Top 10 Popular Cities for International students in the UK | Best Places to Study in the UK

Top 10 Popular Cities for International students in the UK10 Best Student Cities In the UK for International Students | Best Places to Study in the UK

As an international student considering studying in the UK, you may wonder which cities are the most popular and desirable for your academic and personal pursuits.

Selecting the best city for further studies is a crucial decision for every student. Over the years, the UK has made its mark by being home to some of the best student cities in the world. As per the QS Best Studies Cities 2023 rankings, 15 UK cities rank under the top 100 student-friendly cities. London is top based on the desirability, affordability, and student reviews. Renowned for academic excellence, the UK is a dream destination for study-abroad aspirants. But is this information sufficient to select the best student cities UK?

Look no further, as we have compiled a list of the top 10 towns highly sought after by international students in the UK.

Studying in the UK is advantageous for students abroad. But the question is, which city should you select for higher education in the UK? Below are the best UK cities for international students with their QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023.

• London, Rank#1
• Edinburgh, Rank#10
• Manchester, Rank#25
• Glasgow, Rank#25
• Coventry, Rank#40
• Newcastle Upon Tyne, Rank#42
• Birmingham, Rank#45
• Bristol, Rank#49
• Nottingham, Rank#50
• Leeds, Rank#56
• Brighton
• Aberdean

Let’s learn more about these UK cities. This information will further help you select the best place to study in the UK.

1. London:

Some of the well-known universities for higher education are located in London, making it one of the best places to study in the UK. With numerous employment opportunities and scholarships for international students, London has a strong community of Indian students. In crux, London is one of the best student cities in the UK for international students. Also, this city ranks 1st in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

Best Universities in London

• Imperial College London
• University College London (UCL)
• King’s College London
• The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

What Can International Students Do in London?

If you’re planning to pursue higher studies in London, you’ll be fascinated with the nightlife of London. London has the best local/Indian restaurants, beers, and food joints to make the weekends more entertaining.

As the transportation system of London is famous worldwide, one can explore the other best cities in the UK for international students. Or else you can:

• Visit the British Museum for free
• Explore the world-famous Buckingham Palace
• For some entertainment, visit the West End Theatre District
• Explore a wide range of cuisines at Camden Market on weekends.

2. Edinburgh

Edinburgh, also known as Dunedin and the ‘City of Hills,’ is blessed with natural beauty. As a student, if you love to stay surrounded by natural beauty, Edinburgh has become the best city in the UK for Indian students. The world-famous Edinburgh Castle, flavorful scotch whisky, and local festivals will keep your daily routine full of motivation and entertainment. Above all, Edinburgh is also one of the most affordable cities in the UK for students. Also, this city ranks 10th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

Best Universities In Edinburgh

• The University of Edinburgh
• Heriot-Watt University
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Queen Margaret University

What Can International Students Do in Edinburgh?

Being one of the best cities to study in the UK, Edinburgh has a lot for international students. Below, we’re mentioning some interesting things students should do while looking at Edinburgh

• Learn the ceilidh dance
• Try neeps, tatties, and haggis at Grassmarket
• Climb at the top of Scott Monument
• Visit the Royal Mile and try different Scottish whiskeys

3. Manchester:

Manchester, also known as England’s second city, is known for its diverse culture, vibrant street art, exciting nightlife, and Victorian-era structures. This city ranks 25th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023. The Mancunians (Manchester locals) are very friendly and love interacting with international students. Overall, undoubtedly, Manchester is one of the best cities in the UK for international students for higher studies and advancement of careers.

Best Universities in Manchester

• The University of Manchester
• Manchester Metropolitan University
• University of Salford
• University of Bolton
• Royal Northern College of Music

What Can International Students Do In Manchester?

Exploring Manchester alone is itself a different yet mesmerizing experience. Reminiscing the great Manchester Museum, cheering for the world-famous football teams at Old Trafford, and trying the Indian curries at Wilmslow Road will make your life full of fun and entertainment. Overall, Manchester is one of the best cities to live in in the UK for students. Some of the things you must do in Manchester while studying are as follows:

• Exploring the Asian-owned restaurants and supermarkets in Chinatown
• Watching live football matches at Old Trafford
• Seeing the rarest dinosaur skeletons at Manchester Museum
• Shopping and having fun with friends at the Trafford center.

