Want to move to the UK for education? Choosing the ideal city abroad to continue education is undoubtedly an important choice for all students. With some of the world's top student cities at its disposal, the United Kingdom has left its imprint over the years. Fifteen UK cities are among the top 100 student-friendly locations, according to the QS Best Study Cities 2024 rankings.
London is the most desirable city according to student evaluations, affordability, and appeal. The UK, which is recognized for its intellectual prowess, is a top choice for students looking to study abroad. But is this enough information to choose which city to go to to pursue higher education or work in the UK? Nope. So, let's take a closer look at the top student cities in the UK and what they have to offer.
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- 1. Top 10 Best Cities in UK for Students
- 2. London
- 3. Edinburgh
- 4. Manchester
- 5. Glasgow
- 6. Coventry
- 7. Newcastle Upon Tyne
- 8. Birmingham
- 9. Bristol
- 10. Nottingham
- 11. Leeds
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Top 10 Best Cities in UK for Students
International students benefit much from studying in the UK. But the real question is: in the UK, which city should you choose for studying and living? Here are the top 10 cities in UK for international students:
- London
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Coventry
- Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Nottingham
- Leeds
Let us explore these UK cities in greater detail. You can choose the best study location in the UK with the assistance of this information.
1. London
London is among the greatest places in the UK to study because it is home to several prestigious universities. London boasts a sizable Indian student community, as well as a wide range of foreign scholarships and job possibilities. Also, this city ranks 1st in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024.
Best Universities in London
- Imperial College London
- University College London (UCL)
- King's College London
- The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
What Can International Students Do in London?
You will be enthralled by London's nightlife if you intend to pursue further education there. To add some extra entertainment to the weekends, London offers some of the top local and Indian restaurants, breweries, and food outlets.
Since London's transportation system is popular throughout the world, one might explore the other top UK cities for international students. Otherwise, you can:
- Visit the British Museum for free.
- Discover the renowned Buckingham Palace.
- Go to the West End Theatre District for some entertainment.
- On weekends, visit Camden Market to try different cuisines.
Suggested: Study in the UK in 2024
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, commonly referred to as the "City of Hills," and Dunedin are endowed with breathtaking scenery. Edinburgh is the place to go if you're a student who enjoys being in the heart of nature. Edinburgh Castle, tasty Scotch whisky, and local festivals will infuse your everyday routine with excitement and motivation. Additionally, Edinburgh is among the most reasonably priced student locations in the UK. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, this city is ranked 16th.
Best Universities In Edinburgh
- The University of Edinburgh
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Queen Margaret University
What Can International Students Do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh, one of the top study destinations in the UK, offers plenty to international learners. Here are some intriguing things that students can explore while attending Edinburgh University.
- Learn the ceilidh dance.
- At Grassmarket, sample the haggis, tatties, and neeps.
- Climb to the top of Scott Monument.
- Visit the Royal Mile and try different Scottish whiskeys.
3. Manchester
Manchester, sometimes referred to as the second city of England, is renowned for its vivid street art, lively nightlife, and buildings dating back to the Victorian era. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, this city is ranked 30th. Manchester inhabitants, known as Mancunians, are incredibly amiable and like interacting with overseas students. Manchester is a great place for academic and professional growth.
Best Universities in Manchester
- The University of Manchester
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Salford
- University of Bolton
- Royal Northern College of Music
What Can International Students Do In Manchester?
Even by itself, exploring Manchester is a unique and captivating experience. Revisit the magnificent Manchester Museum, support the world-class sports teams at Old Trafford, and sample the Indian delicacies at Wilmslow Road. In general, Manchester is among the greatest places in the UK to reside for students. The following are a few things you should do when studying in Manchester:
- Exploring Chinatown's Asian-owned eateries and markets at Old Trafford.
- Watching live football matches.
- Visiting Manchester Museum to view the rarest dinosaur skeletons.
- Having fun and shopping at the Trafford Center with friends.
Suggested: Top Universities to Study in Manchester
4. Glasgow
Glasgow, often referred to as the friendliest city in the world, is home to numerous structures with striking architecture. In addition to being an ideal place to study, Glasgow City offers students who are keen Instagrammers and social media influencers great material to photograph. For international students, Glasgow's education system is an advantage because it adheres to worldwide norms. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, this city is ranked 36th. You can gather many good experiences as an international student studying in Glasgow.
The Best Universities in Glasgow
- University of Glasgow
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Strathclyde
- The Glasgow School of Art
What Can International Students Do in Glasgow?
To enjoy life in Glasgow while attaining the best education, international students can:
- Visit the Botanic Gardens in Glasgow.
- Step into a Glaswegian's shoes and sample Drygate Brewery.
- Enjoy a single malt whiskey at Clydeside Distillery.
- Check out the Museum and Art Gallery at Kelvingrove.
- Visit the Glasgow Science Center's research projects.
