"it takes up 60% of my stipend that is almost £1,100."
An Indian PhD student shared a detailed breakdown of her monthly living costs while living in Manchester.
Anushka Diwakar, who is studying at the University of Manchester, posted a video on Instagram explaining how she manages her stipend while living in the city.
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 said that accommodation accounts for the largest share of her monthly budget.
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 the rest of her monthly spending. She said 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, Anushka 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 said her video was intended to offer transparency through a real-life example.
The video also made clear that the 60% figure related to her university studio accommodation, while shared housing may be a lower cost option for some students.
Viewers responded to the post with a range of reactions.
One user wrote:
“Rent taking 60% is honestly scary.”
Others praised Anushka for sharing the breakdown, with one comment reading: “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.”
Loading ...