Quacquarelli Symonds’s “Best Study Abroad Cities Ranking” and NatWest’s “2023 Student Life Index Report” show that many cities in the UK provided a brilliant study abroad experience to international students.
Thus, today, I collect the top 5 best cities for study students in the UK and especially focus more on 2 of them, which are both high ranking and also affordable in living.
Study abroad in United Kingdom Top 5 best cities
- London
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Newcastle
1. London
London with the ranking No. 1 in the world by QS as the best city to study abroad, and it is recognized as the city with the best study abroad experience.
1. Study Abroad Experience
London, with the largest number of universities in the UK, offers a rich and diverse academic environment and major options. Four universities in London rank among the top 50 universities in the world. As the melting pot, students in London can meet people with different backgrounds and cultures to expand their horizons and relationships.
The cultural scene of London is full of diversity. Studying here, you can not only experience the blending and collision of various cultures in person but also feel the unique charm of different cultures. There are so many museums, especially the famous British Museum, which is brilliant and fascinating. People can gain an in-depth understanding of the history and connotation of different cultures, with the precious cultural relics from around the world, and also join the wealthy exhibitions and educational activities.
London’s employment environment is also impressive. As a hub for many industries, London gathers the world’s top companies and professionals. Especially in the financial industry, London can be called as the irreplaceable. Barclays and the Bank of England, these two major financial giants built their headquarters in London, which is a solid certification of the city’s outstanding strength and influence in the financial field.
2. Living Index and Life Cost
Although London is exactly an excellent city to study abroad, it is indeed a very expensive city for life.
Generally speaking, the average monthly expenditure is 1,445 pounds, including 840 pounds for housing rent, 106 pounds for supermarket shopping, 49 pounds for clothes and shoes, 39 pounds for going out, and 38 pounds for takeaways.
3. Recommended Universities
University College London (UCL), Imperial College (IC), The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and King’s College London (KCL) are all ranked within the QS’s Top 50 universities, which are the favourite choice of many students. These institutions not only have outstanding academic reputations but also have unique professional advantages and characteristics. Both are the attractions of a large number of outstanding students to apply.
As it should, it is more difficult to apply for such institutions. Taking UCL as an example, the application generally requires a score of 85 or above, and most IELTS requires a total score of 7 or above.
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is ranked 16th in the world and the 2nd best study-abroad city in the UK by QS.
1.Study Abroad Experience
Edinburgh, the shining pearl of Scotland, attracts countless tourists and scholars with its unique urban features. Walking through the streets of Edinburgh, you will be shocked by those gorgeous buildings, as if travelling through time and space, and in a dream where the ancient and the modern intertwine with each other.
In addition to its gorgeous architecture, Edinburgh attracts people from all over the world with its profound cultural heritage and unique cultural atmosphere. Here, you can feel the cultural influence of art, music, literature and other aspects, which totally nourish and enlighten your soul.
Not only that, Edinburgh is also a famous tourist city in the UK. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic attractions in the city. It stands on the top of an extinct volcanic rock, overlooking the entire city of Edinburgh, giving people a solemn and majestic feeling. The National Museum of Scotland is also a must-see View. It is located in the city centre, with a total of 36 exhibition halls and more than 20,000 exhibits. Of course, Princes Street, Edinburgh’s bustling street, is also one of the favourite attractions for tourists. This street divides Edinburgh into the Old and New Towns, with the New Town on the north side and the Old Town on the south side. There are many shops on both sides of the street, and all kinds of gorgeous and modern shops are gathered here, attracting countless shopping enthusiasts.
2. Living Index and Life Cost
The average monthly expenditure of international students in Edinburgh is 1,072 pounds, including 635 pounds for housing rent, 110 pounds for supermarket shopping, 24 pounds for clothes and shoes, 30 pounds for going out, and 27 pounds for takeaways.
3. Recommended Universities
Among all of the universities in the city, the University of Edinburgh is the most popular for people.
The University of Edinburgh is ranked 22nd in QS. It is highly ranked and well-known. Many Nobel Prize winners and British Prime Ministers studied here once. In addition, the most popular majors such as business, education, law, and computer science are all ranked former with the highest profession. Based on all the above, the University of Edinburgh has become the dream school for many students.
Difficulty of application: The University of Edinburgh is becoming more and more difficult to apply this year. If you graduated from the list of programs 985&211 universities in China, it is generally recommended to keep the average score around 85; if you are not, not only are you restricted from applying for popular majors, but you must also have an average score of at least 85 plus. The minimum IELTS requirement is a total score of 6.5 or above.
3. Manchester
Manchester, with its ranking 30th in the world by QS, is the 3rd best city to study abroad.
1. Study Abroad Experience
Manchester, the earliest industrialized city in the UK, has now developed into an important transportation hub and the centre of commerce, finance, industry and culture of the UK. It has distinctive urban characteristics, with both a profound industrial history and the vitality and charm of a modern city.
In terms of soccer culture, Manchester could be a shining star. There are two super teams in the Premier League here – Manchester United and Manchester City. Whether it is Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, they are sacred places in the hearts of soccer fans. On match days, these two stadiums always create a passionate atmosphere, allowing people to fully feel the passion and joy brought by soccer. Visiting these stadiums in Manchester is undoubtedly a brilliant way to experience Manchester’s football culture.
Besides, Manchester’s food culture is equally diverse and colourful. This is a city where various dishes and cultures blend and collide, forming a unique Manchester flavour. There’s everything from traditional English breakfasts to Indian curries, Middle Eastern kebabs and Chinese stir-fries. Whether it is a high-end restaurant or a street dinner, here, you can taste delicious food from all over the world.
