Choosing to study abroad in the UK is undoubtedly an appropriate choice for students who want to study overseas. After affirming the destination country, the UK, the next step we need to consider is the city, university, and subject options. London, the capital of the UK, is significantly different from other cities in many aspects. In this way, many students struggle to choose between London and other British cities each year. What are the differences between London and other British cities? Today, we will reveal the distinction from multiple dimensions, such as academics, living costs, accommodation, transportation, etc.
British City Classification
- Megacity: London
- Second-tier megacities: Birmingham, Manchester
- Main cities: Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield
- Big cities: Belfast, Bristol, Nottingham, Southampton, etc.
Study Abroad UK: Features of London vs Other British Cities
London
- World-class education: In the QS World University Rankings 2025, 4 universities in London rank among the top 50 in the world, which is a good confirmation of London’s academic strength.
- High-quality facilities: London is the political, economic, cultural, and financial centre of the United Kingdom. It is also a renowned tourist destination with a long history and a vibrant culture. You will have a large number of places of interest and museums to visit in London. In addition, there are more than 300 languages spoken here due to the diverse cultural background of citizens, which can be regarded as a model of globalization.
- Multiple opportunities and convenient transportation: Thanks to the high number of business centres in London, the opportunities for part-time jobs and internships are also a dime a dozen. Besides, the transportation is very convenient, with a bus every 5 minutes. Moreover, students can get discounts when taking the bus, so the transportation costs are also not expensive.
Other British Cities
- Lower living costs: Living in the other British cities will save you money, especially in terms of accommodation fees. For example, it takes at least £200 per week to rent student accommodation in London but only £109 in Lancaster. However, on uhomes.com, a rental platform expert in UK accommodation, the cheapest student accommodation in London, Rochester Student Village, is just £120 per week, costing around the same as the accommodation in smaller cities. Therefore, if you rent housing through uhomes.com, you don’t need to worry about the unduly high accommodation fees at least.
- Quiet and friendly environment: The environment in smaller cities is generally very peaceful and quiet. With no hustles and bustles at night, these cities must be very suitable places to focus on study.
Study Abroad in the UK: Academics
When it comes to selecting a university after deciding to study abroad in the UK, London has significant academic benefits. It is home to many prestigious universities, such as Imperial College London and University College London, which have attracted numerous students from other countries to study here. However, there are also many renowned universities in the other British cities, like the University of Bath and the University of Leeds.
Top Universities in London
In London, there are 4 universities ranking in the top 50 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Besides, one university, Queen Mary University of London, ranks 120th.
| University | QS University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London (IC) | 2 |
| University College London (UCL) | 9 |
| King’s College London (KCL) | 40 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 50 |
| Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) | 120 |
- Imperial College London (IC): IC is a top public research university specializing in Science and Technology, with a focus on Engineering and Natural Sciences. It also has a prestigious business school and one of the largest medical schools in the UK.
- University College London (UCL): UCL is very popular with overseas students studying in the UK (more than 48% of the total number of students are international students). UCL is a multidisciplinary and comprehensive research university that offers a wide range of courses (also one of the main differences between UCL and IC).
- King’s College London (KCL): KCL is strong in Humanities, Law, Science, and Healthcare. It is known as “the most central university in London”. It has 5 campuses in London, 4 of which are located on the banks of the River Thames.
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE): LSE is a member of the G5 Group. It has generated many Nobel Prize winners, heads of state or government, and elites from all walks of life. Moreover, among all European universities, LSE has trained the most billionaires.
- Queen Mary University of London (QMUL): The university offers teaching and research in various fields, including the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry at Barts and London.
Top Universities in Other British Cities
In the smaller cities in the United Kingdom, there are also plenty of universities ranking among the top 150 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. We will introduce the following 4 universities as examples.
| University | QS University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| University of Leeds (UL) | 82 |
| University of Sheffield (TUoS) | 105 |
| Lancaster University (LU) | 141 |
| University of Bath (BATH) | 150 |
- University of Leeds (UL): Leeds is the capital of the West Yorkshire, England, a significant economic, financial, cultural, administrative and transportation centre in central England. International students will experience happy and convenient student life studying in Leeds. The University of Leeds is strong in Business and Management studies. The campus of the University of Leeds is not big, and you can get everywhere you want on foot.
