Everyday Life in The UK
Costs and Budgetting
Apart from the cost of fees and accommodation there are a number of other matters to be considered in when living in the UK. You will need to consider your overall budget for not just accommodation but also transport, utilities, books and technology and food. Actual accessing and managing of your money are also necessary considerations.
In terms of your overall budget where you are living will make a difference and of course costs do change over time. As a rough guide the British Council provided the following minimum budget for a 9 month academic year in 2004 prices. More up to date prices are not currently available.
Budget for London £7,500 (or £800 per month)
Budget for elsewhere in the UK £5,500 (or £600 per month)
This budget takes into account cost of accommodation, heating, lighting, food, clothing, books and daily travel for one person.
Note that since 2004 the British CPI (inflation rate) has been rising at an average of approximately 2.5% per annum.
When calculating the budget you will need we suggest taking into consideration these facts plus making some investigation into accommodation costs in the region where you wish to study.
Remember than in terms of funding for a visa you must be able to satisfy the Home Office you can afford to live, without recourse to paid employment in the UK for the duration of your course. However, also note that you are permitted to make money from paid employment and this may enable you to move from a very bare living standard to something more comfortable.
Other costs you need to consider include a TV license if you plan to use any equipment capable of receiving television, including computers and phones that are so equipped. A television license in 2007 cost £131.50 per year per household. Further guidance can be obtained from here.
Also note that on the whole energy prices tend to be higher than in Australia as is the need for heating. |
Managing and Accessing your Money - Banking
The British banking system is quite similar in operation and facilities to those in the Australian system. However, you will need to decide how to move your money to the UK and whether you need or want to open a local bank account.
While on initial arrival you may be content to work through your Australian accounts using debit or credit cards, chances are you will soon need a local bank for items such as payment of fees and charges and for the deposit of money due to you. Continuing to use Australian based cards is likely to incur needless fees.
Note that opening an account in the UK can be more difficult than opening one in Australia and you may wish to set one up before you go. Documentation required by UK banks for opening an account will include at a minimum your passport and they may also ask for utility bills in your name or tenancy agreements.
For tips on banking in Britain see here
Opening a bank account in the UK is somewhat more difficult than opening an account in Australia. There are specialist companies such as Thomas Cook or First Contact which will for a fee set up an account for you from Australia.
The UK High Commission to Australia notes that a letter of introduction from your local bank may be helpful and also suggests that an enquiry to a local building society in your UK place of residence may be a useful banking option.
A particular UK financial item that Australians will not be familiar with is the Cheque guarantee card. This is a plastic card which guarantees that your bank will pay the cheques you write, usually up to a fixed limit shown on the card. The cheque guarantee card and the cash card are usually combined as one card, often with debit-card facilities as well.
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