List of Top 5 Cities to Study in the UK

According to QS Best Study Cities Rankings 2024, the top 5 cities to study in the UK are London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and Newcastle. Let’s take a closer look at these cities.

1. London

Ranked number 1 in the top student cities for 5 consecutive years according to QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, London is the capital of the United Kingdom and one of the most diverse cities in various aspects like culture, ethnicity, languages, and more. London has a rich history and a legacy of providing high-quality education and career opportunities. The ranking is well justified by the top universities present in the city along with the presence of some of the top global businesses. London is the ideal place for students to gain knowledge and build a successful career in most domains.

Top Universities to Study in London

• University College London (UCL)

• King’s College London (KCL)

• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

• Imperial College London

• Queen Mary University of London

Living Costs Living in London can be expensive. On average, students should budget around £1,200 to £1,500 per month to cover accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses.

2. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the second-best student city in the country and ranks 16th in the world as per QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024. There are many reasons for the city’s high position, including well-being, lifestyle, healthcare, greenery, and a healthy environment overall. Edinburgh is a great place to start your career if you’re outside London. The city has the highest graduate retention rate of almost 53% of students who choose to work in the city after completing their studies. The city is also known for fostering academic talent in its top universities, helping students explore their curiosities and build their careers based on their interests.

Top Universities to Study in Edinburgh

• University of Edinburgh

• Heriot-Watt University

• Edinburgh Napier University

• Queen Margaret University

Living Costs Students in Edinburgh should expect to spend between £900 and £1,200 per month. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and leisure activities.

3. Manchester

Ranked 30th in the world as per QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, the city of Manchester is an exciting place to study for international students, especially sports enthusiasts, as it is home to two of the most well-known football teams in the world. The city is affordable for students with a high density of student population. Brimming with art and culture, Manchester hosts some of the best festivals to attend. There is a lot to learn about and explore in Manchester both on campus and off campus.

Top Universities to Study in Manchester

• University of Manchester

• Manchester Metropolitan University

• Royal Northern College of Music

• University of Salford

• University of Bolton

Living Costs Manchester is more affordable than London, with average monthly expenses ranging from £800 to £1,100. This includes rent, utilities, food, and transport.

4. Glasgow

Ranked 36th in the world as per QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, Glasgow is a city with the second-largest student population in the country. Known as one of the friendliest cities, it has a dynamic cultural scene with plenty of green spaces. The historic architecture with colorful street art beautifully blends its history with the modern world. The city is home to some of the top universities in the country, with a range of museums, art galleries, and live music venues to explore. The city also has state-of-the-art sports facilities and has hosted global sports events like the Commonwealth Games and Euro 2020. Every university in the city carries this passion for sports and offers some of the best sports facilities to its students.

Top Universities to Study in Glasgow

• University of Glasgow

• University of Strathclyde

• Glasgow Caledonian University

• University of the West of Scotland

Living Costs Glasgow is one of the more affordable major cities in the UK, with student living costs around £800 to £1,100 per month.

5. Newcastle

Ranked 39th in the world as per QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024, Newcastle is among the top choices for international students who are planning to study abroad as it is a more feasible alternative to London without having to compromise on the quality of education. The city is home to some of the highest-ranking universities in the country, offering academic excellence and cultural vibrancy to give its students a holistic study experience. The city offers affordable living options for students along with various options for shopping and for things to do like attending cultural events, live concerts, and discovering art. Studying in Newcastle is a culturally and academically enriching experience.

Top Universities to Study in Newcastle

• Newcastle University

• Northumbria University at Newcastle

• Newcastle College University Centre

Living Costs Newcastle’s living costs for students range from £800 to £1,000 per month.

Other Notable Student Cities in the UK

In addition to the top 5 cities, there are other notable cities that offer excellent education and living conditions for students.

6. Birmingham

Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and offers a dynamic cultural scene with numerous theatres, museums, and music venues. The city’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other parts of the UK.

Top Universities to Study in Birmingham

• University of Birmingham

• Aston University

• Birmingham City University

• University College Birmingham

• Newman University

Living Costs In Birmingham, students typically spend between £800 and £1,000 per month on living expenses, including rent, food, and transport.

7. Bristol

Bristol is known for its vibrant arts and music scene, as well as its picturesque harbourside. The city’s innovative spirit is reflected in its numerous cultural festivals and creative industries.

Top Universities to Study in Bristol

• University of Bristol

• University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)

Living Costs Bristol’s living costs for students range from £850 to £1,100 per month. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and other essentials.

8. Oxford

Oxford, with its iconic university, offers a unique blend of historical charm and academic excellence. The city’s beautiful architecture, libraries, and gardens provide an inspiring environment for students.

Top Universities to Study in Oxford

• University of Oxford

• Oxford Brookes University

Living Costs Students in Oxford should budget between £1,000 and £1,300 per month for living expenses.

9. Cambridge

Cambridge is renowned for its prestigious university and picturesque surroundings. The city’s historic colleges, museums, and the River Cam provide a tranquil and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.

Top Universities to Study in Cambridge

• University of Cambridge

• Anglia Ruskin University

Living Costs Cambridge’s living costs are similar to those of Oxford, with students spending around £1,000 to £1,300 per month.

Affordable Student Cities in the UK

According to the 2021 Student Living Index published by NatWest, there are 10 UK cities that are the most suitable and affordable for students. If you are considering studying in the UK but don’t have much to spare, you can apply to study at UK universities in the following cities:

• 10th: Manchester

• 9th: Leicester

• 8th: Nottingham

• 7th: Durham

• 6th: Exeter

• 5th: Birmingham

• 4th: Oxford

• 3rd: Glasgow

• 2nd: Cambridge

• 1st: Sheffield

Budgeting for UK Studies

Accommodation is an essential part of the cost of living in the UK. Options range from university housing to private rentals. On-campus accommodation may cost between £500 and £700 per month. In comparison, private rental housing in the city center may cost around £950 monthly.

Here’s a table for the average cost of living in the UK per month:

Conclusion

The UK continues to stand proud as a global education hub, with cities like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Glasgow, and Newcastle leading as top destinations for international students. Offering quality education, rich cultural experiences, and unlimited opportunities for personal and professional growth, these cities are the beacons that light up the path towards academic excellence for students from across the globe. Whether you’re drawn by the bustling marketplace of ideas in London, the tech-savvy scene in Manchester, or the collegiate heritage of Cambridge, there is a student city in the UK to suit every preference.

For more information on the study in the UK application process and to get personalized advice, contact Ayodhya UK Student Cities Guide, your trusted UK university consultant. We provide end-to-end services for all your study abroad needs, helping you map out your study abroad journey and offering guidance on living costs, budgeting, and cultural integration. Start your study abroad journey with us today!