When it comes to the best student cities in the UK, you must think of wonderful campus life and rich university experience. The position of universities is also a factor taken into consideration. If students, especially international students who leave for a strange country to study further, choose the right city to study in, it will be an unforgettable experience and memory for their whole life. With abundant educational resources, the UK has always been the ideal country for many international students to study in. Join us, and let’s take a look at the cities where some of the UK’s most famous universities are located.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best UK Student Cities
How do we know whether a city is suitable for studying in universities? How many factors contribute to an enriching and supportive environment for higher education? If you’re looking for the best student cities in England to spend the next couple of years of your academic life, there are a few important factors to consider.
Academic Excellence
The education quality of universities is the first factor that should be considered when choosing the best student cities. The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, making it a popular choice for international students. Research the rankings, course offerings, and teaching quality of universities you are interested in. Many prestigious universities in the UK offer exceptional education in various specialized fields.
Culture and Lifestyle
Think about what kind of lifestyle you prefer, a busy and happening one or a more tranquil one. Each city in the UK has its own cultural flair and social scene. The location of your university is important to your extracurricular life in the city. Efficient public transport can significantly enhance your student experience, making it easier to get around the city and travel home during holidays.
Employment Opportunities
One thing you should consider is the availability of part-time jobs and post-graduation employment opportunities. Cities with robust economies and industry presence, such as Manchester and Birmingham, can offer valuable work experience during your studies and employment prospects afterward.
Cost of Living
The cost of studying in the UK varies by city. Assess your budget to ensure you can manage your finances comfortably while studying. Cities like London command higher expenses for accommodation, food, and transport, with higher minimum funds requirements for the student visa. If affordability concerns you, you can consider the more affordable cities like Belfast, Leicester, Liverpool, and Nottingham.
10 Best Student Cities in the UK
You might have a British university you want to study in or were interested in. Come and see which city it is in and learn more about the specifics of the best student cities in the UK below.
1. London
London has the highest concentration of international students in the UK, making it the UK best city for students. According to statistics, international students account for more than 25% of the city’s student population and almost a quarter of all international students in the UK.
Imperial College London and King’s College are both well-renowned London-based universities with strong international connections. Founded in 1907, Imperial College is known for its science-based education. King’s College has a large number of international students from 190 countries.
Universities in London
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | #2 |
| University College London | #9 |
| Kings College London | #40 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | #50 |
| Queen Mary, University of London | #120 |
| City, Unieversity of London | #352 |
| Goldsmiths College, University of London | #681-690 |
2. Birmingham
Birmingham is the second-largest international city in the UK after London, with the second-largest population and area in the country. Located in central England, on the main railway line from London to Liverpool, it is also one of the most popular cities in UK and has convenient transportation.
Furthermore, Birmingham boasts the youngest population in Europe. It has been consecutively named the UK city with the highest quality of life by the Global Mercer Living Index for three years. With world-class companies, research and development centers, renowned universities, and innovative entrepreneurs, Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving business region home to more than 1,900 international companies.
Universities in Birmingham
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Birmingham | #80 |
| Aston University | #423 |
3. Manchester
Manchester is the second most prosperous city in the UK, with a population of 510,000. It is located in Greater Manchester, northwest England, and is a metropolitan borough and unitary authority. Manchester is an important transport hub in the UK and a commercial, financial, industrial, and cultural center.
The University of Manchester has best-in-class academic courses. It is prominent in the fields of advanced materials, cancer, energy, global inequalities, and industrial biotechnology. What’s more, the institution boasts 25 Nobel Prize laureates among its current and former staff and students.
Universities in Manchester
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Manchester | #34 |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | #601-610 |
4. Bristol
Bristol is the largest city in the South West of England and the second city to be established in the British Isles. With many traditional buildings and the oldest port in the UK, it is rich in history and culture.
The University of Bristol and the University of the West of England are in Bristol. The University of Bristol currently has over 30,000 international students studying there and offers various scholarship options.
Universities in Bristol
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Bristol | #54 |
| University of the West of England | #741-750 |
5. Glasgow
Glasgow is renowned as one of the top shopping destinations in the UK, second only to London, which indicates its residents’ considerable spending power. The city boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, with some of the finest clubs and pubs in the UK. Bars are plentiful in every part of the city, and there is no shortage of cultural pubs. This is a highly desirable city.
