Budget and Money Tips

Planning for Daily Life in London

Living in London is one of the most exciting parts of the Oxford Launch semester. Like any major global city, London offers a wide mix of affordable options alongside higher cost choices. This page provides big‑picture guidance to help you think about budgeting, spending habits, and everyday costs during your semester abroad. 

Every Student’s Budget Will Look Different 

 Your spending habits will depend on: 

• How often you grab quick meals or snacks 

• How much you explore the city 

• Whether you choose paid activities or mostly free ones 

• Personal habits (coffee shops, eating out, weekend interests) 

 There’s no single “right” way to budget. You’ll find a rhythm that fits your lifestyle and comfort level. 

Groceries and Food in London 

London has a variety of grocery stores, ranging from budget-friendly chains to specialty shops. Small, frequent grocery trips help you keep simple items on hand, like snacks and food that can be heated or prepared with minimal equipment. 

Light Meal Prep in Your Kitchenette 

All Oxford Launch students will live in rooms equipped with compact kitchenettes, best suited for very light food preparation such as heating ready-made meals, microwaving items like oatmeal or ramen, preparing simple snacks, and storing basic ingredients. 

These spaces are not designed for full cooking or elaborate meal prep, so you’ll rely on a mix of the program’s dining meal plan, easy in room meals, and affordable food options around London. 

Eating Out & Everyday Food Options 

London’s food scene spans every price point. You’ll find sandwich shops and bakeries, grab-and-go markets, food halls, street food, casual international options, and more. Explore local restaurants in Kentish Town or  

As you explore your neighborhood, you’ll quickly learn where to find reliable, affordable meals.  

Transportation & Everyday Mobility 

During the program, students receive transportation support for travel within designated zones, making commutes and city exploration easy and cost-effective.  

IES Abroad will provide students with initial travel funds upon arrival to cover transportation during their first weeks in London. After that, students will receive £45 per week in transportation funds, distributed onto a UK debit card, which they use to purchase or top‑off their weekly Travelcards. Students are responsible for managing these funds. These funds are intended to cover typical commuting needs. Additional trips beyond those zones, or weekend regional travel, should be budgeted separately. More information about IES-distributed transportation funds will be shared in the London Essentials Canvas course.  

London is also very walkable, and many students enjoy exploring neighborhoods on foot. You can learn more about getting around London here.   

Managing Money Abroad 

London is a highly card friendly city. Students typically rely on: 

• A debit card 

• A credit card or backup payment method 

• Apple Pay or Google Pay 

Before departure, it’s a good idea to check with your bank about travel notifications or any international use guidelines for your card. 

Cash is used far less often than in the U.S., though carrying a small amount can be helpful for occasional purchases. 

Affordable Things to Do in London 

London offers countless low-cost or free activities, including: 

• Free museums 

• Parks and public gardens 

• Street markets 

• Cultural festivals and seasonal events 

• Student discounts at theaters, cinemas, and galleries 

Many students discover that London provides more free entertainment than they can possibly fit into one semester. 

Optional Travel Beyond London 

Some students choose to travel to other UK cities or European destinations on weekends or during breaks. Others prefer to spend their time exploring London — both choices are completely valid. Travel can be exciting, but it is not required. Many students enjoy focusing on London itself. 

Financial Aid & Budgeting

Leveraging Your Financial Aid 

As a fully enrolled Emory student in this program, you can apply your existing financial aid package and scholarships towards the cost of your time in London. This means you will continue to receive your institutional scholarships and financial aid, along with most state and federal aid for which you are typically eligible. 

Eligible students may apply the Emory Courtesy Scholarship toward academic tuition costs for an education abroad program.

We recommend meeting with your financial aid advisor as soon as possible after acceptance to Oxford College to make sure you understand the costs and additional expenses to study in London, possible aid opportunities, and more. 

Planning for Loans 

If you plan to use loan funds to finance your participation, it's crucial to begin the application process early. Loan applications open on June 1. The Office of Financial Aid must receive your loan approval no later than August 1 to ensure timely payment and your continued participation in the program. For more information about educational loan opportunities, click here or contact Oxford’s Office of Financial Aid at ox.finaid@emory.edu.  

Understanding Aid 

We know that understanding and navigating the financial aid process can be confusing, so the Office of Financial Aid has made it easy. Find answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding applications, eligibility, award details, and more. 

Questions 

For questions about your financial aid package from Oxford College, please contact your financial aid advisor or Oxford’s Office of Financial Aid at ox.finaid@emory.edu or 770-784-8328. 

For further information on the cost to study in London, please contact the Oxford Launch: London program managers in Global Oxford, Daphne Orr (daphne.orr@emory.edu) or Natalie Raymond (natalie.raymond@emory.edu).