Top 5 student cities in the United Kingdom

Discover the favourite cities for university students in the United Kingdom and what makes them unique.

If you’re planning an exchange or studies and want to discover the 5 best cities to study in the United Kingdom, welcome! This country is always among the favourite options for international students for several reasons, including the opportunity to improve their English and enjoy the quality of its universities, its multicultural and historical environment.

Whether you’re looking for a cosmopolitan city with endless leisure options, a smaller, more welcoming destination, or a more economical alternative, you’ll surely find the ideal option for your lifestyle! In this guide, we'll tell you about the top five student cities in the United Kingdom, with their pros and cons, renowned universities, and the approximate price of student accommodation. This will allow you to better compare and choose the ideal destination according to your budget, preferences, and expectations. What's more, through Erasmus Play, you can search for verified accommodation in major British cities, quickly compare prices and filter by location, including services and room type.

London

Big Ben clock tower and Westminster Bridge, icons of London, one of the best cities to study in the United Kingdom.

Studying in London means living in one of the most prestigious university cities in the world. It’s modern, multicultural and full of academic, professional and cultural opportunities. However, it’s fast-paced and the cost of living is high, so it’s important to organise your budget well.

Pros and cons of studying in London

Studying in the British capital has many advantages, but also some disadvantages that may affect your stay.

Pros of studying in London

Living in an iconic city with a huge cultural offering: museums, theatres, concerts and thousands of activities every day.
Multicultural environment both in universities and in social life.
Ease to travel around the United Kingdom and to other cities in Europe.
Their universities offer high-quality teaching.

Cons of studying in London

It’s the most expensive city in the United Kingdom and is usually among the most expensive in the world.
The pace of life can be a bit stressful; it's a city that never sleeps!
Finding accommodation can be very difficult, especially if you don't search in advance.
Grey, rainy weather can affect your mood, as can cold winters.

Top Universities in London

The capital city is home to some of the most important universities in the United Kingdom.

Imperial College London

It’s one of the most prestigious universities in the world in fields such as engineering, technology, science, and medicine. Its main campus is the South Kensington Campus, located in the neighbourhood of the same name, but it has several others scattered throughout different areas of London.

Find the best areas to live in our article on accommodation near Imperial College London.

University College London (UCL)

This institution was the first to be established in London and has a long history of excellence in areas such as humanities, social sciences, and health sciences. The Bloomsbury Campus, the main campus, is located in the city centre, in the neighbourhood from which it takes its name.

Find out more details in the guide to accommodation near the University College London.

Student housing in London

The cost of rent in London is among the highest in the UK, so it’s advisable to search for accommodation well in advance in order to find options that fit your budget. As a reference, the price of a room in a shared flat away from the city centre is a minimum of £480 per month, while a studio flat starts at £1,000 and up.

Are you looking for accommodation in the English capital? Read our guide to accommodation for students in London, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Edinburgh

View of Edinburgh's old buildings and parks, highlighting the Scott Monument under a Scottish sky.

The capital of Scotland is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom. It’s a historic, welcoming and safe city, which also has an incredible cultural atmosphere and is the setting for several international festivals throughout the year. In addition, its smaller size makes it more accessible, yet it still has a very active and dynamic university life.

Pros and cons of studying in Edinburgh

Edinburgh stands out for its benefits for students, but it also has some weaknesses.

Pros of studying in Edinburgh

Excellent academic reputation.
Nature nearby for outdoor activities.
The student atmosphere is great fun and it’s very easy to fit in.
Plenty of cultural offerings, events, and festivals throughout the year.

Cons of studying in Edinburgh

The weather can be cold and rainy.
The demand for accommodation increases during the high season.
Fewer job opportunities than in larger cities such as London.

Top Universities in Edinburgh

It has a well-recognised institution:

University of Edinburgh

It’s known as one of the most prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom. It’s famous both for its academic excellence and its campus, which is composed of both historic and modern buildings. Its main campus is in the old town, and it has other buildings and campuses in different parts of the city.

See the complete guide to accommodation near the University of Edinburgh for more information.

Student housing in Edinburgh

The cost of rent in the Scottish capital is average. For example, a room in a shared flat can cost between £550-900 per month, depending on the area and its characteristics. Studio flats are more expensive, usually starting at £1,100 and upwards.

Looking for accommodation in the Scottish capital? Read our guide to student accommodation in Edinburgh and find the most convenient neighbourhoods.

Manchester

Modern glass buildings and old brick factories facing the River Irwell in central Manchester.

Manchester is known for being one of the UK's major university centres. It’s a city with an industrial past, but now offers a unique, multicultural, historic and lively atmosphere. It’s an ideal city for those looking for a vibrant social life, the chance to go to concerts, enjoy sport and a very varied cultural scene.

