• Aberdeen
  • Aberystwyth
  • Bangor
  • Bath
  • Birmingham
  • Bournemouth
  • Brighton
  • Bristol
  • Cambridge
  • Canterbury
  • Cardiff
  • Chester
  • Chichester
  • Coventry
  • Derby
  • Dundee
  • Durham
  • Edge Hill
  • Edinburgh
  • Essex
  • Exeter
  • Falmouth
  • Glasgow
  • Gloucester
  • Guildford
  • Hatfield
  • Huddersfield
  • Hull
  • Keele
  • Leeds
  • Leicester
  • Lincoln
  • Liverpool
  • London
  • Loughborough
  • Manchester
  • Middlesbrough
  • Newcastle
  • Newport
  • Northampton
  • Norwich
  • Nottingham
  • Oxford
  • Plymouth
  • Portsmouth
  • Preston
  • Reading
  • Sheffield
  • Southampton
  • Stirling
  • Staffordshire
  • Sunderland
  • Swansea
  • Warwick
  • Winchester
  • Wolverhampton
  • York

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london at night

Introduction

Choosing the right city to live and study in as a student in the UK is crucial to your overall university experience. With so many cities to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you.

In this Freshers Guide resource, we’ll dive into our picks for the top 10 UK cities for students, taking into account factors such as education, culture and entertainment. The UK is full of amazing places to live and study so it’s hard to pick favourites, but let’s give it a shot!

London

London is a global city and one of the most popular destinations for students in the UK. With over 40 universities and colleges, it offers a vast array of academic options to suit any interest or career path. Some of the top universities in London include University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King's College London. These universities are known for their world-class teaching and research facilities and attract students from around the world.

london, neon sign, advertising

In addition to academic opportunities, London is known for its rich culture, diverse cuisine and exciting nightlife. Its iconic landmarks, such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum, make it a popular tourist destination. Many of the city's museums and galleries are even totally free for students!

London is also home to several green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a historic and picturesque city, known for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage. It is home to several world-renowned universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University. These universities offer a range of academic programs, from engineering to literature to business and attract students from around the world.

edinburgh, carlton hill, landscape

Edinburgh boasts a vibrant arts scene, with events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival drawing in visitors from around the world. The festival, which takes place every August, is the largest arts festival in the world and features thousands of performers across hundreds of venues. Other cultural landmarks in Edinburgh include the Royal Botanic Garden and the Scottish National Gallery.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant and dynamic city, known for its music, arts and sports. With over 25 universities and colleges, Manchester offers a range of academic programs to suit any interest. Some of the top universities in Manchester include the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music. These universities are known for their world-class facilities and research programs.

buildings, tram rails, skyscrapers

The city is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Manchester Art Gallery, the Science and Industry Museum and the Manchester Opera House. Manchester is also known for its thriving music scene, with venues such as the Manchester Arena and the O2 Apollo hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a vibrant and friendly city, known for its rich history, architecture and cultural scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

glasgow, scotland, city

Glasgow is also known for its vibrant music scene, with venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Barrowland Ballroom hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music. Other cultural landmarks in Glasgow include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow Science Centre.

Bristol

Bristol is a bustling and cosmopolitan city, known for its thriving arts scene, rich history and lively music scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. These universities are known for their world-class teaching facilities and research programs.

bristol, harbour, ferry

Bristol boasts a range of cultural landmarks, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and the Bristol Hippodrome. The city is also known for its street art scene, with works by the artist Banksy dotted around the city. Bristol is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

city, road, travel

Liverpool boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Liverpool Cathedral, the Tate Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The city is also known for its historic waterfront, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Liverpool is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Liverpool International Music Festival and the Liverpool Comedy Festival.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a vibrant and lively city, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

mermaid quay, wales, cardiff

Cardiff boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff and the Wales Millennium Centre. It is also home to a range of sporting venues, including the Principality Stadium and the Cardiff City Stadium. On top of that, Cardiff has a vibrant music scene, with venues such as the Motorpoint Arena hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and the Nottingham College of Art. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

nottingham, town hall, market

Nottingham boasts several cultural landmarks, including Nottingham Castle, the Nottingham Contemporary and the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall. It is also known for its literary heritage, as the birthplace of D.H. Lawrence and home to the annual Nottingham Festival of Literature. Nottingham is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Nottinghamshire Pride Festival and the Nottingham International Microfilm Festival.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic and picturesque city, known for its world-renowned university and stunning architecture. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge School of Arts. These universities are known for their world-class teaching facilities and research programs.

england, cambridge, travel

Cambridge boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the Fitzwilliam Museum and the King's College Chapel. It is also known for its punting tours along the River Cam and its annual Cambridge Folk Festival. The city is home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival and the Cambridge Science Festival.

Leeds

Leeds is a dynamic and bustling city, known for its thriving arts scene, rich history and lively music scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds College of Music. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

leeds market, leeds, yorkshire

Leeds boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Leeds Art Gallery, the Leeds Town Hall and the Royal Armouries Museum. Leeds is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs and restaurants to suit any taste. The city is home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Leeds Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.

