Best student cities in the UK: Top 10

10. Leeds

We start our list of the best university cities in the UK with Leeds. The birthplace of fizzy drinks and, some say, the inspiration for the Shire in the Lord of the Rings, Leeds is the big city experience minus the big city cost of living for students. Dominated by the student population, Leeds is famous for its music scene, social gatherings and nightlife.

With over five prestigious universities, it has the 4th largest student population in the UK. A rich cultural hub with 15 museums and galleries, there’s plenty to absorb for an eager student. The city's proximity to the Yorkshire Dales and Peak District makes it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts. As per UCAS, the city is rated ‘cheap’ for students, with weekly rent starting from £61.

9. Nottingham

Famous across the world as the home of Robin Hood, the city's modern transport facilities bring residents closer to the things they love. Whether it's historic buildings such as Nottingham Castle or the oldest pub in England, 'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem', or the various parks and cityscapes that give prospective students the right atmosphere to spread their wings. The city was officially named England's Home of Sport in 2015 by VisitEngland due to its patronage of three football clubs, a county cricket club, and an even archery club.

An education city with a thriving economy, Nottingham serves as the headquarters for many companies. A perfect place for students to go to study and establish a network for employment opportunities. Nestled in nature with affordable average costs, excellent infrastructure, and great transport links, it’s a perfect place for many students to live in the UK.

8. Bristol

It’s a city known for its independent spirit where human ingenuity, creative vision and nature merge. None expressed better than by its most famous unknown personality, Banksy. And as the elusive artist's art was showcased on brick and mortar, the city's preserved greens also won the first European Green Capital title in Britain.

Bristol is a top destination for students worldwide and is home to two world-class universities. Like any other education city, it has thousands of students learning various disciplines. Its vibrant culture is presented within the museums, galleries, lively murals, live music festivals, art spaces and the biggest hot air balloon event in Europe, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Bristol has a massive nightlife scene with several venues where many students go when they’re not busy in school halls, libraries and dorms.

7. Birmingham

Fondly called 'Brum', Birmingham was long considered the UK's second city and is still the most significant education hub outside London. Located in the heart of the country, the 'city of a thousand trades' has a proud and long industrial heritage. It boasts the youngest population in any major European city, no doubt due to the vast student population that descends here from all across the world.

Birmingham is considered the Midlands' social, cultural, financial and commercial centre. With its five universities and artistic institutes, such as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Library of Birmingham and Barber Institute of Fine Arts, the city has earned its presence on the international map.

6. Newcastle Upon Tyne

5. Coventry

Awarded the UK City of Culture in 2021, UK's most underrated city, Coventry, is home to plush green gardens, Roman art galleries, and museums. It’s predominantly a student city with lively nightlife and clubs for all music tastes, whether Electronic, RnB, Rap, Pop or Latin.

A close neighbour of Shakespeare's hometown, Stratford upon Avon, Coventry has plenty of cultural significance that would have made even the Bard himself proud. Student accommodation is affordable according to UCAS, and public transport is modern and economical. Still, most of the city is accessible on foot and by bike.

4. Manchester

Home of the rock band 'Oasis', Manchester is famous for its rich musical heritage. Its numerous venues are a popular spot for the who's who of the music world. The locals, or Mancunians, are friendly and diverse; and they love playing host, whether it's for music events, home matches for ManCity or ManU football clubs, cricket at Old Trafford or for the international students that fill the halls of its world-class university.

It’s less expensive than most UK cities, while offering more or less the best experience. Its LGBTQ-friendly and ethnically diverse population makes it a top contender for international students. It ranks ‘average’ for student accommodation prices and has a modern transport infrastructure.

3. Glasgow

The most populous city in Scotland is drenched in style, culture and a perfect mix of new and old architecture. As the slogan for the city goes, 'people make Glasgow’  - so accurate when you consider the sense of humour of the people. It offers an enjoyable living experience built on its quirkiness, coffee shops, event venues, street art, boutiques and galleries.

Glasgow is the home of one of the world's oldest universities. It’s famous for being a melting pot for students to mix with various backgrounds and cultures. The cost of living is affordable, student housing is readily available, and transport is well-connected.

2. Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland and the home of the Harry Potter author J K Rowling, Edinburgh is a relatively sparsely populated city that has a big stature in the world of academia. It’s home to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the largest art festival in the world. As well as the Edinburgh International Festival, there’s also the Edinburgh International Science Festival and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. And let’s not forget the Edinburgh Hogmanay, a new year celebration that lasts for three days ending on New Year's Eve. Edinburgh truly is a top cultural destination of the UK.

The city is surrounded by greenery and is a hotbed of historical architectural significance. With all its perks, living in Edinburgh comes at a price. It's slightly above affordable in terms of cost of living, with pricey rentals.

1. London

The best city to study in the UK, the epicentre of arts, culture, finance and business in Europe, London is one of the most diverse cosmopolitan cities in the world. It has nine million residents and a vast tourist population attracted by fascinating gourmet food, vibrant nightlife, and historical and architectural scenes. With colonial artefacts displayed from across the world, whether in museums, galleries, government buildings or palaces, London is the place for many international students to discover the history of the world in one place.

There are a total of eighteen world-class universities in the city, with enough students to fill up a small city. This abundance makes London one of the most expensive places in the world for students and the cost of living is higher than any other student cities in the UK. But the promise is that you’ll never get bored in London and there’ll always be more to learn.

Studying in the UK

We’ve looked at the best student cities in the UK - but if you intend to study in the UK, there will be a lot more things to consider before moving. You may even weigh your options by considering other countries. If so, don’t forget to check out our blog for more resources and guides to living abroad, and how your family may be able to send money to support you with WorldRemit.

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog post does not constitute legal or financial advice and is provided for general information purposes only. If you require specific legal and / or financial advice you should contact a specialist lawyer or financial advisor. Information true at time of publishing.