The UK capital has more universities than anywhere else in the country, along with more pubs, clubs, shopping, dining options, museums, libraries and transport links. That’s why it tops our list of top university cities.
It’s also expensive, rents are high and a night out will cost you more here than anywhere else in the country, so it isn’t all good.
Despite the cost, London is relatively safe outside the inner city and a real mix of cultures, languages and influences. It offers more opportunity for growth and learning than anywhere else.
Manchester, as Britain’s second city, has a lot to offer students. Not only are the universities top class, but the city offers a great night out, too.
Sure, Manchester doesn’t have the best weather or best reputation, but it’s actually a great place to study. People are friendly, rents are reasonable and there’s always something going on or somewhere to go.
If you love music, clubbing, socialising in general and want to experience a huge variety of influences, Manchester delivers.
Edinburgh is the Scottish capital and an amazing place to spend time in. Not only does it offer lots of history and character, it’s also full of friendly people and things to see and do.
Edinburgh is an expensive place to live, with relatively high rents, but the general cost of living is on par with other Scottish cities. You may pay slightly more for a night out, but otherwise, living here is reasonable.
Edinburgh offers good nights out, some huge events and excellent transport links. Oh, and the universities aren’t bad, either!
Birmingham is another great student city. It’s a big city in the Midlands that offers short journeys to other midland towns and cities, which is a definite plus point.
Also in its favour is the cost of living. It’s lower than many southern towns and cities, and there’s plenty of university accommodation to choose from, which keeps prices sensible.
A good night out can be had relatively cheaply and the huge volume of international students that flock here means the cultural diversity is amazing.
Glasgow is Scotland’s second city and is almost as diverse as Edinburgh. Even though it’s a city, it isn’t huge or as sprawling as some. It’s a very friendly student city, too.
The cost of living in Glasgow is at the affordable end, with lots of accommodation across the city. This is a city that loves a night out, so you’ll find a huge variety around town and reasonable prices.
The city is another cultural melting pot that provides an amazing opportunity to learn a lot, both inside and outside class.
Brighton is a small university city but punches way above its weight. It’s slightly larger than a small town on the south coast, but is an exceptional place to be a student.
Rents are high as there’s a lot of competition, and traffic is crazy at times, but there’s nothing quite like studying by the sea. Brighton is also the LGBTQ+ capital of the country, so you’re never far from a party.
The proximity to London means prices are on the higher side, so a good night out will need to be planned for. Otherwise, there’s everything here you could need. Plus, a beach!
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne doesn’t get much publicity as a city, but it really should. It’s one of the friendliest cities in the country and has a unique character all of its own.
It’s also an affordable city, with reasonable rents and cost of living. There’s plenty to see and do, with lots of pubs, clubs and restaurants. They won’t try to bankrupt you either, which is useful.
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne has three universities close by and is close to the beach and offers everything you need, which is why it’s in our list of the best student cities in the UK.
Aberdeen is a Scottish city further north than Edinburgh. The weather may be a challenge, but the affordability of living there won’t be.
It’s a friendly, welcoming city with a large student population, meaning a lot of the city is geared up for our needs. Rents are reasonable too, as is the cost of living.
Aberdeen has great pubs, vibrant nightlife and all the characteristics that make it a viable university city in the UK.
Nottingham is another of our favourite university cities. It’s undergone something of a transformation over the past decade and is now an exceptional place in which to live and study.
Prices are affordable, rents are relatively inexpensive and there are more pubs, clubs and restaurants than you could possibly need. Locals are friendly and welcoming and the large international student community make it an interesting place to stay.
Nottingham also has great transport links, so Derby, Birmingham and other cities are never far away.
Coventry is another of those student cities that is often overlooked, but that could be a mistake. It has its own university and is close to Warwick.
Life is good here, with a modest cost of living, high student population, friendly locals and a diverse community. There’s also plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment and some lovely countryside around the city.
Coventry is frequently voted one of the cheapest nights out, which just adds to the city’s appeal.
As you can see, we covered the length and breadth of the country and have selected our top 10 according to what we looked for as a student.
While the cost of living and rents for student accommodation vary massively, each city offers everything else you look for, including nightlife, shopping, amenities and transport links.
Which of these university cities will you choose?
Cardiff University is one of the best psychology universities in the UK according to student feedback and league tables. That’s great news for one of Wales’s largest universities!
Cardiff University offers two psychology degree courses including BSc (hons) psychology and a sandwich course.
Cardiff is a great city to be a student in. It’s large, full of life, friendly and easy going. There are thousands of students, so you’re in good company but you also have the benefits of being in a country’s capital. That means plenty to see and do, shopping, dining and entertainment as well as good transport links.