Top 10 Cities to Study in the UK as an International Student
28 August 2024 • 11 min read
Are you thinking about moving to the UK to study? The UK is renowned for some of the best universities in the world, with the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London ranking in the top 15 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
Choosing where you study abroad is a big decision, and it’s an important choice to make. Across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the UK has a diverse range of universities which accommodate different courses, lifestyles, and paces of life. Some cities are vibrant, fast-moving social hubs, while others are close to nature and thrive through their local communities.
Whatever student experience you’re looking for as an international student, there’s bound to be a city perfect for you. This guide is designed to help you find that place, so read on to find out more!
The 10 best cities to study in the UK
1. London
Best Universities in London:
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- King's College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
London is the perfect student city if you love being surrounded by endless things to see and do. It’s a lively city, rich in culture and community that welcomes a high percentage of international students in its universities; in fact, the ONS reported that a third (33.9%) of the UK's international student population lived in London in 2021.
Its extensive public transport system makes it easy to travel to the different parts of London. Explore the neighbourhoods of Camden, Notting Hill and Shoreditch, all with their unique characters. You could spend the morning wandering through the Natural History Museum, spend the afternoon watching an iconic musical in one of many theatres in London, and complete your day by walking through Hyde Park to reach the pubs and bars filled with students. There’s no end to what you can explore in London.
If you’re looking to start your career, London also offers a fantastic range of internships and job opportunities in almost every career sector there is. There’s no better place to kickstart your career than in London. The capital is filled with opportunities.
Searching for student accommodation in London? Take a look here.
2. Edinburgh
Best Universities in Edinburgh:
- University of Edinburgh
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Queen Margaret University
Edinburgh is great for students who love a mix of city life and nature, and studying here means you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous architecture, historic buildings, quaint libraries, cafés, and shops. Explore Edinburgh Castle or the range of stores that line the iconic Royal Mile.
Study and have picnics in the Princes Street Gardens, or make the journey to the beautiful Arthur’s Seat which provides you with a view of all of Edinburgh. Experience Scottish culture and learn the cèilidh dance and even try haggis! Edinburgh has so much to offer to students, including shopping, pubs, and enjoyable nightlife.
Check out Edinburgh’s student accommodation here.
3. Manchester
Best Universities in Manchester:
Being the second largest city in the UK, Manchester boasts a large student population and a great student-friendly environment. Located in the north of England, it’s well known for its friendly residents and diverse cultural attractions.
The city is home to a fantastic array of restaurants, cafés, and bars, perfect for socialising with other students. From the bustling shops of Market Street to the peaceful greenery of Heaton Park, Manchester is an exciting city to live in as a student. Venture to the Trafford Centre with friends for a day of shopping, or enjoy a short train journey to the closely-located cities of Sheffield, Liverpool, Leeds and Nottingham.
Browse the exhibitions at the Manchester Art Gallery, or explore the historic John Rylands Library. Spend your evenings enjoying live music at one of the city’s legendary venues like the Albert Hall or Band on the Wall.
Manchester is a lively city for international students and you can explore the different areas where you could live in Manchester here!
4. Glasgow
Best Universities in Glasgow:
Glasgow is a student city with an energetic social scene, a wide array of cultural attractions, and cosy cafés. Students can visit landmarks such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Botanic Gardens. If you’re a music fan, you’ll never be far from the iconic music venue, Ovo Hydro, to go watch your favourite music artists.
Glasgow is also close to the beautiful scenery of Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond. So, if you enjoy spending time out in nature, catch a bus or train to see the fantastic views for yourself.
You can explore the different neighbourhoods of Glasgow, including the city centre (which has something for everybody), the West End (that’s great for nightlife and socialising), and student accommodation that’s perfectly dotted close to the universities in Glasgow.
Explore which Glasgow area you could live in today.
5. Newcastle Upon Tyne
Best Universities in Newcastle Upon Tyne:
With both universities centrally located in Newcastle city centre, studying here is a perfect balance of academic excellence and enriching city life. It’s a community-oriented place that’s student-friendly and easy to navigate.
When in Newcastle, it’s difficult not to spot the iconic Tyne Bridge. Newcastle Castle is another landmark central to the city that makes for a historically enlightening day out! Watching the football matches at St James’ Park or in the pubs and bars that line the city streets is an unforgettable experience, too.
Or, if you’re into shopping and clubbing, Newcastle is home to a delightful range of shops in Eldon Square and a bustling bundle of nightclubs on ‘the Diamond Strip’. You’ll never be short of fun things to do in Newcastle, especially as a student in a city that’s incredibly accommodating to students.
Check out the best places to live in Newcastle here.
6. Leeds
Best Universities in Leeds:
With great nightlife and an extensive range of shopping options, Leeds is a fantastic place to live as a student. Home to Hyde Park, Roundhay Park and lots of other green spaces, you get the best of both worlds with a balance between city and green living. The Royal Armouries Museum is another great use of a day, learning how the use of weapons and armour has changed through time.
