Anushka Diwakar
An Indian PhD student in the UK has shared a detailed breakdown of her monthly expenses, drawing attention to the growing cost-of-living pressures faced by international students, particularly the high cost of accommodation.Anushka Diwakar, a first-year doctoral student at the University of Manchester, posted an Instagram reel explaining how she manages her finances while studying on a scholarship. She receives a tax-free stipend of around £1,800 per month.A significant portion of that income goes towards rent. Her university studio accommodation costs about £1,100 each month, accounting for nearly 60 per cent of her stipend. “This is my major expense in a month,” she said, underlining how housing alone takes up most of her budget. After covering rent, she is left with roughly £700 for all other expenses. She allocates around £100 per month for groceries. In addition, she sets aside £50 for dining out and social outings, and another £50 for shopping and smaller personal expenses.Her breakdown reflects the tight budgeting many students must follow, especially as accommodation costs continue to rise in major UK cities. Fixed stipends, which do not always keep pace with inflation and rent increases, can leave limited room for savings or unexpected expenses. In the caption accompanying her post, Diwakar wrote she moved to Manchester in October 2025 and wanted to provide a clear picture of what PhD life in the UK actually costs. She noted that many prospective students often question whether a scholarship stipend is enough to live comfortably.The breakdown has reignited concerns over the gap between fixed student stipends and rising living costs, with accommodation continuing to absorb a large share of income.
