Build a complete weekly budget that can be compared
Record tuition, registration, materials, accommodation placement, rent, deposit, food, transport, insurance, visa, flights and payment fees on separate lines. Compare only after putting every option onto the same study weeks, room type and move-in date; do not apply a discounted long-course weekly rate to a short course.
Assess housing together with campus and commute
A Zone 1 campus does not mean a student lives in Zone 1. Put early-class, late-class and weekend routes from each candidate home to campus into the budget, recording interchanges, final walking section, night return and tenancy or cancellation terms. Low rent with an unsustainable daily commute changes food, rest and extra-transport costs.
Check transport cost through real travel
Estimate from Transport for London’s current fares, zones and payment rules for the home, campus and actual weekly trips. Student concessions, railcards or specific products can have eligibility and application conditions; complete a real first-week route test before deciding on a longer product.
Keep hidden costs and risk as separate lines
Reserve separate contingency for bedding, laundry, deposit, plug adaptor, phone, luggage, airport transfer, medical excess and exchange-rate movement. Before any non-refundable course, housing or flight payment, check written change and refund terms and leave reversible space between course, housing and immigration dates.