Pros and cons of studying in Manchester

Choosing Manchester to study brings with it great advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

Pros of studying in Manchester

It’s a small town full of life and an incredible student atmosphere.
Wide range of leisure activities: music, football, bars and cultural events.
Efficient transport makes it easy to travel around England.
The cost of living is affordable compared to other large cities in the United Kingdom.

Cons of studying in Manchester

The climate is usually cold and wet for much of the year.
Some areas around the city centre may be unsafe.
The demand for accommodation near university campuses is very high.

Top Universities in Manchester

This English city has universities with excellent reputations:

University of Manchester

It’s one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, recognised worldwide for its research, science, engineering, and business. It has three campuses in the city, one for classes and one for university residences.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the University of Manchester.

Manchester Metropolitan University

This university is very popular among international students, with a practical approach geared towards employment. Its two campuses are very close to each other, and it also has a sports complex a little further away.

If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide to accommodation near the Manchester Metropolitan University.

Student housing in Manchester

Rental prices in this English city are also generally average, although they depend greatly on location and characteristics. However, Manchester is usually cheaper than London and Edinburgh, which is a plus for students. As a reference, a room in a shared flat usually costs between £550-800, while a studio flat costs no less than £1000 per month.

Are you planning to study in England? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Manchester, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Glasgow

The River Clyde in Glasgow, a dynamic and creative university city, ideal for students in the United Kingdom.

Glasgow is a city with a lot of character, known for its great student atmosphere, live music and a more relaxed pace of life than other cities in the United Kingdom. If you’re looking for a place with reasonable prices, history, culture and leisure options almost every day, it’s an excellent choice!

Pros and cons of studying in Glasgow

Living and studying in Glasgow offers many benefits, although there are also certain negative aspects to consider.

Pros of studying in Glasgow

The people of Glasgow are very friendly and welcoming!
A wide range of cultural activities: concerts, museums, festivals and street art.
The cost of rent is usually below the national average in large university cities.
A youthful atmosphere with students from all over the world.

Cons of studying in Glasgow

It has a humid, cold, and rainy climate for most of the year.
Some areas may be less safe at night.
The Scottish accent can be difficult to understand at first.

Top Universities in Glasgow

There are universities in this city with very good teaching standards.

University of Glasgow

It’s a highly prestigious institution with a long history (it’s the fourth oldest English-speaking university), known for its impressive architecture. It has three campuses in the city, the main one being in the West End area.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to housing close to the University of Glasgow.

Student housing in Glasgow

The cost of student accommodation in Glasgow is generally cheaper than in other major cities in the UK. A room in a shared flat typically costs between £450-750 per month. Studio flats can be found from £800 upwards.

If you’re going to study in this Scottish city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Glasgow with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Birmingham

Birmingham's one of the largest and most diverse cities in the UK, with a huge student community and a multicultural atmosphere. It offers a wide range of activities, restaurants, events and convenient transport, but without the high costs of London. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking opportunities in a more accessible city.

Pros and cons of studying in Birmingham

Student life in Birmingham has many positive aspects, but there are also some disadvantages that may affect your daily life.

Pros of studying in Birmingham

Very active student life with many university events.
It’s in the centre of the United Kingdom, so it’s a good starting point to travel around the country.
More affordable cost of living than other large cities.
A variety of cultural, commercial, and gastronomic activities.

Cons of studying in Birmingham

The climate is damp and cloudy for much of the year.
Some areas away from the centre may be less safe at night.
Accommodation near campuses tends to sell out quickly during peak season.

Top Universities in Birmingham

Among the prestigious institutions that stand out in this city are:

University of Birmingham

It’s one of the largest universities in England and is highly regarded in the fields of research, science, engineering, and business. Its large, modern main campus is the Edgbaston Campus, located in that neighbourhood.

Explore locations, neighbourhoods and tips in the guide to accommodation near the University of Birmingham,

Aston University

Renowned for its programmes in business, technology, and health, it has a strong focus on professional practice. It consists of a single campus located in the centre of Birmingham.

In this guide, we tell you more about its locations and how to find accommodation near Aston University.

Student housing in Birmingham

Rental prices for students in Birmingham are generally more affordable for international students. A room in a shared flat typically costs between £400-700 per month, while the minimum cost for a studio flat is usually £800.

If you’re going to study in this city, our guide to student accommodation in Birmingham provides further information and interesting details you should know.

Find accommodation in the United Kingdom with Erasmus Play

Choosing where to study in the UK can make a big difference to your academic, cultural, and social experience. Each city offers something different: from the historic atmosphere of Edinburgh to the multicultural vibe of Birmingham or the intensity of London. The important thing is to compare options based on your budget, lifestyle and academic priorities.

With Erasmus Play, you can explore verified accommodation in major UK cities, filter by location and amenities, and book securely before you travel. This way, you can make the most of your experience in some of the best cities to study in the UK.

Other guides on studying and living in the United Kingdom

If you’d like to know more about these destinations, access our guides with useful information and facts that are sure to make your choice easier.