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Where are the best university cities in the UK?

There are over 70 UK cities to choose from as a student, but how do you choose when looking for an amazing student experience?

Depending on your priorities, many different categories will suit your needs as a student. Whether it’s looking for the best nightlife universities or proximity to national parks - the UK has a variety of big cities for you to choose from. Student nightlife is thriving in most major cities, with bustling nightlife and music scenes, to cocktail bars and clubs.

This year’s results show a strong popularity of cities in the North of England. Some popular universities you could study at in the North include the University of Liverpool, The University of Sheffield and Newcastle University.

To create this list of best cities, we analysed 9,304 reviews submitted by verified students in the last 12 months. In each review, StudentCrowd users rate the cost of living, eating out, night life, shopping and public transport in their university location. To discover an A-Z list of all university locations, explore our list here.

View our 2022 winners hereView our 2021 winners here

How do you decide where to study?

Some questions you can ask yourself whilst delving into our league table are:

★ What is this place like for international students?

★ What is this city popular for?

★ How many students live there?

★ How many universities are in this study location?

★ Are there many student places to eat nearby?

Last Updated: December 2023

Best Cities 2023 League Table

 #1 
 

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Liverpool

"Liverpool has always been my favourite city, everything is within walking distance which saves money on transport. Food prices are very reasonable, and I've already got a great job which helps cover my living expenses"

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(783 reviews)
4.42/5
Cost of living

 

Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Public transport

In reviews, students praise the nights out in Liverpool, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from throughout the week. Students also mention how easy the public transport is to use, perfect for accessing the shopping centres and places to explore in the city.

 

 #2 
 

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Newcastle upon Tyne

“Newcastle is the best choice in my opinion as a city. Everything you need is within walking distance and if not then nothing is far. Great metro system taking you anywhere you need for almost nothing if you have a metro card and exploring the cities and towns nearby is a great experience for students studying abroad (northumberland, durham.. bigger cities etc.)”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(523 reviews)
4.40/5

Universities in Newcastle upon Tyne: Newcastle University and Northumbria University

Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Public transport

Students have written in reviews that they love the friendly and young atmosphere in Newcastle. Many students also loved that they could reach everything they needed within walking distance.

 

 #3 
 

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Sheffield

“Everything in the city in really convenient for students. Many places do student discounts and public transport is really good and at a decent price”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(579 reviews)
4.37/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

Students love the cheap cost of living in Sheffield, as well as the trams and convenience of shops. They also mentioned how relaxed the city feels, with many places to eat out offering student deals.

 

 #4 
 

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Belfast

“Good place to live as a student. Not too crowded so you can focus on your study. Also Northern Ireland has a really good scenery which gives me nice experience studying here”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(307 reviews)
4.33/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #5 
 

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Leeds

“Leeds, it’s a very vibrant city, has nice rich cultural scene, loads of things to see and do, fun night life and picturesque parks.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(598 reviews)
4.33/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #6 
 

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Nottingham

“Nottingham is an exceptional place to live. Its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and diverse culture make it an ideal city for both students and residents. The city offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and historical charm, with its stunning architecture and bustling markets. Whether you're exploring the many parks or enjoying the lively nightlife, there's always something exciting to do. Living in Nottingham has been a truly enriching experience, and I feel fortunate to call this city my home.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(561 reviews)
4.25/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #7 
 

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Glasgow

“Glasgow, a city that captivates from the moment you set foot on its lively streets. This vibrant Scottish gem offers an exquisite blend of history, culture, and modernity. The warmth of its people, famously known as Glaswegians, creates an immediate sense of belonging. The stunning architecture, from the grandeur of the Glasgow Cathedral to the contemporary designs of the Riverside Museum, is a testament to the city's rich heritage and forward-looking spirit.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(350 reviews)
4.23/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #8 
 

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Southampton

“Southampton became my second home. I absolutely love it, I created my own life here whilst being independent and being involved in many communities through university and my passion for dance.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(106 reviews)
4.22/5

Universities in Southampton: University of Southampton and Solent University

Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #9 
 

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Birmingham

“Very active nightlife and you can get anything you want within a few minutes. There are also parks and other public places to socialise”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(307 reviews)
4.17/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #10 
 

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Bristol

“Overall, Bristol is a nice place to be. Good student night life, shops and eating places to keep you entertained.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(140 reviews)
4.14/5

Universities in Bristol: UWE Bristol and University of Bristol

Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #11 
 

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Manchester

“Manchester is a very big city, shopping is very convenient, almost everything can be bought in shops here. To be honest, you can meet all kinds of people here, this is an inclusive city.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(374 reviews)
4.14/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #12 
 

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Cardiff

“Cardiff is what you expect for a capital city, it’s got a bit of everything and there’s definitely a big culture here. There’s always places you can go if you want some quiet but there’s also the city vibe of shops and food.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(198 reviews)
4.11/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #13 
 

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York

“Amazing variety of restaurants and bars, suited to anyone and everyone’s taste. The scenery ranges from both historical constructions such as the castle walls and minster to amazing park greenery, so there’s a walk for everyone to enjoy. Overall a beautiful city!”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(91 reviews)
4.07/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #14 
 

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Norwich

“Whimsical, characterful and charming; Norwich has everything you'll need, tons of independent shops and a local feel encapsulated by cobbled streets and medieval architecture.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(37 reviews)
4.06/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #15 
 

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Leicester

“Leicester has many options for food and for shopping. With the Highcross in the city and fosse park about 30 mins away via Bus (of which there are many running). Both have lots of options. The city has added bikes which can be hired out to get around the city on. And buses are available to get from the city to the surrounding towns and cities. And trains can get you to Nottingham within the hour. There is plenty of pubs and eateries dotted around the city.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(289 reviews)
4.05/5

Universities in Leicester: University of Leicester and De Montfort University

Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #16 
 

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Bournemouth

“Love Bournemouth more than home, so much to do with the beach night life is excellent and so many places to eat”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(85 reviews)
4.04/5

Universities in Bournemouth: Arts University Bournemouth and Bournemouth University

Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #17 
 

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Edinburgh

“Beautiful city and there are plenty of green spaces in and around the city! Free bus travel is amazing since the buses run 24/7 and there are plenty of them all over the place. Lots of lovely restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. All in all it is an all round good city!”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(139 reviews)
4.02/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #18 
 

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Preston

“Preston is a great place for students. There are plenty of shops around campus and many places where students can have a relaxed drink or eat a meal with friends. As well as this, the nightlife is also good. There are many bars and clubs in Preston that tailor to everybody’s interests/musical preferences.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(30 reviews)
4.02/5
Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #19 
 

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Portsmouth

“Portsmouth is a vibrant and diverse city. It is welcoming to all. This city has a great history and culture, in its unique way, Portsmouth to me is indeed a home away from home.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(92 reviews)
4.01/5

Universities in Portsmouth: University of Portsmouth

Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

 

 #20 
 

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Exeter

“The city has a lot to offer. There are many shops, restaurants, pubs and clubs spread around. It isn’t like a strip where they are all on the same street. They are spread about. The best part about town for me are the three different Wetherspoons! Cheap and many to go to.”

Overall rating
Campus/Facilities
(146 reviews)
3.99/5

Universities in Portsmouth: University of Exeter

Cost of living
Eating out
Nights out
Shopping
Transport

 

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