- University of Sheffield (TUoS): Sheffield is a relatively comfortable city, also known as the safest city in England. The University of Sheffield is known for its Architecture, Nursing, Manufacturing & Production Engineering.
- Lancaster University (LU): Lancaster University has a very high reputation. Its Business School is among the few top business schools globally with triple certification (AASCB, AMBA, and EQUIS).
- University of Bath (BATH): Bath is a small city. You can eat, shop, and go to the park, all within walking distance. As for the University of Bath, its School of Management is also regarded as one of the best business schools in the UK. A large number of graduates are capable of entering the top investment banks in London every year.
Study Overseas UK: Cost of Living
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are mainly related to the rankings, courses, and academic standards of the university. Therefore, London, home to many world-renowned universities, generally needs more tuition fees than other cities in Britain. For example, the tuition fees for London-area postgraduate programs are roughly between £20,000 and £30,000, while those for non-London-area programs range between £18,000 and £25,000. However, students studying in London have more job opportunities and higher salaries after graduation.
Other Living Costs
The cost of living in London vs other British cities is an essential factor to consider when choosing the city. Generally speaking, the cost of living in London is higher than that in non-London areas. The chart below compares the cost of living and salaries between the cities of different sizes.
| Items | London | Birmingham | Glasgow | Nottingham |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | £3,636 | £2,395 | £2,688 | £2,269 |
| Rent 1-bedroom Apartment | £1,628 | £777 | £751 | £741 |
| Basic Utility Bills for a 915 sq ft Apartment | £282 | £236 | £275 | £242 |
| Monthly Pass for Public Transportation | £200 | £60 | £61 | £72 |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | £44 | £27 | £37 | £28 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant | £80 | £60 | £66 | £47 |
| Milk (regular) (1 gallon) | £5.03 | £4.92 | £1.23 | £1.11 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 lb) | £3.39 | £2.60 | £6.77 | £7.70 |
Although the living expenses in London (living costs and tuition fees) are the most expensive, London’s average salaries are also the highest. You can consider the balance between the costs and wages and make the decision that suits you. By the way, as for the accommodation costs, if you rent student accommodation through uhomes.com, you will enjoy a lower price with the bills included and the highest cashback. Therefore, no need to worry about spending tons of money on accommodation.
Study Abroad in United Kingdom: Accommodation
Students who study abroad in the UK usually have 2 options for accommodation: dorms or housing renting.
- Dorms: Most universities offer halls to freshmen, but the number is limited, and the living conditions are not good.
- Housing renting: For housing renting, there are various room types for you to choose from, such as En-suites (independent bedroom and bathroom, shared kitchen) and Studios (independent bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom). The fees for Studios and En-suites in cities of different sizes are presented in the following diagram.
| City | En-suite (per week) | Studio (per week) |
|---|---|---|
| London | £120—£618 | £225—£670 |
| Birmingham | £144—£234 | £144—£423 |
| Glasgow | £135—£317 | £182.5—£317 |
| Nottingham | £120—£263.41 | £120—£324.3 |
From the chart above, we can see that renting an apartment in London is a little more expensive, but there are also many cheaper student accommodations at about £120—£225 on uhomes.com.
Top Student Accommodations in London
- iQ Hammersmith: iQ Hammersmith provides Non-En-suites, Studios and Shared Rooms with students. It is located close to UCL and Imperial College London. In addition, located in central London, iQ Hammersmith boasts a convenient location and transportation, surrounded by public stations, restaurants, pubs, and parks. What’s more, if you rent this student accommodation through uhomes.com, you will get up to £600 Cashback, £80 Rebooker Cashback, and £80/person Group Booking Cashback.
- iQ City: iQ City is located near many renowned universities, like UCL, London School of Economics (LSE), and King’s College London (KCL). It offers a variety of room types, including Non-En-suites, En-suites, Studios, and 1-bedroom Apartments. In addition, you will get up to £500 Cashback, £100 Rebooker Cashback, and £100/person Group Booking Cashback.
Top Student Accommodations in Birmingham
- true Birmingham: true Birmingham offers En-suites and Studios to suit different needs. Students are easy to reach Aston University, Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham by public transport.
- The Emporium: The Emporium offers a variety of Studios, En-suites and 1-bedroom Apartments. In addition, the student apartment is located close to Aston University and Birmingham City University, which is convenient for students to commute.
