Best Student Cities for Study Abroad UK Universities
For years, thousands of students continue to make their way to the UK, as its international student community evolves. It’s no coincidence that London reigned as QS Top Universities’ #1 pick as the best student city in the world for four years running! The best student cities for study abroad UK universities can help you narrow your options down. Each city offers its own charm and perks, be it the scenery or climate, or the affordability and employer activity.
The popularity of student cities in the UK derives also from their cultural diversity and hospitality. The UK is a buzzing hub of education with a long history of international exchange. On top of that, many of the universities in these cities are among the best of the global best. We delve into your options in UK student cities below.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Student City in the UK
If you’re looking for the best place to spend the next couple of years of your academic life, there are a few important things to consider. You must consider not just study abroad UK university options but also the cities where you will find these universities.
The city can influence your student experience overall, as it’s the place where you will be living, studying, and potentially working for a good while. Factors like international student communities, employer activity, affordability, and quality of life are all considerations for future international students.
Academic Reputation of Universities
The first thing to consider, of course, is the quality of education universities in the area offer. Since your main goal is to obtain a quality education, you need to look for a city with excellent universities. Luckily, the UK is home to some of the best universities in the world. Almost every student city in the UK is home to globally ranking universities to choose from. The academic reputation of British universities is what contributes to the popularity of UK cities among international students.
Location and Campus Environment
The next most important thing to consider is the location of your university and the campus environment. You will be spending most of your time abroad in and around your university. So, the university of your choice must have the location and facilities that work for your situation and needs.
Some universities have campuses in the heart of the city center, while others are farther away near the outskirts. You need to consider what kind of campus you prefer - a busy and happening one or a more tranquil one. You’ll have to take into consideration things like how often you might need to visit the city (for example, for part-time work), the cost of transport, the ease of accessing all the necessary facilities you need, etc.
Employer Activity
This is an important metric to look at when exploring your study abroad UK university options. Employer activity, as the QS Best Student Cities methodology defines it, looks at the city’s youth employment and graduate employability. High employer activity indicates your prospects of getting a job here, either part-time as a student or full-time through options like the Graduate Route.
Costs of Living
Your costs of studying in the UK can depend on the city you choose to live in. London, despite being the best student city for four years running, is more on the expensive side to study in.
The UK Student visa has separate minimum funds requirements for London and the rest of the UK. Alongside funds to cover your tuition fees, you will need available funds of £1,334 a month (for 9 months) if you are studying in London. Outside of London, this requirement is lower, at £1,023 per month, for 9 months.
If affordability is a concern for you, you can consider the more affordable cities with great study abroad UK university options. Belfast, Leicester, Liverpool, and Nottingham are among the UK’s more affordable cities.
Top Student Cities in the UK
Reflecting both its popularity and its excellence as a destination for studying abroad, the UK is home to 15 of the top 100 student cities in the world. QS Best Student Cities 2024 ranks their entries with a thorough methodology, examining key metrics as indicators of how positive an environment the city offers for students to succeed. These include the quality of the universities, quality of life, student mix, affordability etc. The top 5 student cities in London according to QS Top Universities are:
| City | QS Best Student Cities 2024 |
| London | #1 |
| Edinburgh | #16 |
| Manchester | =30 |
| Glasgow | #36 |
London
London is the first city that comes into mind when thinking of studying in the UK. As the capital and the oldest city in the UK, it is also home to many of the global best universities.
Many factors make London the best city in the world for international students. The city has the highest employer activity in the UK, with London being the headquarters of many companies and organizations, large and small, local and global.
The UK also comes in second, after Edinburgh, for student mix. This metric looks at the proportion of the population who are students, including international students. The student mix metric also considers how inclusive the city is. London’s impressive score reflects its multicultural identity.
Top Universities
London has some of the best study abroad UK university options - the list goes on and on. Several of the universities in London rank among the top 100 best universities globally. Unsurprisingly, London continues to stay at the top of UK cities in terms of popularity among international students.
| University | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
| Imperial College London | #6 |
| UCL | #9 |
| King's College London (KCL) | #40 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | #45 |
| Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL) | =145 |
| City University London | =328 |
| Brunel University | #343 |
| Birkbeck College, University of London | #374 |
| Royal Holloway University of London | =413 |
| School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London | =511 |
Life and Culture
With more than 36 percent of its population of international origins, London is truly a cultural mosaic of a city. It’s also a cultural epicenter, with no shortage of things to do. From museums and galleries of worldwide renown to artists, performers, and athletes regularly stopping by, you will have a harder time choosing what to do than looking for things to do.