5. Coventry
To be honest, Coventry is among the UK's most underappreciated or overlooked cities. It has museums, galleries of Roman art, and verdant areas. If you enjoy being in the company of kind people and green areas, Coventry is a great option. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, this city is ranked 44th. Consequently, Coventry has emerged as one of the top study locations for international students in the United Kingdom.
The Best Universities in Coventry
- Coventry University
- Coventry College
- University of Warwick
What Can International Students Do in Coventry?
To enjoy your life in Coventry while studying, you can:
- Gather your pals for weekend picnics at Coombe Abbey Park.
- See the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum for some inspiration.
- From Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, go birdwatching.
- Visit the Midland Air Museum to see the oldest and rarest aircraft.
6. Newcastle Upon Tyne
Not only is Newcastle known for its vibrant nightlife, industrial heritage, and brown ale, but it also attracts hundreds of international students each year. With its abundance of theaters, art galleries, museums, street markets, pubs, clubs, and other establishments, Newcastle unquestionably has some of the best streets. Newcastle's institutions provide excellent education, just like those in other UK locations. In addition, the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024 list this city as 39th.
Best Universities in Newcastle
What Can International Students Do in Newcastle?
In addition to studying, while residing in Newcastle, you may explore this:
- Investigate the ancient Tyne Bridges.
- Visit the Millennium Bridge and catch up with your friends.
- Explore the ancient castle in Newcastle.
- Visit Eldon Square to shop.
7. Birmingham
One of the best cities for overseas students to live in is Birmingham. Also referred to as the "home of heavy metal," Birmingham attracts hundreds of international students each year. It is among the greatest places in the UK to study because of its blend of modernism, British culture, and an excellent educational system. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, this city is ranked 49th as well.
Best Universities in Birmingham
- University of Birmingham
- Aston University
- Birmingham City University
- Newman University
What Can International Students Do in Birmingham?
You will spend the majority of your post-university days as an international student experiencing Birmingham life. If you intend to travel there to pursue higher education, explore the following:
- Visit the Michelin-starred eateries and sample the regional food.
- Visit the National Motorcycle Museum to view 1,000+ legendary motorcycles.
- Visit the National Sea Life Center to discover the amazing marine life.
- Visit Damascena Coffee House to sample some of the best coffees in the world.
- Take the Shakespeare Express and stroll through Birmingham's downtown.
Suggested: Universities in Birmingham
8. Bristol
Bristol, a wealthy and distinctively coastal city in southwest England, sits astride the River Avon. The city ranks 102nd in terms of affordability, has a population of 686,000, and averages USD 30,500 (INR 29,09,010) in tuition fees. According to the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, this city is ranked 44th overall. Thus, international students interested in pursuing higher education can investigate some of its best universities.
Best Universities in Bristol
What Can International Students Do in Bristol?
Bristol offers an array of exciting opportunities and activities for international students to engage in:
- Walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
- Take a day trip to the Cotswolds.
- Enjoy a pint at a traditional pub.
- Visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
- See some Banksy street art.
- Go to the 19th-century warehouses around the harbor for some eateries, retail establishments, and cultural institutions.
9. Nottingham
Nottingham is particularly remembered in British history books as the location of Robin Hood's hunting grounds. This is a culturally rich city with a vibrant nightlife that won't break the bank. As for the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, it comes in at number 52nd.
Best Universities in Nottingham
What Can International Students Do in Nottingham?
Nottingham is a great place for international students to study because of its many tourist attractions and tranquility. Nottingham University students can:
- Examine the Wollaton Hall's interior.
- Visit the National Justice Museum's Victorian-themed courtroom and jail.
- At Highfields Park, have a romantic moment with your significant other.
- Examine the Green Windmill, constructed by George Green's father, one of the most well-known mathematical physicists.
- Get some inspiration by visiting famous poet Lord Bryon's ancestral home, Newstead Abbey.
10. Leeds
Leeds is the county seat of West Yorkshire and the home of two prestigious universities, Leeds Beckett University and University of Leeds, among others. Leeds achieved its greatest ranking in the international student view indicator this year. This metric is derived from a student survey that gathers feedback from 85,000+ students worldwide. In addition, the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024 list this city as 55th.
Universities in Leeds
What Can International Students Do in Leeds?
As an international student studying and living in Leeds, you can do the following:
- Go beneath the repurposed railway arches, as the city features live music and bars.
- Visit the Leeds Kirkgate market, as it features 100s of indoor and outdoor stalls.
- Get your culture fix at the Leeds Art Gallery.
- Visit the Royal Armouries Museum.
- Go shopping in the Victoria Quarter.
With Leeds, we end this blog. Overwhelmed with the array of university choices? Utilize Yocket College Finder to simplify the path to higher education. With a vast database of universities, personalized matching, and a user-friendly interface, streamline your college search abroad!
From the Desk of Yocket
In this blog, we have discussed some of the most sought-after cities in the UK for international students. While selecting the best place to study in the UK, you should note and conduct in-depth research regarding several criteria, including your selected courses, the educational system, the cost of living, tuition, and your area of specialization.
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