Culture, lifestyle, education and affordability are some of the main factors that shape a student’s experience. QS World University Rankings rank universities annually and have also ranked over 120 cities in their latest publication QS Best Student Cities 2019. Results were compiled through student survey feedback using a diverse range of indicators that included university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity and affordability. Learn where the UK’s top student cities stand in this post.

London - World Ranking #1

London is currently ranked number one globally as the top student city and boasts the largest number of top-ranked universities in the world. As the biggest city in the UK, it is home to two of the top ten QS world universities and accounts for the largest number of students in the UK.

Edinburgh - World Ranking #15

Edinburgh marks the capital of Scotland and has been rated the world’s 4th most beautiful city. and is well known for its vast and rich history from the 7th century, so it’s no wonder Edinburgh has made its place as one of the top student cities to study in.

Manchester - World Ranking #29

In an article by Alliance Investments, major developments and innovations have marked Manchester as one of the fastest-growing cities in Europe and Greater Manchester also has one of the largest student populations in Europe. Manchester is also well known for its range of eating out choices, wide assortment of entertainment and music and nightlife scene.

Glasgow - World Ranking #39

Glasgow is Scotland’s second-largest city and is well known for being accommodating, which is why it has been consistently voted as one of the friendliest cities in the world. The University of Glasgow is also one of the oldest universities in the UK, established in 1451 and is amongst one of the top 100 worldwide universities.

Coventry - World Ranking #47

The UK City of Culture is a competition run every four years by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has chosen Coventry as the 2021 prestigious winner. Coventry hosts many unique charms including interesting points of interests and landmarks. The city is also well known for its diversity, multiculturalism and hotspots including the Coventry Transport Museum and the medieval Coventry Cathedral.

Nottingham - World Ranking #48

Nottingham has a unique British history and has been dubbed as the ‘Queen of the Midlands’. They host a large student population and are ranked as one of the UK’s cheapest cities for graduates to live in. They are also ranked as one of the top ten of the cheapest student cities in the UK.

Birmingham - World Ranking #49

Birmingham is the second-largest city in the UK and also is well known for its multiculturalism. Universities such as the University of Birmingham, a red-brick and Russell Group university, also belongs to the city.

Newcastle upon Tyne - World Ranking #57

Newcastle is home to two world-class universities: Northumbria University and Newcastle University. A cosmopolitan city renowned for its Georgian architecture, Newcastle has a world-famous reputation for its historic landmarks and sites.

Aberdeen - World Ranking #64

The third-largest Scottish city holds a student population of almost 15% and is known for its use of grey granite architecture. Also called the Silver City, Aberdeen has around 50,000 students and is home to two universities ranked by QS: the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University

Brighton - World Ranking #83

Located on the southern coast of England, Brighton is a unique seaside resort town well known for its Palace Pier and iconic beach. An hour away from Central London by train, Brighton is a popular place to study and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Source: UK rankings sourced from Top Universities City Rankings 2019