Cost of Studying
For all the ways that London is the #1 option for studying in the UK, it lands in last place for affordability. The average tuition in London’s universities costs around USD 24,400. Aside from tuition fees, rent and living expenses tend to be higher than in other cities in the UK as well. According to the British Council, the cost of living in London per month can fall between £1300-£1400 a month.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of the best options to consider for study abroad UK university options. It consistently places among the top three cities in the UK for international students. Edinburgh is one of the quieter cities in the UK, with a smaller population and a more tranquil atmosphere.
Featuring the picturesque hills and sceneries of Scotland, Edinburgh is also a mixture of several cultures. It takes the #1 spot for the UK city with the best student mix! This refers to the city’s student population, including its international student community, and the city’s inclusiveness of these communities.
Top Universities
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| University of Edinburgh | #22 |
| Heriot-Watt University | #235 |
| Edinburgh Napier University | #801-850 |
| Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh | #851-900 |
Life and Culture
Edinburgh is something of a contrast to the bustling, fast-paced energy of London. While dynamic and exciting in its own ways, it is home to a smaller population. Scotland’s historical architecture and cultural heritage make it a fascinating place to explore and live. The world’s largest art festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, is something to look forward to every year.
Cost of Living
The costs of living in Edinburgh are a little less than they are in London. The average tuition here comes up to USD 21,200 annually. Living costs are also lower than in other big English cities like Manchester.
Manchester
Manchester is another of the big cities in the UK which ranks among its best student cities. The world-class universities in Manchester make it one of the more popular places for international students. It is also a fun place to live in for students thanks to its vibrant and active cultural scene. Manchester is also among the UK cities with the highest employer activity – graduate employability rates of Manchester’s universities are impressively high.
Top Universities
| University | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
| University of Manchester | #28 |
| University of Salford | #801-850 |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | #801-850 |
Life and Culture
The life and student culture in Manchester is rather similar to London. Manchester is famous for its thriving music scene and sports clubs. It is a busy city, like the capital, hosting a large population and many multicultural communities. Be it the city’s history, culture, or entertainment, you will not be short of things to do in Manchester.
Cost of Studying
Manchester has an average tuition of USD 21,700 for its universities. This is similar to tuition in other big cities; the rent, however, is a little lower here in comparison to London. The average cost of living for an international student comes up to around USD 900-1000 per month, which is significantly lower than in the capital city.
Glasgow
Glasgow is Scotland’s busiest and most populous city. It can be the perfect compromise for students looking for both the activity and energy of the UK’s bigger metropolises, but also an easier pace that you find more comfortable going along with. Glasgow, like Edinburgh, is home to some excellent study abroad UK university options.
Top Universities
| University | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
| University of Glasgow | #81 |
| University of Strathclyde | =325 |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | #1001-1200 |
Life and Culture
Glasgow has a rich history and is one of the oldest cities in Scotland. It is a hub of sports and activities, hosting some of Scotland’s biggest football clubs. The music scene is also vibrant, ensuring a fun stay for international students. The great score for student mix in Glasgow promises you the chance to meet diverse communities of people in an inclusive and welcoming setting.
Cost of Living
Despite average tuition being around USD 21,100, Glasgow is one of the more affordable cities in the UK. The monthly rent in Glasgow averages at around USD 700, making it much cheaper than many other options. Other components of living expenses are also lower, making it a more affordable option with great academic opportunities for many international students.
Most Affordable Cities
Affordability is usually among the biggest concerns for students looking into their study abroad UK choices. Looking for a place to stay with affordable rent and comfortable living conditions will be at the top of your checklist as you plan out your roadmap to study in the UK.
The cost of living can vary broadly across the UK, depending on the city, your location within the city, your lifestyle, etc. The QS Best Student Cities rankings take into consideration both tuition fees of the city’s universities and its average costs of living for its affordability criteria. Below are the UK’s most affordable student cities, from most to least affordable.
| City | Affordability Rating | Top Universities |
| Belfast | 42 | • Queen’s University Belfast |
| Leicester | 41.5 | • University of Leicester • De Montfort University |
| Liverpool | 41.3 | • University of Liverpool • Liverpool John Moores University |
| Nottingham | 40.3 | • University of Nottingham • Nottingham Trent University |
| Leeds | 39.9 | • University of Leeds • Leeds Beckett University |
Rounding Up
Choosing the city where your study abroad UK university options reside is more important than it may seem. The city you choose to stay in throughout your academic life will influence many parts of your student experience. From living expenses to employment prospects, many parts of your student life will depend on the city you are living in. Becoming part of a welcoming and inclusive community for international students also makes all the difference when studying abroad. Luckily, the UK has some great student cities and plenty of university options to choose from. These are diverse locations with their own unique charms and attractions for international students. There is a right fit for everyone in the UK!
