By CGS
Choosing a UK city for higher education can be the best choice for students who are looking for world-class academic support and a full-on British experience with a variety of cultural diversity. Almost all the major cities in the UK are home to the world’s top renowned universities offering excellent support.
Selecting the right city for study and living is a crucial part for an international student, as various factors such as cost of living, career opportunities, transportation, international community and cultural life also need to be taken into consideration by a student before moving into the UK, as these factors can have a significant impact on receiving a proper study and social life.
Here are the top student-orientated UK cities offering the best student life experience discussed further below.
Chosen as the number one study destination for 5 consecutive years by QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, London is the capital city of the United Kingdom. This megapolis has one of the most diverse cultures, ethnicities and languages in Europe and holds the top position as an expensive megacity to live in.
Some of the world’s most prestigious universities are situated in London, providing the highest quality of academic guidance and research. This alone attracts lots of international students desiring to study here.
International students also prefer to study in London because of the diverse and multicultural society. It is easier to adapt and find similar community people for students to cope with their new study environment.
Additionally, it is easier for a student to get a part-time job as London is a global business hub offering numerous job opportunities from all sectors of the profession. Students will have more chances to find internships and work placements and build networks with top companies from various sectors.
The nightlife in London is exceptionally good, with some famous bars, cafes, Nightclubs and restaurants. Students have ample options to take a break from study and refresh their minds by experiencing the lively atmosphere and entertainment options offered by the city.
Moreover, as a student, you would also be able to explore the city’s thousands of attraction sites, with numerous libraries, museums, and historical buildings reflecting the rich heritage the country holds. For sports-loving students who are into football, London is a dream come true destination, as you would be able to experience international and club-level football matches at famous stadiums such as Wembley Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Stamford Bridge and London Stadium.
Students will be able to benefit from London’s substantially large transportation system, including the underground tube and buses, making it easier to commute within many zones. Also, there are student discount options on public transport to help save cash for regular students. Inside London, no matter which zone you live in, there is an underground tube station or a bus stop just a short walking distance.
Known as the friendliest student city, Newcastle-upon-Tyne is situated in the north part of England. This cosmopolitan city has two majorly popular universities situated at the heart of the city centre.
They are Newcastle University and Northumbria University, situated just beside each other, making the city of Newcastle a student-orientated hub. These universities also rank very highly among other UK universities, providing world-class academic guidance and student support.
The city has a thriving student population, and the people living here are recognised for their warm hospitality and sense of community. The layout of the city is well built with multiple landmark bridges (Tyne Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Redheugh Bridge, Queen Elizabeth II Metro Bridge) connecting both sides of the Tyne river that runs through the city.
The public transport system of the city of Newcastle is well equipped with options for public buses, lines (to Sunderland) and train lines laid all over Northumberland for convenient travel.
The living cost and travel cost at Newcastle are much less compared to London, Birmingham or other major cities (around 50% less). There are multiple shopping malls, theatre, museum and green, lush parks all over the city. You can visit the Quayside area and check out the bars, clubs, shops and restaurants.
As a student , you will be able to experience an exciting and awesome nightlife at Newcastle. mainly on the weekends, you can find numerous Nightclubs and bars that offer free/paid entry, a selection of top- notch club music, and discounted alcoholic beverages (need to be 18 years of age or older) running until early morning.
There are many green parks and gardens inside Newcastle City that help the students relax and do leisure activities in their free time. Noticeably , Jesmond Dene Park is a beautiful area situated inside the city that has a good length of walking/running roads with elevation for hiking, a small river with waterfalls at certain parts, large open fields and lush green jungle type terrain with various kinds of flora & fauna.
Newcastle also has multiple Mosques, Temples and Churches for the people of different ethnic beliefs to practice their faith peacefully. There are many oriental supershops, and supermarkets selling 100% halal meat and imported products from Asian countries.
Known for being the trendiest city in the UK, Manchester has two internationally famous universities situated inside the heart of the city. The first one is the University of Manchester and the second one is Manchester Metropolitan University which provides high-quality education and hosts around 40,000 students annually.
The transportation system in the city and greater parts of Manchester are as good or even better than any other big cities in the UK. There is a Trams rail network in Greater Manchester with 99 stops and 103 kilometres of standard-gauge route making it the most extensive light rail system in the UK.
Several companies offer bus services with a wide range of student discounts. Magic bus, a special bus service (running every 5 minutes at peak hours) offered by Stagecoach Company, provides a 2-pound one-way ticket from East or West Didsbury to Manchester City Centre travelling through the major university area for students to travel for cheap.
There are dedicated cycling lanes all over the city on which students are always encouraged to travel with a bicycle, offering bicycle parking facilities in student halls, university areas and other student-orientated institutions. Renting a house is cheaper compared to on-campus housing. But living in a campus hall or off-campus affiliated hall is much more helpful for the students as all the utility bills are included, it gives the chance to meet and create more friends, and it is safer (requires less documentation).