Conclusion

Choosing the right city to live and study in as a student in the UK is an important decision. Each of our top 10 UK cities for students has something unique to make living there worthwhile, from London's iconic landmarks to Edinburgh's historic architecture to Leeds' vibrant nightlife.

By taking into account factors like education, culture and entertainment, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for you. So, make the most of your time as a student in the UK, explore the city you've chosen to make your home, and take advantage of all the opportunities that your new stomping ground has to offer!

london at night

Introduction

Choosing the right city to live and study in as a student in the UK is crucial to your overall university experience. With so many cities to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you.

In this Freshers Guide resource, we’ll dive into our picks for the top 10 UK cities for students, taking into account factors such as education, culture and entertainment. The UK is full of amazing places to live and study so it’s hard to pick favourites, but let’s give it a shot!

London

London is a global city and one of the most popular destinations for students in the UK. With over 40 universities and colleges, it offers a vast array of academic options to suit any interest or career path. Some of the top universities in London include University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King's College London. These universities are known for their world-class teaching and research facilities and attract students from around the world.

london, neon sign, advertising

In addition to academic opportunities, London is known for its rich culture, diverse cuisine and exciting nightlife. Its iconic landmarks, such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum, make it a popular tourist destination. Many of the city's museums and galleries are even totally free for students!

London is also home to several green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a historic and picturesque city, known for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage. It is home to several world-renowned universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University. These universities offer a range of academic programs, from engineering to literature to business and attract students from around the world.

edinburgh, carlton hill, landscape

Edinburgh boasts a vibrant arts scene, with events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival drawing in visitors from around the world. The festival, which takes place every August, is the largest arts festival in the world and features thousands of performers across hundreds of venues. Other cultural landmarks in Edinburgh include the Royal Botanic Garden and the Scottish National Gallery.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant and dynamic city, known for its music, arts and sports. With over 25 universities and colleges, Manchester offers a range of academic programs to suit any interest. Some of the top universities in Manchester include the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music. These universities are known for their world-class facilities and research programs.

buildings, tram rails, skyscrapers

The city is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Manchester Art Gallery, the Science and Industry Museum and the Manchester Opera House. Manchester is also known for its thriving music scene, with venues such as the Manchester Arena and the O2 Apollo hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a vibrant and friendly city, known for its rich history, architecture and cultural scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

glasgow, scotland, city

Glasgow is also known for its vibrant music scene, with venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Barrowland Ballroom hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music. Other cultural landmarks in Glasgow include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow Science Centre.

Bristol

Bristol is a bustling and cosmopolitan city, known for its thriving arts scene, rich history and lively music scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. These universities are known for their world-class teaching facilities and research programs.

bristol, harbour, ferry

Bristol boasts a range of cultural landmarks, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and the Bristol Hippodrome. The city is also known for its street art scene, with works by the artist Banksy dotted around the city. Bristol is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

city, road, travel

Liverpool boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Liverpool Cathedral, the Tate Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The city is also known for its historic waterfront, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Liverpool is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Liverpool International Music Festival and the Liverpool Comedy Festival.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a vibrant and lively city, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

mermaid quay, wales, cardiff

Cardiff boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff and the Wales Millennium Centre. It is also home to a range of sporting venues, including the Principality Stadium and the Cardiff City Stadium. On top of that, Cardiff has a vibrant music scene, with venues such as the Motorpoint Arena hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and the Nottingham College of Art. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

nottingham, town hall, market

Nottingham boasts several cultural landmarks, including Nottingham Castle, the Nottingham Contemporary and the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall. It is also known for its literary heritage, as the birthplace of D.H. Lawrence and home to the annual Nottingham Festival of Literature. Nottingham is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Nottinghamshire Pride Festival and the Nottingham International Microfilm Festival.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic and picturesque city, known for its world-renowned university and stunning architecture. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge School of Arts. These universities are known for their world-class teaching facilities and research programs.

england, cambridge, travel

Cambridge boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the Fitzwilliam Museum and the King's College Chapel. It is also known for its punting tours along the River Cam and its annual Cambridge Folk Festival. The city is home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival and the Cambridge Science Festival.

Leeds

Leeds is a dynamic and bustling city, known for its thriving arts scene, rich history and lively music scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds College of Music. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

leeds market, leeds, yorkshire

Leeds boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Leeds Art Gallery, the Leeds Town Hall and the Royal Armouries Museum. Leeds is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs and restaurants to suit any taste. The city is home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Leeds Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.

Conclusion

Choosing the right city to live and study in as a student in the UK is an important decision. Each of our top 10 UK cities for students has something unique to make living there worthwhile, from London's iconic landmarks to Edinburgh's historic architecture to Leeds' vibrant nightlife.

