Living in the UK as an international student

Tuition and accommodation

See the University’s:

• tuition fees
• undergraduate accommodation fees
• postgraduate accommodation fees

You can also choose to arrange private accommodation.

Cost of living

The financial requirements for student visa applications can help you calculate how much money you will need to live in the UK. The amount that UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) require students to have is not a true reflection of what it costs to live in the UK. The UKVI expect students to be able to fund their entire stay in the UK. 

Please be aware that students are required to live within commutable distance to St Andrews for the full duration of their course (except for any year studied abroad as part of a University study abroad programme).

The University and the Students’ Association also provide cost of living information and practical support.

Health and medication

You should register with a doctor when you arrive in Scotland. 

Students who are coming to study full time on a registered course can access the National Health Service (NHS).

If you take prescription medication, you should bring three months of medications with you.

If you need to access a dentist there may be additional costs.

Bank accounts

Most banks will provide international students with a basic bank account when they are in the UK.

Find out how to open a UK bank account.

Phone and internet

You’ll need a UK SIM card to:

• connect your mobile phone to a UK network
• access the NHS.

You can buy a phone and a SIM card in shops in St Andrews. 

The University provides a free wi-fi network called Eduroam. Find out more about internet access in University buildings.

Students living in private accommodation will need to make their own arrangements to get access to the internet outside the University.

Transport

St Andrews is a small town and most places are within walking distance. 

You can get the University bus travel discount on selected weekly and monthly tickets to travel in St Andrews, North East Fife, and East Scotland.

To travel to and from the University Main Library, you can use the University’s free night bus. 

Find out more about:

• travelling using trains, buses, or a bicycle
• discounted travel with the Young Scot National Entitlement Card.

If you would like to drive in the UK, check the rules and legal requirements.