4. Glasgow:

Glasgow, the world’s friendliest city, has architecturally impressive buildings. Besides being a perfect study destination, students who are enthusiastic Instagrammers and social media influencers will get good content to capture in Glasgow city. The education system in Glasgow follows international standards, which is a plus point for students abroad. For music and natural beauty lovers, Glasgow is one of the perfect student cities in the UK. Also, this city ranks 25th, like Manchester, in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

The Best Universities in Glasgow

• University of Glasgow
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• University of Strathclyde
• The Glasgow School of Art

What Can International Students Do in Glasgow?

As an international student, you’ll have many good experiences while studying in Glasgow. Some of the exciting things you can do in Glasgow are:

• Explore Glasgow Botanic Gardens
• Get into the boots of a Glaswegian and try the Drygate Brewery
• Wet your lips at Clydeside Distillery with single-malt whiskey
• Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• See the research at the Glasgow Science Centre

5. Coventry:

Coventry is one of the UK’s most underrated or overlooked cities. Yes, this statement might be surprising, but Coventry is the home to lush green spaces, Roman art galleries, and museums. Coventry is ideal if you love to surround yourself with friendly people and green spaces. Coventry University is Coventry’s largest and most famous university at #601-650 position in QS Global World Rankings 2022. Also, this city ranks 40th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023. As a result, Coventry has also become one of the best study destinations in the UK for international students.

The Best Universities in Coventry

• Coventry University
• Coventry College
• University of Warwick

What Can International Students Do in Coventry?

Coventry is one of the best cities for UK students interested in having an adventurous life. In simpler words, abroad students will stay energized while studying in Coventry. You can:

• Enjoy weekend picnics with friends at Coombe Abbey Park
• Take some inspiration from Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
• Do bird-watching from Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve
• Have a look at the oldest and rarest aircraft at the Midland Air Museum

6. Newcastle Upon Tyne:

Famous for its industrial heritage, exciting nightlife, and eponymous brown ale, Newcastle is also grabbing the attention of hundreds of international students every year. Undoubtedly, Newcastle has some of the best streets, having numerous art galleries, museums, street markets, pubs, clubs, theatres, etc. Like the other UK cities, you can expect top-notch quality education from the universities based in Newcastle. Besides, this city ranks 42nd in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

Best Universities in Newcastle

• Newcastle University
• University of Newcastle
• Durham University
• Keele University

What Can International Students Do in Newcastle?

Apart from studying, you can explore the following while living in Newcastle:

• Explore the historical Tyne Bridges
• Catch up with your friends and visit the Millennium Bridge
• Visit Newcastle’s historical castle
• Go shopping at Eldon Square

Explore the dinosaur’s skeletons at Great North Museum: Hancock

7. Birmingham:

Birmingham is one of the most desirable places to live for international students. Also known as the ‘home of heavy metal,’ Birmingham grabs the attention of thousands of international students every year. The combination of modernity, British culture, and a high-quality education system make Birmingham one of the best cities to study in the UK. Also, this city ranks 45th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

Best Universities in Birmingham

• University of Birmingham
• Aston University
• Birmingham City University
• Newman University

What Can International Students Do in Birmingham?

As an international student, most of your time after university will 

be spent exploring Birmingham city. If you’re planning to visit Birmingham for further studies, you must do the following things:

• Try the local cuisines at the Michelin-starred restaurants
• Have a look at more than 1,000+ iconic motorcycles at National Motorcycle Museum
• Explore the magnificent sea life at the National Sea Life Center
• Taste the world’s best types of coffee at Damascena Coffee House
• Catch the Shakespeare Express and explore the city center of Birmingham

8. Bristol:

Bristol is a city astride the River Avon in southwest England with a prosperous and unique maritime history. The city has a population of 686,000, average international fees of USD 30,500, and 102nd position in affordability rank. Also, this city ranks 49th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023. So international students can explore some of its top universities to pursue higher education.

Best Universities in Bristol

• University of Bristol
• the University of West of England
• Bristol Filton College

What Can International Students Do in Bristol?

• It has the best and brightest student community.
• It is a vibrant city with live music, art scenes, exciting places to eat, etc.
• The universities offer various scholarships, grants, etc.
• The harbor’s 19th-century warehouses contain restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions like a contemporary art gallery, The Arnolfini.

9. Nottingham:

Nottingham holds a special place in the British history books, being the hunting ground of Robin Hood. In addition, Nottingham city is the perfect combination of modernity and British culture. This is a city of culture and nightlife that doesn’t burn your pockets. Besides, it ranks 50th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

Overall, Nottingham is a perfect study destination for international students.