2. Living Index and Life Cost
The average monthly expenditure of international students in Manchester is 1,050 pounds, including 567 pounds for housing rent, 104 pounds for supermarket shopping, 45 pounds for clothes and shoes, 45 pounds for going out, and 26 pounds for takeaways.
3. Recommended Universities
Universities in Manchester include the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, etc. Among them, the most well-known and recognized one with the largest number of alumni in the country is the University of Manchester. The QS ranking is stable at 32nd, and the school has graduated 25 Nobel Prize winners.
The University of Manchester’s advantageous majors cover many fields, including engineering, accounting and finance, dental science, architecture and civil engineering. These majors enjoy a high reputation internationally and provide students with broad career development space.
There are differences between different colleges at the University of Manchester in terms of application difficulty. As a world-class famous business school, its application is relatively difficult, generally requiring an average score of 87 plus. Colleges such as CS and EEE also have higher application requirements, and it is recommended that the average score should be maintained at 84 plus. Most other colleges’ requirements are wider and they will not request your graduate school. Graduates from general universities or third-year undergraduates can also apply, but it is recommended to keep the average score at 85 plus.
4. Glasgow
Glasgow with the ranking 36th in the world by QS, is recognized as the top 4 city for best study abroad.
1. Study Abroad Experience
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest and most populous city, has successfully transformed in recent years from the traditional industrial city it was remembered as, to becoming one of the UK’s leading centres of culture, business, research and academics. Its charm lies not only in its booming economy but also in its profound cultural heritage and vibrant lifestyle.
Talking about its soccer culture, Glasgow also has two eye-catching soccer clubs – Rangers and Celtic. Celtic Park Stadium has attracted the attention of countless fans with its huge size and spectacular facilities. It can accommodate 60,355 spectators and is the second largest club stadium in the UK, second only to Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
Likewise, Glasgow’s cultural attractions are also worth visiting. Glasgow Cathedral, George Square, the Gallery of Modern Art and the Tower of Light are all recommended places. In addition, Glasgow is also a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. There are numerous shopping malls, boutiques and markets selling everything from high-end fashion brands to local specialities.
2. Living Index and Life Cost
The average monthly expenditure of international students in Glasgow is 1,081 pounds, including 562 pounds for housing rent, 109 pounds for supermarket shopping, 28 pounds for clothes and shoes, 56 pounds for going out, and 50 pounds for takeaways.
3. Recommended Universities
The University of Glasgow is a well-known institution in Glasgow, Scotland. It has maintained a stable position in the QS World University Rankings in recent years, ranking 76th in 2024.
Its beautiful and picturesque campus is known as one of the prototypes of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The campus environment attracts many students. At the same time, the University of Glasgow has born many outstanding figures, such as Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, and Watt, the father of the steam engine. The achievements of these alumni have further enhanced the school’s reputation.
In terms of application difficulty, the University of Glasgow has moderate requirements for applicants. It not only welcomes students from prestigious schools but also gives opportunities to students from general universities. For graduates from prestigious schools, they can apply if their average score is 75 plus; while for other students, it is recommended that their average score should be kept above 80, and their total IELTS score should be above 6.5.
5. Newcastle
Newcastle is ranked 39th in the world and 5th in the UK in the QS list of “Best Study Abroad Cities”.
1. Study Abroad Experience
Newcastle, a city located in northern England, is not only the political, commercial and cultural centre, but also attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique charm. Newcastle’s people are renowned for their extraordinary achievements, unique characters and accents, which make the city full of energy and vitality.
Referring to its soccer culture, Newcastle United is definitely a calling card of this city. This team has the largest number of fans in England. Moreover, St. James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United, is one of the most famous stadiums in the UK and even all over the world. Its unique atmosphere and passionate games are impressive for people.
Besides this, Newcastle’s language and culture are also unique. The language used by the local residents of Newcastle and the surrounding area is known as Geordie, and this unique dialect is thought to be the closest remnant of the Anglo-Saxon language left in England 1,500 years ago. The preservation of this language not only reflects Newcastle’s profound historical heritage but also provides a unique cultural charm to the city. If you have the opportunity to come to northern England, you must not miss this “vibrant city”.
2. Living Index and Life Cost
The average monthly expenditure of international students in Newcastle is 914 pounds, including 441 pounds for housing rent, 114 pounds for supermarket shopping, 33 pounds for clothes and shoes, 36 pounds for going out, and 27 pounds for takeaways.
3. Recommended Universities
The University of Newcastle is widely known and ranked relatively high.
The University of Newcastle is ranked 110th in QS. In recent years, the ranking has been rising every year. It tends to enter the Top 100 and is becoming more and more popular among students.
Compared to other universities, the application of Newcastle University is relatively easy, and it is suitable for students from all backgrounds to apply. In terms of average score, it is recommended that you keep it above 75 points, and the total IELTS score is required to be above 6.5.
Study Abroad in UK FAQ
Is Living in London Expensive for Students
As the biggest city in United Kingdom, living in London is expensive indeed. But as the student, you can plan your cost in some aspects, such as your accommodation, foods or supermarkets you choose.
What Kind of Student Accommodation could be Applied for the Foreign Students
You can apply the dorm from your university and you can also choose the off-campus student accommodation, which also could be affordable.
Can I Apply the Scholarships as a Foreign Student
Of cause. Every university has its own requirements, you can check the information on their homepage.