You can find a variety of food options here, with many Indian, Chinese, Bangladeshi, Turkish and many more Asian restaurants offering budget-friendly cuisines all over the city. There is a road in Manchester city full of authentic restaurants and super shops on both sides of the road known as ‘Curry Mile’ which sells unique dishes, groceries, processed food, imported fish, meat and vegetables. Almost all of these restaurants are Halal certified and majority of the people living in Greater Manchester know about this bustling road.
The iconic BBC headquarter, legendary football club’s stadiums – Old Trafford & Etihad Stadium, Salford quays, DeansGate, Hilton Hotel, Platfield Park are some of the most popular locations in Manchester. The city is a heaven for die-hard football fans The third largest shopping mall in the UK – Intu Trafford Centre is also located in Manchester. Many international celebrities and domestic singers perform live concerts at Manchester Arena allowing students to experience world-class performance.
Students also get to participate and enjoy excellent nightlife in the city with numerous student-orientated nightclubs, pubs, bars and casinos at their weekends, holidays and leisure time. Most nightclubs in Manchester offer free entry, excellent club music and reasonably cheap spirit shots (alcoholic beverages).
People living in Manchester are known as Mancunians, they are very helpful and gentle in nature and always eager to help you in many ways. As a student, Manchester should be your choice of destination to study and establish your career. The city is trendy and offers a high standard of living on a reasonable budget.
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh (part of the UK), is a beautiful historic city consisting of many stunning architectural landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. At the heart of the city, you will find the University of Edinburgh, renowned for its world-ranking academic excellence and supportive student care services.
The city has a unique style to it consisting of gothic-themed historic architectures and buildings. Additionally, Edinburgh Castle located in the centre of the city, gives a beautiful mediaeval look that attracts huge numbers of tourists every year. The city also hosts vibrant festivals throughout the year, most noticeably the popular Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
The city of Edinburgh has multiple modes of transportation available for students and citizens to commute within the city and its surrounding areas. You can take a wide pedestrian sidewalk or a bicycle to travel short distances. There are buses, trams and trains available with moderate to huge discounts (students pass) for full-time students living in or close to the city, making Edinburgh a compact city with an excellent public transport system for students to travel with ease.
Students living in Edinburgh are able to experience a vibrant and diverse nightlife. There are DJ music clubs, bars, traditional pubs with many indoor games, and live music venues offering both a traditional and modern feel. Additionally, the community of Edinburgh celebrates large-scale festivals and decorates the city with warm night lights that look amazing during the evening and nighttime. Festivals such as Edinburgh International Festival, Festival Fringe, International Book festival, Art festival, Science festival, Edinburgh Mela and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay (New Years Firework Show) are popular events that contribute to the happening nature of the city.
Students residing in Edinburgh this year spend more than a thousand pounds a month to cover their expenses (food, living and travel). The city is less expensive compared to London, but there are both on-campus and off-campus student housing/flats available. You can also share accommodation with other students or stay as a paying guest at a competitive price. All the student-orientated homes are full/ semi-furnished, including all utility bills.
So, if you want to explore the cultural richness of the northern part of the country and indulge yourself in the rich Scottish heritage, then the city of Edinburgh could definitely be the perfect destination for you to pursue your higher education.
Is the largest city in Scotland, home to two popular higher education institutions—the University of Glasgow ranking 65th and the University of Strathclyde ranking 277th globally (World University Rankings 2024), offering world-class academics and work placement opportunities.
Once you’ve become familiar with the city’s green spaces, you’ll discover that some of the UK’s most breathtaking countryside views are just a short distance away. Glasgow is situated in the Clyde Valley, surrounded by many parks that offer fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. The parks are not only beautiful to look at but also provide a perfect escape from the hustle of urban life, allowing students, residents and visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
Travelling inside Glasgow city and its surroundings is effortless, thanks to its efficient subway and bus services. Enabling students to explore different neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks within the city. The vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow, paired with its friendly residents, creates a welcoming environment that makes it easy to settle in. With the presence of an airport and several train stations, Glasgow opens up a world of possibilities for adventures beyond Scotland. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to another part of the UK or dreaming of a trip across Europe, the city’s transport links provide easy access to numerous destinations. This combination of urban excitement and natural beauty makes Glasgow a unique and desirable place to reside.
While pursuing your studies, you’ll find various kinds of part-time job opportunities both within Glasgow and in its surrounding areas. The city is bustling with a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops, making it an ideal place for you as a student seeking work with flexible hours that accommodate student schedules, allowing you to earn extra while balancing your studies.
In addition to hospitality and retail positions, many businesses in Glasgow are eager to hire students for internships or work experience.
Cities like London, Newcastle, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow consistently stand out. London offers a cosmopolitan experience with world-class universities and unmatched cultural diversity. Newcastle, for its student-orientated city—famous for nightlife and party life. Manchester is popular for its modern lifestyle and budget-friendly living. Edinburgh captivates with its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and warm community.
Glasgow, known for its affordability, friendly atmosphere, and strong academic institutions, offers a well-rounded and supportive experience. So, here are the top student cities from the UK with a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural enrichment, making them top choices for students. Your ultimate decision will depend on which city best matches your academic and personal desires.