The University of Glasgow has a history of more than 570 years. Also, It has a strong academic reputation with 95.9% of students employed or furthering their studies within six months of graduation.
Universities in Glasgow
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | #78 |
| University of Strathclyde | #281 |
6. Edinburgh
Situated in the eastern part of Scotland near the coast, Edinburgh is one of the best student cities to study abroad. It has been honored as “Europe’s Best Travel Destination” by the World Travel and Tourism Alliance. The city is conveniently accessible, with flights from Edinburgh International Airport to London just 1 hour away.
It holds the top spot for the UK city with the best student mix, referring to the city’s student population and its inclusiveness of these communities, including international students.
Universities in Edinburgh
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Edinburgh | #27 |
| Heriot-Watt University | #256 |
| Napier University | #801-850 |
7. Liverpool
Liverpool, located in the northwest of England, is an important port city and one of the famous commercial centers of the United Kingdom. It has a vast hinterland and is the second-largest commercial port. Liverpool’s foreign trade accounts for a quarter of the country. The city’s export volume is the largest in the UK, second only to London’s import volume.
Liverpool is one of the prettiest cities in the UK. It is known for its unique literary atmosphere, many high-quality cultural resources, and important achievements in music, painting, and architecture. With a large and active student community of over 50,000, there are ample opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities and form new friendships. The residents of Liverpool are very hospitable, making students feel they are at home.
Universities in Liverpool
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| Liverpool University | #165 |
| Liverpool John Moores University | #801-850 |
8. Belfast
Belfast is the largest harbor city in Northern Ireland. Founded in 1888, it has been the capital of Northern Ireland since 1920. As the political and cultural center and largest industrial city, Belfast occupies an important position in the Northern Ireland region of the United Kingdom.
Belfast is the home to renowned institutions such as Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. The cost of living in Belfast is relatively low compared to other major UK cities, making it an attractive option for both domestic and international students. If they do not want to live in their universities, they can move out and rent student accommodations near their schools at a similar price.
Universities in Belfast
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| Queen’s university Belfast | #206 |
| Ulster University | #559 |
9. Cardiff
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, the largest city in Wales, and the 16th largest city in the United Kingdom. The business atmosphere here is prosperous, and the diverse economic activities attract many companies and investors, providing many employment opportunities for graduates.
At the same time, Cardiff is also a city rich in culture and history, with many cultural attractions and a wealth of activities, attracting many tourists and local residents.
Universities in Cardiff
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| Cardiff University | #186 |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | / |
10. Southampton
Southampton is situated in Hampshire, southeast England. It is a port city located in the south and southwest of the Solent. The city has unitary administrative district status in England. Being a coastal city, Southampton is surrounded by Hampshire on three sides: to the northeast, east, and southeast by the borough of Eastleigh, to the west by the borough of New Forest, and to the northwest by the Valley of Tester.
The relatively lower cost of living compared to other UK cities makes it one of the best UK student cities. The efficient public transport system and compact city center are more convenient for students to get everything they need from libraries and lecture halls to recreational and social spaces.
University in Southampton
| University | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Southampton | #80 |
Conclusion
Studying in the best student cities in the UK is helpful to students’ personal and career development. Students can find a city that aligns with their personal needs and academic ambitions by considering factors such as cost of living, cultural and lifestyle offerings, and employment opportunities. Whether you are drawn to the cosmopolitan allure of London, the historic charm of Edinburgh, or the vibrant student communities in cities like Manchester or Birmingham, the information we offer in the blog will help you make a better choice in your university journey.
FAQ
Which place is best for students in UK?
The top 10 student cities in the UK for students are as follows:
- London
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Liverpool
- Belfast
- Cardiff
- Southampton
Which UK city has the most uni students?
London.
London has many world-renowned universities, including University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, King’s College London, and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Attracted by the city’s unparalleled academic reputation and vibrant cultural scene, numerous students from all over the world come to study in these institutions each year.
Which city is cheapest for students in UK?
Sheffield.
It is the most budget-friendly city in the UK. Sheffield offers a lower cost of living and cheaper accommodation compared to other major UK cities. The city also provides free or low-cost activities, is easily accessible, and has a diverse and supportive student community.
