5 Best Student Cities in the United Kingdom

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The United Kingdom is one of the most popular places in the world to pursue higher education. Going to university in the UK is an excellent chance to broaden your knowledge, meet new people, immerse yourself in a new culture, and gain new experiences. Whatever your hobbies are, there is a vast selection of clubs and organisations, as well as a diversified social life. Besides, with over hundreds of years of success in the education sector, the UK has become a leading destination for foreign students to study.

Unsure of which city to pick? Here are the top 5 student cities in the UK, coupled with a list of top universities in each location to help you make the best decision!

#1 London

London, a diverse and multicultural city, seeks to provide students with everything from world-renowned museums and nightlife to exquisite international cuisine. London has been ranked amongst the top five student cities in the world. London reigns top in this year’s QS Best Cities Ranking 2022, with higher ratings for the desirability and student perspective indices. London is one of the world’s most diversified cities, with people and students from all over the world – so if you’re missing home, you’ll be able to find people who have similar culture as you!

London is for sure not really a cheap destination for international students, as well as domestic and EU students. Besides, rent and living costs in London are much pricier than in the rest of the UK. Even with such a huge student population of around 276,400 students, the city is also a good place for both students and graduates. 

Below is the list of top universities in London, along with their QS World University Ranking 2022:

Universities

QS World University Ranking 2022

Imperial College London

7th

UCL (University College London)

8th

King’s College London (KCL)

35th

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

49th

Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

117th

For more information on top universities, courses available, application proess and fee structure, feel free to contact us to book your own free consultation session! 

#2 Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been rated the UK’s second-best student city behind London for the sixth year in a row, ranking as the top 15 in the world this year. The Scottish capital has a substantial student community proportionate to its total size, despite its modest population compared to many of the cities in the ranking, which also means it ranks very high for student mix. Interestingly, overseas students account for 39% of students in Edinburgh’s top universities, ensuring a diversified and inclusive environment.

Edinburgh also has a large number of museums and art galleries. There’s lots to see and do in this interesting city, with three National Galleries, the National Museum of Scotland, the Writers’ Museum, and the National War Museum, and so many more. Whatever field you’re hoping to work in, Edinburgh provides a variety of jobs and business chances available to graduates.

Below is the list of top universities in Edinburgh, along with their QS World University Ranking 2022:

Universities

QS World University Ranking 2022

University of Edinburgh

16th

Heriot-Watt University

270th

Edinburgh Napier University

801-1000

For more information on top universities, courses available, application proess and fee structure, feel free to contact us to book your own free consultation session! 

#3 Glasgow

In this year’s rankings, the city has risen 11 places, making it one of the top student cities in both Western Europe and the United Kingdom. Glasgow, like many other UK cities, attracts a big number of foreign students, earning it a particularly high ranking for student mix (20th), allowing students to meet individuals from all backgrounds and cultures. Glasgow is a city that is rising, as shown by its outstanding score for student perspective in this year’s rating. The city is embracing the future and has been completely restored after overcoming periods of neglect and stagnation. 

It’s also home to Silicon Glen, Scotland’s equivalent to Silicon Valley in San Francisco, where high-tech enterprises and job possibilities may be found. The city has moved away from its manufacturing roots and now offers a diverse variety of job prospects for graduates in industries ranging from finance to technology. 

Below is the list of top universities in Glasgow, along with their QS World University Ranking 2022:

Universities

QS World University Ranking 2022

University of Glasgow

73rd

University of Strathclyde 

302nd

Glasgow Caledonian University

1001-1200

University of Glasgow International College

For more information on top universities, courses available, application proess and fee structure, feel free to contact us to book your own free consultation session! 

#4 Manchester

In the QS Best Student Cities 2022, Manchester is ranked 30th. Manchester’s high position is primarily owing to the city’s world-class institutions, as well as a vibrant student culture that matches London’s. The opportunities to experience the rich history of this region of the UK, as well as arts, culture, and superb nightlife, abound. Manchester was a key player in the industrial revolution, as shown by the towering ancient textile mills and warehouses that can still be seen across the city.

Manchester is ranked 69th in the globe for affordability, making it less expensive than several other European cities. Graduates from the city’s institutions will have obtained one of the top educations in the world and will be well prepared to compete in a competitive job market.

Below is the list of top universities in Manchester, along with their QS World University Ranking 2022:

Universities

QS World University Ranking 2022

University of Manchester

27th

University of Salford 

801-1000

Manchester Metropolitan University

801-1000

Manchester Metropolitan University (INTO)

For more information on top universities, courses available, application proess and fee structure, feel free to contact us to book your own free consultation session! 

#5 Coventry

Coventry receives a very high score for the student mix indication due to their combined student population (second out of 100 cities). Coventry also receives a high ranking from graduate employers, owing to the city’s excellent reputation in manufacturing and design, as well as its long history of leadership in manufacturing and design. Coventry is one of the top 50 cities in the world for employer activity, and it offers excellent career opportunities for graduates, notably in the manufacturing and design industries.

Coventry is also well-known as a major sporting centre. From football to rugby, ice hockey to netball, you’ll want to attend and watch even if you’re not a lover of playing sport. With a decreased cost of living in the city, Coventry’s affordability score definitely improves, ranking 89th globally.

Below is the list of top universities in Manchester, along with their QS World University Ranking 2022:

Universities

QS World University Ranking 2022

University of Warwick

61st

Coventry University

601-650

CU Coventry

For more information on top universities, courses available, application proess and fee structure, feel free to contact us to book your own free consultation session! 

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About The Author

Jme S

I thank life for happening, thank every twist and turn, I believe that there is a reason for every single thing, a reason for every worry and concern. 

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