By taking into account factors like education, culture and entertainment, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for you. So, make the most of your time as a student in the UK, explore the city you've chosen to make your home, and take advantage of all the opportunities that your new stomping ground has to offer!

london at night

Introduction

Choosing the right city to live and study in as a student in the UK is crucial to your overall university experience. With so many cities to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best fit for you.

In this Freshers Guide resource, we’ll dive into our picks for the top 10 UK cities for students, taking into account factors such as education, culture and entertainment. The UK is full of amazing places to live and study so it’s hard to pick favourites, but let’s give it a shot!

London

London is a global city and one of the most popular destinations for students in the UK. With over 40 universities and colleges, it offers a vast array of academic options to suit any interest or career path. Some of the top universities in London include University College London (UCL), Imperial College London and King's College London. These universities are known for their world-class teaching and research facilities and attract students from around the world.

london, neon sign, advertising

In addition to academic opportunities, London is known for its rich culture, diverse cuisine and exciting nightlife. Its iconic landmarks, such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum, make it a popular tourist destination. Many of the city's museums and galleries are even totally free for students!

London is also home to several green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a historic and picturesque city, known for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage. It is home to several world-renowned universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and Edinburgh Napier University. These universities offer a range of academic programs, from engineering to literature to business and attract students from around the world.

edinburgh, carlton hill, landscape

Edinburgh boasts a vibrant arts scene, with events such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival drawing in visitors from around the world. The festival, which takes place every August, is the largest arts festival in the world and features thousands of performers across hundreds of venues. Other cultural landmarks in Edinburgh include the Royal Botanic Garden and the Scottish National Gallery.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant and dynamic city, known for its music, arts and sports. With over 25 universities and colleges, Manchester offers a range of academic programs to suit any interest. Some of the top universities in Manchester include the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Royal Northern College of Music. These universities are known for their world-class facilities and research programs.

buildings, tram rails, skyscrapers

The city is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Manchester Art Gallery, the Science and Industry Museum and the Manchester Opera House. Manchester is also known for its thriving music scene, with venues such as the Manchester Arena and the O2 Apollo hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a vibrant and friendly city, known for its rich history, architecture and cultural scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

glasgow, scotland, city

Glasgow is also known for its vibrant music scene, with venues such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Barrowland Ballroom hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music. Other cultural landmarks in Glasgow include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow Science Centre.

Bristol

Bristol is a bustling and cosmopolitan city, known for its thriving arts scene, rich history and lively music scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England and the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. These universities are known for their world-class teaching facilities and research programs.

bristol, harbour, ferry

Bristol boasts a range of cultural landmarks, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and the Bristol Hippodrome. The city is also known for its street art scene, with works by the artist Banksy dotted around the city. Bristol is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Bristol Harbour Festival and the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

city, road, travel

Liverpool boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Liverpool Cathedral, the Tate Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The city is also known for its historic waterfront, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Liverpool is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Liverpool International Music Festival and the Liverpool Comedy Festival.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a vibrant and lively city, known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

mermaid quay, wales, cardiff

Cardiff boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff and the Wales Millennium Centre. It is also home to a range of sporting venues, including the Principality Stadium and the Cardiff City Stadium. On top of that, Cardiff has a vibrant music scene, with venues such as the Motorpoint Arena hosting concerts from some of the biggest names in music.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving arts scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University and the Nottingham College of Art. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

nottingham, town hall, market

Nottingham boasts several cultural landmarks, including Nottingham Castle, the Nottingham Contemporary and the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall. It is also known for its literary heritage, as the birthplace of D.H. Lawrence and home to the annual Nottingham Festival of Literature. Nottingham is also home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Nottinghamshire Pride Festival and the Nottingham International Microfilm Festival.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a historic and picturesque city, known for its world-renowned university and stunning architecture. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge School of Arts. These universities are known for their world-class teaching facilities and research programs.

england, cambridge, travel

Cambridge boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the Fitzwilliam Museum and the King's College Chapel. It is also known for its punting tours along the River Cam and its annual Cambridge Folk Festival. The city is home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival and the Cambridge Science Festival.

Leeds

Leeds is a dynamic and bustling city, known for its thriving arts scene, rich history and lively music scene. It is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and Leeds College of Music. These universities are known for their world-class research facilities and academic programs.

leeds market, leeds, yorkshire

Leeds boasts several cultural landmarks, including the Leeds Art Gallery, the Leeds Town Hall and the Royal Armouries Museum. Leeds is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs and restaurants to suit any taste. The city is home to a range of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Leeds Festival and the Leeds International Film Festival.

Conclusion

Choosing the right city to live and study in as a student in the UK is an important decision. Each of our top 10 UK cities for students has something unique to make living there worthwhile, from London's iconic landmarks to Edinburgh's historic architecture to Leeds' vibrant nightlife.

By taking into account factors like education, culture and entertainment, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for you. So, make the most of your time as a student in the UK, explore the city you've chosen to make your home, and take advantage of all the opportunities that your new stomping ground has to offer!

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