Best Universities in Nottingham

• University of Nottingham
• Nottingham Business School
• Nottingham Trent University

What Can International Students Do in Nottingham?

International students studying in Nottingham are blessed to enjoy the calmness of the city and numerous tourist attractions. Students studying in Nottingham must:

• Explore the interiors of the Wollaton Hall
• Visit the old-themed Nottingham jail and court at National Justice Museum
• Spend some romantic time with your chic at Highfields Park
• Explore the Green’s Windmill, built by the father of George Green, one of the most popular mathematical physicists.
• Get some inspiration by visiting famous poet Lord Bryon’s ancestral home, Newstead Abbey.

10. Leeds:

A newer entry in the QS Best Student Cities ranking 2023, Leeds ranks in 10th place this year. Leeds is the largest city in the county of West Yorkshire and is home to two top-ranking universities—the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, etc. This year, Leeds earned its highest international student view indicator score. This indicator is based on a student survey that collects responses from more than 85,000 students globally. Besides, this city ranks 56th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

Universities in Leeds

• University of Leeds
• Leeds Beckett University
• Leeds Trinity University

What Can International Students Do in Leeds?

• The city has a population of 793000 people with 78th employer activity rank
• The country has four major universities
• Its average international fee is USD 18,900
• The city has bars and lives music under the converted railway arches
• Its Leeds Kirkgate market features 100s of indoor and outdoor stalls

11.Aberdeen:

With a high-quality education system and friendly lifestyle, hundreds of international students land in Aberdeen. For some entertainment, international students often go fishing because Aberdeen is the port city situated at the junction of the Dee and Don rivers. It’s evident that when you pursue higher studies in Aberdeen, you’ll gather the best life experiences. Besides, this city ranks 68th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.

Best Universities in Aberdeen

• University of Aberdeen
• Robert Gordon University
• North East Scotland College
• Marischal College

What Can International Students Do in Aberdeen?

Some of the exciting activities students should engage in in Aberdeen are as follows:

• Visit the town of Ellon, home to BrewDog’s largest brewery
• Climb the dunes with your chic at Balmedie Beach
• Confess all your wrongdoings at 21Crimes
• Click some pictures and videos between the tropics of the Winters Gardens

12. Brighton:

Brighton is one of England’s oldest cities on the English Channel’s Brighton coast. This city is one of the popular cultural hubs of England. It ranks 81st in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023. In addition, the University of Brighton is ranked in the list of top 50 UK universities. Returning to Brighton city, the ancient town flaunts historical landmarks, and Brighton beach is one of the popular tourist attractions.

The Best Universities in Brighton

• University of Brighton
• University of Sussex

What Can International Students Do in Brighton?

Brighton is popular among abroad students not only for education but for various other recreational activities too. Below, we’re mentioning the things international students should do in Brighton.

• Catch up with your friends and visit Brighton Palace Pier
• Do some cycling on the undercliff path near the Brighton Marina
• Pick some excellent yet cheapest furniture for your accommodation from Era.
• Visit Brighton beach on weekends with your friends.

The cities mentioned above are the best to study in the UK. The proper town for higher studies depends entirely on your personal preferences. It would be best if you considered various factors like preferred courses, education system, tuition fee, specialization, and cost of living in the UK while choosing your ideal study destination in the UK.

By considering these factors and doing thorough research, you’ll be able to make the best decision for yourself and have a wonderful life as an international student in the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Cities in the UK for Students

Ques. Which city is best for international students in the UK?

Ans. Per the QS Best Studies Cities 2023 rankings, London is the best city in the UK for international students.

Ques. Are UK cities cheap for international students?

Ans. The affordability varies in each city in the UK. The cost of living for international students in UK cities might be somewhere between £350 to £550 monthly. This cost can further vary depending on the student’s lifestyle.

Ques. Do international students get scholarships in the UK?

Ans. Yes, various public universities in the UK do provide scholarships to deserving candidates.

Ques. Which is the most expensive student city in the UK for international students?

Ans. London is the most expensive student city in the UK for international students.

Ques. Which is the cheapest city to study in the UK for international students?

Ans. Aberdeen is the most affordable city for international students to explore in the UK.

In conclusion, the UK is home to a wide range of vibrant and culturally diverse cities that are popular among international students. From the bustling capital of London to the historic and picturesque towns of Oxford and Cambridge, there is something for everyone. No matter which city you choose, you will have a rewarding experience as an international student in the UK.