costs in the budget below. When budgeting it is important to be realistic and understand all your costs. You should bear in mind additional costs you might incur by moving to London, listed under “other costs to consider when planning your budget”.
| Housing Costs | Weekly Average | Monthly Average |
| Accommodation (Private – South East London) | £206 – £253 | £893 – £1096 |
| Accommodation (Student accommodation – based on local rates) | £206 – £379 | £893 – £1642 |
Yearly Private accommodation budget (52 weeks): £10,712 – £13,156
Yearly Student accommodation budget (44 weeks): £9064 – £16,676
| Household costs (utilities, clothes, subscriptions) | Weekly Average | Monthly Average |
| Utilities (gas, electric, water – private accommodation only) | £14 | £60 |
| General bills : internet & phone | £15 | £66 |
| Food (including takeaways and dining out) | £48 – £72 | £208 – £312 |
| Household goods and miscellaneous (cleaning products and sundries) | £13 – £25 | £56 – £108 |
| Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, apps, gym, tv licence or other services) | £12 – £17 | £52 – £73 |
Yearly household costs (44 weeks): £4,488 – £6,292
| Looking after yourself | Weekly Average | Monthly Average |
| Medical Costs (dentist, glasses, prescriptions) | £1 – £3 | £4 – £13 |
| Clothing | £9 | £39 |
| Private Health Insurance (e.g. BHSF) | £3 | £13 |
| Gym membership | £9 | £40 |
| Socialising and entertainment (pub, coffee, cinema, theatre etc.) | £25 – £50 | £108 – £201 |
| Misc. costs (haircuts, gifts/cards, emergencies etc.) | £4 – £6 | £17 – £22 |
Yearly looking after yourself cost (44 weeks): £2,244 – £3,520
| Course & Travel costs | Weekly Average | Monthly Average |
| Course costs (books, stationery, instrument maintenance, reeds…) | £12 – £20 | £52 – £86 |
| Instrument Insurance and or Health insurance (BHSF) | £1 – £3 | £44 – £13 |
| Travel and Transportation (including railcards or coach cards) | £26 | £113 |
Yearly course and travel costs (44 weeks): £1,716 – £2,156
Other costs to consider when planning your budget:
- tuition fees
- bed linen and bedding, crockery, cutlery, etc. (if renting)
- renters or contents insurance
- for students who require a VISA national countries – police registration (£34), VISA renewal (from £490) and the Health Surcharge (£470 per year)
- travel to/from non-term time address e.g. flights, train, ferry and transfers
- External events or other opportunities (intensives, courses etc.)
- dietary requirements
- digital technologies and software (e.g. laptop or tablet)
- Clothing specific to training