The cities of the UK are undeniably charming, ranging from historical sites to modern commercial hubs, with each offering a unique experience. However, for international students embarking on a journey across the ocean, the criteria for choosing a location are far more practical. Our analysis will focus directly on the three major issues you care about most: residential safety, living budget, and rental affordability, helping you turn your dream into a feasible study plan.
Top 13 UK Cities By Population
| UK Ranking | World Ranking | City | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32 | London | 10,236,000 |
| 2 | 170 | Manchester | 2,639,000 |
| 3 | 183 | Birmingham | 2,512,000 |
| 4 | 259 | Leeds | 1,893,000 |
| 5 | 390 | Glasgow | 1,220,000 |
| 6 | 565 | Portsmouth | 883,000 |
| 7 | 570 | Liverpool | 875,000 |
| 8 | 619 | Newcastle | 793,000 |
| 9 | 650 | Nottingham | 755,000 |
| 10 | 701 | Sheffield | 706,000 |
| 11 | 776 | Bristol | 646,000 |
| 12 | 824 | Belfast | 600,000 |
| 13 | 942 | Leicester | 534,000 |
The Consultant firm Demographia annually ranks the world’s cities with populations of 500,000 or more for its World Urban Areas Report, and 13 UK cities are on the list this year.
As you can see from the chart, London’s population is larger than all the combined populations of the cities ranked second to seventh.
Most of the densely populated cities are concentrated in England, with only one city in Northern Ireland and one in Scotland on the list (Belfast and Glasgow).
To summarize, the Tier 1 and Tie 2 UK Cities are ranked according to population.
Mega-city (Tier 1): London
Secondary Mega-cities (Tier 2): Birmingham, Manchester
Major UK cities: Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield
Big cities in UK: Belfast, Bristol, Nottingham, Southampton/Portsmouth, Leicester, etc.
Having appreciated the scenic overview of the UK cities, we now begin to dissect the key data that impacts an international student’s daily life. The raw population number holds little meaning, but population structure and student density are crucial for international students, as they directly relate to how easily you can integrate into the local community, find cultural familiarity, and the job competition environment after graduation.
| City | Student Density Index (1-10) | Student % of Total City Population | Student Community & Integration Analysis (Pros & Cons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coventry | 9.5 | ~12.5% | ✅ Pros: Exceptionally high student concentration creates a deeply integrated student ecosystem. Easy to find support and facilities tailored to university life. ❌ Cons: High reliance on the university sector; less economic and cultural diversity outside the student bubble. |
| Nottingham | 9.1 | ~10.5% | ✅ Pros: Excellent balance of two major universities, fostering a strong student identity and an affordable social scene. Good cultural infrastructure. ❌ Cons: Nottingham accommodation pressure is high during peak times due to the large, dense student population. |
| Manchester | 8.8 | ~8.5% | ✅ Pros: Massive international student population offers immense cultural diversity and robust support for various ethnic communities. Large graduate employment market. ❌ Cons: Integrating with non-student city life can be challenging due to the city’s sheer size and multiple centers. |
| Edinburgh | 8.2 | ~7.8% | ✅ Pros: High percentage of international students (especially postgraduate level) fosters a mature, diverse, and well-supported academic environment. High-quality city living. ❌ Cons: Integrating with the local non-student population can be difficult due to the city’s strong local identity and high living costs. |
| London | 6.0 | ~2.5% | ✅ Pros: The highest sheer number and diversity of international students globally. Unlimited cultural and social integration options. ❌ Cons: Very low student density relative to the huge population size; students often feel geographically isolated from their university peers. High competition for housing and part-time jobs. |
The results of the population analysis show that for international students, density—not sheer numbers—is the critical factor. While cities like London have the highest overall student population, the low density often leaves students feeling geographically dispersed and isolated.
Conversely, cities like Coventry and Nottingham, with their extremely high student density, foster a tighter, more easily integrated international student community. Through this index, you can clearly weigh whether to choose a diverse metropolis (with limitless resources but potentially less community feeling) or a high-density student city (with high community support and a more focused life).
Best UK Cities by Economy
Having covered the general overview of UK cities’ population and scale, we now shift the focus to a more practical economic analysis. We understand that for international students, the cost of living analysis must centre around rent. Therefore, we will bypass broad economic reports and, using official data combined with our internal property listings, exclusively reveal the true rental value of major UK cities.