Top Student Accommodations in Glasgow
- Vita Student West End: Vita Student West End offers En-suites and Studios to students. It is close to Glasgow International College and the University of Glasgow.
- true Glasgow: true Glasgow offers various En-suites and Studios. What’s more, a quick bus/tube ride will travel you to the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde.
Top Student Accommodations in Nottingham
- iQ Signal Place: iQ Signal Place offers high-quality En-suites and Studios. It is close to Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham.
- Archer House: Archer House offers En-suites and Studios. Nottingham Trent University is only a 10-minute walk away, and the University of Nottingham is a 15-minute bus ride.
Study Abroad in Britain: Food
The food in London is about the same as in other cities, but the prices in different supermarkets are slightly different. For example, Waitrose and M&S are expensive, but the quality of meat and fruits is really top-notch! In comparison, Tesco is more popular. Lidl and Coop are cheap but good. In fact, if you cook by yourself, you only need to spend £80—£100 per week to eat in London, also ensuring it is nutritionally balanced, delicious and healthy. However, if you order takeaway, it will cost more than £10. All in all, an economical lifestyle and eating habits will save you tons of money.
Study Abroad in the UK: Transportation
- London: London’s transportation system is very advanced, with extended subway links and bus routes. The transportation fees for buses and tubes are both cheap. For tube rides, the most expensive subway ticket to zones 1 and 2 is £2.9; zone 3 is £3.3. The bus ticket is cheaper, only £1.5. In addition, you can also apply for a Young Person Card and enjoy a 30% discount.
- Non-London areas: In comparison, students in non-London areas mainly rely on bus transportation. Although the transportation fees are cheaper, they are also relatively less convenient. Not to mention, some students who don’t want to spend time waiting for the bus will choose Uber or Skyline, which will undoubtedly increase travel costs.
In this way, choosing London’s convenient transportation may be cheaper.
Study Abroad UK: Culture
- London: As the economic, political and cultural centre of the UK, London offers a convenient life and rich cultural activities. Overseas students studying in London, UK, will experience the diversity of an international city.
- Non-London areas: Although other British cities are not as prosperous as London, they should not be underestimated. They are old cities with a long history, each having its own story and unique cultural charm. What’s more, students studying at universities in these small cities will experience unparalleled school life! They are not as crowded as universities in city centres. Most boast spacious campuses, providing vast spaces for various sports venues and events. In addition, the natural environment of the university is also excellent, as is studying in a big park. In conclusion, the universities are not only a good place to learn but also to experience traditional British culture and customs.
Study Overseas UK: Employment
- London: Many overseas students studying in the UK dream of finding a satisfactory job in this foreign country. Regarding employment in the UK, London is the one that reaches the summit. It is home to many world-renowned enterprises and financial institutions. Many resources related to fashion, art and media are abundant here. In addition, during the spring and fall recruitment seasons, information sessions are held every week in London, which really provides plenty of opportunities for international students to accumulate valuable experiences in the workplace. In a word, London is an unrivalled place for students looking for internship opportunities or planning to work in the UK after graduation.
- Non-London areas: Non-London areas also have their unique charm. With a slower pace of life, you are able to drink in the British atmosphere more deeply. The tranquillity and comfort of small cities provide you with an ideal environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This suits students who prefer a slow-paced and low-pressure working environment.
Conclusion
For students who choose to study abroad in the UK, London and non-London areas have unique charm and advantages in the aspect of academics, living costs, food, accommodation, etc. We need to consider those factors and choose the city and univertsity that best suits us to live and study. So, London vs non-London areas, which one would you choose?
FAQ
How much does it cost to study abroad in the UK?
The average cost to study abroad in the UK is £35,600— £46,800 in London and £28,800—£40,600 in other British cities. To study abroad in the UK, we need to pay tuition fees and other living costs. The average tuition fees for overseas students studying in the UK can range from around £13,990 to £25,970 per year, depending on the university and program. As for the other costs, the monthly average living expenses in London are about £1300–£1400, while in other British cities they are £900–£1300.
Will the UK pay for me to study abroad?
International students who have met certain eligibility requirements can enjoy a full scholarship to universities in the UK. Such universities include the University of Oxford, Royal Academy of Arts, etc.
Can I work while studying abroad in the UK?
Students with full-time degree-level courses could work in the UK holding a student visa. There are some requirements and rules you need to notice, such as that you need to work for 20 hours per week.
