Best Student Cities UK 2024 as voted by students
Where are the best university cities in the UK?#
With over 70 cities across the UK to choose from, deciding where to study can be a challenge. How do you find the perfect place to enjoy an incredible student experience?
The best city for you depends on your priorities as a student. Whether you're drawn to vibrant nightlife, proximity to national parks, or affordability, the UK offers a diverse range of cities to suit your needs. From bustling nightlife and music scenes to cocktail bars and clubs, most major cities have plenty to offer.
This year’s results highlight the growing popularity of cities in the North of England. Top universities in the North include the University of Liverpool, The University of Sheffield, and Newcastle University, all located in thriving student hubs.
To create this ranking, we analysed thousands of reviews submitted by verified students over the past 12 months. These reviews rated key aspects of student life, including cost of living, eating out, nightlife, shopping, and public transport in university locations. For an A-Z list of all UK university locations, explore our full directory here.
Best Student Cities 2024 League Table#
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Leeds
“Leeds is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene! The mix of historic architecture and modern amenities creates a unique atmosphere. The local dining options are fantastic, offering diverse cuisines. Plus, the people are friendly and welcoming. It’s a great place to live and study!”
Universities in Leeds: University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Arts University and Leeds Conservatoire.
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Belfast
“Belfast is very cozy, friendly and chill atmosphere here peoples are very good here. I love Belfast and the life over here”
Universities in Belfast: Ulster University, Queen's University Belfast, St Mary's University College and Stranmillis University College
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Cardiff
“I loved living in Cardiff, everything is easy and accessible. The night life is great and shopping was on my doorstep. I loved this experience”
Universities in Cardiff: Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)
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Liverpool
"An excellent student city. The perfect size for a student as well as friendly people and a diverse nightlife."
Universities in Liverpool: University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Hope University
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Birmingham
“I have enjoyed being at the University of Birmingham. It is a very affordable place to live despite the cost of living which has helped eased some stresses as a student. It has great night life and is very easy to get into town from the student areas. The public transport is not perfect but it very well connected which helps people get to fun places but also get home easily too.”
Universities in Birmingham: University of Birmingham, Aston University, Birmingham City University, University College Birmingham and Birmingham Newman University
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Glasgow
“The only city I have been ever fell in love other than my hometown is Glasgow... It is one of largest city is Scotland and have an amazing social life... Beautiful scenery, river, reservoirs and canals... A beautiful day can be spent in just a few minutes ride on any Sunny day! Property is a bit higher as compared to remote towns but that's again the give an take of any metropolitan! The people are amazing and very accommodating! You would ever feel out of home anywhere in Glasgow”
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Newcastle upon Tyne
“Prices for accommodations are very good and a great walkable city with lots of students in. There are many places to shop, eat, museums and parks to visit. I love walking around the different areas in Newcastle.”
Universities in Newcastle upon Tyne: Newcastle University and Northumbria University
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Southampton
“A seaside city with low crime rate, beautiful scenery and close to London.”
Universities in Southampton: University of Southampton and Solent University
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Sheffield
“Sheffield is a city that is great value for money and all round fun. West street provides a great night out in the city centre where you don’t have to walk around looking for clubs/bars. And the accommodation is amazing for the money that you pay! It’s so much cheaper than any other city.”
Universities in Sheffield: The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University
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Nottingham
“The city is amazing for a night out. Transport links are great, with more than one option to get into the city centre. There are many interesting historic places to visit and lots of shops in the city centre.”
Universities in Nottingham: Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and University of Nottingham
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Edinburgh
“I really love Scotland and Edinburgh, which is a beautiful city with friendly people. If I can, I really don’t want to leave ”
Universities in Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University and Queen Margaret University (QMU)
Guildford
“Guildford is very well connected, lots of shops and things to do. Great bus routes that take you to school and very close to London!”
Universities in Guildford: University of Surrey
Derby
“You don't really need to use public transport. The great thing about Derby is that it is a small city. You can reach from one end to the other in about 15-20 minutes by foot. The campuses are located about a maximum 30 minutes walk. I liked how it is quiet in Derby.”
Universities in Derby: The University of Derby
Central London
“London is very costly but if you manage your money well, it is a very exciting and lively place to be. Simply going on a walk feels exciting, but there’s also loads of parks to relax in.”
There are moret than a dozen universities in Central London.
Aberdeen
“Great bus links that are regular. Plenty of places to eat, with a range of diffrent types Lots of pubs and clubs near by.”
Universities in Aberdeen: University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University
Chester
“Chester is beautiful place to live, there are many walks and sights you can see. There are also many places to eat and have experiences, they may be more costly but that is just the city life. Overall very nice place to live”
Universities in Chester: University of Chester
Coventry
“Coventry city provides a student-friendly environment with a mix of history and modernity. The diversity, affordable living makes it a great city for students ”
Universities in Coventry: University of Coventry, University of Warwick
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Manchester
“Wonderful nightlife! we went out every single day and had so much fun. Although it can be a bit costly, it’s definitely worth it and i would live in Manchester if i could, there’s so much to do and so many people you can meet.”
Universities in Manchester: Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester
York
“York is a beautiful city filled with history and culture. There is lots to see and do, both in winter and summer. There are some lovely gardens around the minster to sit in and relax, or you can go inside the minster for free as a student.”
Universities in York: University of York, York St John University
Swansea
“It is fun here in Swansea. Very affordable and lively places. Easy to travel to different places. Beautiful beaches”
Universities in Swansea: Swansea University
Are you currently in higher education? Take a few minutes to review your student city or town - your review will contribute to our league table next year!