| City | Rental Affordability Index (London=100) | Avg. Monthly Rent (Single Room/Shared) | Economic & Rental Market Analysis (Pros & Cons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 45 | Approx. £550 – £750 | ✅ Pros: Highly competitive rental prices and strong supply of PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation). Stable local employment market. ❌ Cons: Economic growth rate trails behind cities in the South of England. |
| Liverpool | 48 | Approx. £500 – £700 | ✅ Pros: One of the best value-for-money cities in the UK. Low cost for culture and entertainment. ❌ Cons: Average local wages are below the national average, a factor for students seeking part-time work. |
| Manchester | 65 | Approx. £700 – £900 | ✅ Pros: Northern economic powerhouse with excellent job opportunities in tech and media. High economic dynamism is attractive for graduates. ❌ Cons: High rental growth rate; competition for central apartments is intense, pushing prices up. |
| Bristol | 82 | Approx. £850 – £1100 | ✅ Pros: High-salary employment hub (Finance/Tech). Excellent quality of life and high economic stability. ❌ Cons: Rental costs are the second highest in the South of England (after London). Low vacancy rates lead to fierce competition for properties. |
| London | 100 | Approx. £950 – £1500+ | ✅ Pros: Unmatched economic opportunities, market size, and access to all major universities and industries. ❌ Cons: Among the highest rental costs globally. High commuting expenses further strain student budgets. |
The Rental Affordability Index clearly demonstrates that the UK’s most economically vibrant cities (such as London and Bristol) place the greatest strain on rental budgets, though they offer unparalleled career opportunities. Conversely, if you are a budget-first international student, cities like Glasgow and Liverpool offer an extremely high Rent-to-Value ratio. By combining our exclusive rental listing data with official ONS metrics, you now have the tools to precisely weigh career development potential against your monthly financial burden and make the most strategic choice for your relocation.
Safest UK Cities
Safety is a major concern for many people who come to the UK to study or work.
The safest and least safe cities in the UK are ranked by a poll of 2,000 people who voted on how safe a city is!
| City | Property Safety Score (1-10) | Rental Safety Analysis (Pros & Cons) |
|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 9.2 | ✅ Pros: Low rates of residential property crime. High security standards in historic student accommodations and strong local community vigilance. ❌ Cons: Higher incidence of street-level petty theft in the Old Town tourist areas. |
| Bristol | 8.5 | ✅ Pros: Excellent residential safety rating, particularly in areas popular with young professionals and students (Clifton, Redland). Strong police presence focused on community interaction. ❌ Cons: High cost of renting and high demand can push renters into less central areas with mixed safety ratings. |
| Glasgow | 7.9 | ✅ Pros: Property crime rates are steadily declining. Known for friendly neighborhoods and strong community support systems around its universities. ❌ Cons: High rates of public order offenses and anti-social behavior in some central areas, though these do not typically impact residential safety directly. |
| Manchester | 7.5 | ✅ Pros: Dedicated community policing and university security patrols in key student areas (e.g., Fallowfield). Significant investment in securing managed student blocks. ❌ Cons: Above-average property crime data nationally. Secure entry and fob systems are essential for apartment living near the centre. |
| Liverpool | 6.8 | ✅ Pros: Good value for money for renters. Areas directly adjacent to major campuses show improving property safety scores. ❌ Cons: Wide variation in safety between postcodes. Older housing stock may be less secure than purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). |
The data above demonstrates that a city’s overall safety ranking must be balanced against its cost. While cities like Edinburgh and Bristol offer superior property security, this often comes with a higher rental premium. Use this score to cut through the noise of general police statistics and make a data-driven choice based on what truly matters: the security of your home and possessions.
The Most Dangerous City in UK
| UK Ranking | City |
|---|---|
| 1 | Birmingham |
| 2 | Leicester |
| 3 | Manchester |
| 4 | London |
| 5 | Sheffield |
London, with its police cars running around every day, is not the most dangerous city. Before London, there were Birmingham, Leicester and Manchester. ( Examples of big industrial cities in the UK)
Note: no matter where you live, every city (regardless of its ranking) has its safe and unsafe places, and it’s important to raise your own safety awareness.
UK City List: Priortise Your Needs First
After browsing the blog, we believe that you have had a deeper understanding of UK cities. As you can see, the UK is a country of wildly varied populations, economies, and safety standards.
It’s full of exciting and compelling stories, each city with its own unique atmosphere. These cities in the UK are indeed among some of the greatest places to live!
Is London where your heart belongs? Are Manchester’s industrial roots calling you? Don’t wait too long – start exploring what stepped foot into the United Kingdom right now!
FAQ of UK Cities
How many cities are in UK?
The United Kingdom is home to 69 official cities, with each one having its unique history, culture, and attractions. This count includes historical cities with ancient roots and modern, vibrant urban centres.
What are the 4 capital cities of the UK?
The United Kingdom comprises four distinct nations, each with its own capital city. These are London for England, Edinburgh for Scotland, Cardiff for Wales, and Belfast for Northern Ireland, each offering a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance.
What are the top 10 largest cities in the UK?
The UK’s largest cities, known for their vibrant culture and bustling urban life, include London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Cardiff. These cities are significant hubs for commerce, education, and culture within the UK.
