It’s important to find a university and a course that suits you, but where you live is integral to the student experience as well. You might enjoy the peace and quiet of a remote campus, or you might prefer the hustle and bustle of a city. There are many criteria upon which you might judge a city you’re considering living in: size, job prospects, cultural centres, arts communities, nightlife, and so on. Taking these factors into consideration as well as public opinion, here are some of the best student cities to live in.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is home to the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University. The city has a high percentage of students compared with the overall population, which means you won’t feel out of place there as a student. It’s well known for its unique style, with Edinburgh Castle providing a lovely landmark amongst its characteristic medieval and Georgian architecture. It is the #2 ranked student city in the UK according to QS.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle is home to Northumbria University and Newcastle University, with Durham University nearby. The Quayside part of the city is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and pubs. It’s a friendly city with reasonable prices and a lot to offer. Newcastle is the #1 ranked student city on StudentCrowd, based on public opinion.
See also: The Seven Wonders of Birmingham: Student Edition
Birmingham
Birmingham is home to the University of Birmingham and Aston University. The centre of Birmingham night life is on Broad Street, which makes it handy if you want to go bar or club hopping. It has a reasonable cost of living and is known for its many festivals, including the Birmingham Comedy Festival. It is the #7 ranked student city in the UK, according to TopUniversities.
Manchester
Manchester is a culturally rich city known for its music scene and world-famous football clubs. It is home to the University of Manchester, the University of Salford, the University of Bolton, the Royal Northern College of music and many more. It is a multicultural city with a sense of community. It is the #4 ranked student city, according to QS.
Brighton
Brighton is a vibrant and inclusive city with plenty to offer. Known as the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of the UK, Brighton is a small city with a lot to offer. It has a fantastic beach and the top calibre of night life. Unfortunately it’s not the most affordable city, so you might have to watch your spending if you decide to live there. It is the #14 ranked student city according to TopUniversities.
The best student cities to live in have it all. And the list above certainly ticks those boxes…and then some.
See also: Is Manchester a Russell Group University?