Known for its lively music scene, you’ll always have a gig to go to in Leeds. Whether it’s at the O2 Academy, First Direct Arena, or even the Student’s Union, you’ll always be in for a treat with the live music that Leeds attracts.
Headingley Stadium is a great place to watch live sports games, or if you fancy a day at the horse races, York Racecourse is less than 30 minutes away via train! Leeds is ultimately surrounded by things to do and places to see. Its transport links are well-connected to Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, and go all the way to London and Edinburgh!
A friendly city, with a welcoming atmosphere for international students, Leeds is a great place to be. Find out more about student living in Leeds here.
7. Liverpool
Best Universities in Liverpool:
Liverpool is an iconic city with regards to music and history. Home to the popular band The Beatles, the city attracts lots of visitors from around the world. This means that the city is an exciting, diverse place to live with lots to do all around! Whether you’re interested in the Beatles bus tours yourself, or you’re keener to explore the wide range of museums documenting the rich history of the city, there’s something for everyone’s tastes.
Spend a day wandering between the World Museum, the Museum of Liverpool, or the Maritime Museum. Take on the steps down to the iconic music venue, The Cavern Club, and listen to wonderful live music.
Venture on a fun night out to the popular bars and clubs in the city centre. Treat yourself to a shopping day and meal out in Liverpool ONE shopping complex, choosing from the extensive range of restaurants that line the top floor.
Liverpool, amongst its fantastic universities, is a cultural diamond! Check out where you could live in Liverpool here.
8. Cardiff
Best Universities in Cardiff:
Considering studying in Wales? Cardiff is an ideal city for students, combining cultural richness, beautiful parks, and a lively social scene. The city is easy to navigate, with Cardiff University centrally located close to most of the key attractions.
Students can explore the nearby National Museum Cardiff, which provides free entry to a wide range of art and natural history exhibits. Bute Park offers expansive green spaces and scenic riverside paths right in the city centre, perfect for when you want to relax or spend time exercising. Roath Park, known for its picturesque lake, is another great spot for a dreamy escape.
The city’s cultural landmarks, like Cardiff Castle and the Wales Millennium Centre, are a great way to gain insights into Cardiff’s local history and arts. Cardiff Bay also provides a vibrant waterfront setting with plenty of dining and entertainment options if you fancy a change of scenery from the city centre.
The nightlife scene is bustling, with live music venues like Clwb Ifor Bach and events at the Cardiff Students’ Union specifically catering to the diverse tastes of students. Cardiff is ultimately a dynamic and enriching place to study and live.
Click here to see student accommodation options in Cardiff.
9. Sheffield
Best Universities in Sheffield:
Sheffield is a friendly, welcoming city that's surrounded by the beautiful Peak District. The city is located a short distance away from the countryside that’s perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures. If you love the outdoors, Sheffield has officially been named as the greenest city in the UK! Explore its many parks such as the Botanical Gardens and Weston Park and enjoy some time away from studying in Sheffield’s most beautiful green spaces.
The city is also a lively cultural and artistic hub. It’s home to the Millenium Gallery which showcases art and design exhibitions, as well as Kelham Island and Weston Park Museums which document Sheffield’s industrial history.
If you take a walk along the city centre's West Street and Division Street in the evenings, expect to find an abundance of student discounts and free entries on club nights and drinks! You can even visit these places on a weekend to watch some live music, or head down to the Leadmill and O2 Academy to be in for a real musical treat.
Sheffield has a buzzing energy with the city centring around its student population. The people are friendly and it’s an inviting and cosy place to spend your life as a student. You can take a look at student homes in Sheffield here.
10. Birmingham
Best Universities in Birmingham:
Birmingham's cultural scene is vibrant, with venues such as the Symphony Hall and the Hippodrome Theatre hosting performances in music, theatre, and dance. The Bullring & Grand Central shopping centre presents food and shopping options for every taste and budget – it’s a must-go!
Explore the bustling nightlife along Digbeth and Broad Street, with both filled with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Birmingham is certainly host to a dynamic city nightlife.
However, if you’re more into outdoor activities, Cannon Hill Park is a beautiful setting with lakes, sports facilities, and gardens. It’s the perfect place for study breaks and unwinding after a long day of assignments. Visiting the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is also the perfect cultural escape within the city centre.
Explore student accommodation in Birmingham here.
Search for student accommodation in your UK uni city
Choosing where to live in a city you’re not familiar with is a big decision. Moving abroad and starting a new chapter of your life is a big change, which is why we’re here to help.
At UniHomes, we offer student accommodation across the UK that comes with all bills included, from shared student houses to private halls. Click here to find student accommodation that's perfect for you today.
