"it takes up 60% of my stipend that is almost £1,100."
An Indian PhD student shared a detailed breakdown of her monthly expenses, highlighting the financial pressures faced by international students.
Anushka Diwakar, who is studying at the University of Manchester, posted a video on Instagram explaining how she manages her stipend while living in Manchester.
A stipend is a fixed monthly sum paid to individuals to cover living expenses or training costs.
In the video, Anushka said: “I’m a first-year PhD student at the University of Manchester and I’m here on a scholarship.
“I get around £1,800 every month as my tax-free stipend.”
She then revealed that the majority of that sum is taken up by accommodation, underlining a key concern for many international students relocating to UK cities.
Anushka continued: “My university studio accommodation, where I’m living right now, it takes up 60% of my stipend that is almost £1,100. This is my major expense in a month.”
After rent, Anushka outlined a modest and structured monthly budget. She spends around £100 on groceries and allocates £50 for outings and dining.
She added: “The third and final expense is shopping, small outings so I have parked another £50 there.”
Sharing advice for other international students, she pointed to student housing platforms as a useful option for those seeking short-term or flexible accommodation without long-term contracts.
In the caption, the student explained the purpose behind sharing her finances.
Anushka wrote: “How much does it cost to live in the UK as a PhD student?
“I share my real monthly expenses as an Indian PhD student living in Manchester.
“I moved to Manchester in October 2025, and in this video, I break down my PhD stipend, rent, food, transport, and other living costs.”
She added that many prospective students question whether a PhD stipend is enough to live comfortably, and her video aims to offer transparency through a real-life example.
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The post has since drawn significant engagement online, with viewers reacting to the high proportion of income spent on rent.
One user wrote:
“Rent taking 60% is honestly scary.”
Others praised Anushka for her insight, noting that it would be beneficial for others.
A comment read: “Really insightful video. thanks for sharing your experience!
“It’s always valuable to see how PhD conditions vary across countries.”
Another said: “This is actually very helpful for students planning to move abroad.”
Some were also surprised by the accommodation costs in Manchester, with one commenting:
“I didn’t realise accommodation would be this expensive in Manchester.”
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