Best Student Cities in the UK

7737 Reviews by Students

Student reviews reveal the best and the worst cities and towns for students in the United Kingdom.

Not sure what the best student cities in the UK are? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Our list of best student cities and towns in the UK is the only live league table which is chosen 100% by students who are actually studying at each university.

It is constantly updated with new student reviews about the important areas of city life: cost of living, restaurants, nightlife, shopping options and public transport.

Because we only publish reviews from students using their university email account, you can guarantee all our reviews are from real students. You will hear directly from the experts which university cities in the UK top the chart for student experience.

Click on a location below to read all the independent student reviews and find out more about what each location can deliver.

You can help future students by reviewing your student location when you get there.

Review your town or city here!

Newcastle upon Tyne

Could not recommend studying in Newcastle more, it’s literally everything you could want in a student city. Amazing nightlife, there are so many place...

By member1061749 On 16th August 2021

Liverpool

Amazing city. Really recommend that if you need to get anywhere use the scooters!! Only 20p a minute and so so fun. Was my main way of getting from UO...

By member560008 On 11th June 2021

Cardiff

Cardiff is a very compact city centre with everything you need in a walkable distance. Has a good night life with varying clubs and scenes to attend w...

By member857696 On 13th May 2021

Nottingham

Notts is the amazing honestly, theres not much more to say!! So so much to do, public transport easy to navigate, cost of living fairly cheap, amazing...

By member862320 On 14th September 2021

Sheffield

It is a friendly city for Chinese students as many Chinese restaurants and food stores are available in Sheffield. The living cost is much lower than ...

By member1260061 On 13th June 2021

Glasgow

I have spend few months in collegelands and i was completely satisfied about several facilities. Staff are helpful and answer our questions anytime. I...

By member756763 On 31st August 2021

Manchester

brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant brilliant ...

By member1057919 On 14th May 2021

South West London

Kingston is a lovely city, it has every city facility which you need with cheaper price. I can find fancy restaurants on the riverside. It'll be a goo...

By member1061692 On 13th August 2021

Norwich

Personally I don’t go out much for nights out but for food there’s plenty of places to eat and drink. Lots of local pubs as well as larger chain resta...

By member659703 On 8th June 2021

#10

Leeds

I have enjoyed the city of Leeds so far It has a great centre/CBD with a good range of shops and restaurants There is also good transport links ...

By member462841 On 13th October 2021

#11

Birmingham

My time in Birmingham has been great and nights out and eating out has always been good! The level of public transport is quite expensive though and t...

By member561160 On 21st July 2021

#12

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a lovely place, with loads of places to go visit including the beach, the HMS dockyard, the lighthouse further down Southsea beach. It’s...

By member957087 On 29th April 2021

#13

York

Whilst York is an expensive place to live, it is a wonderful city full of culture and life. From plenty of shops on the high street to fab eateries an...

By member1361265 On 22nd July 2021

#14

Hull

living here especially when you are away from home for the first time is gives you a whole new confidence that you never knew you had....

By member949430 On 18th June 2020

#15

Swansea

Generally,the ease in which every aspect of living can be reached is surprisingly well. Even if you want to go somewhere further than 1-2 miles the wi...

By member1062719 On 7th October 2021

#16

Belfast

What can I say Belfast is insane !!! I love every second of it !!! It’s honestly one of the best places to eat out and to have fun and great for espec...

By member1359249 On 28th May 2021

#17

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a wondeful city for us to live. The beautiful scenery, the nice people, the special stores and the old archtectures, all are so nice for ...

By member859841 On 10th June 2021

#18

Chester

Historical city with its wonders. Everything is available and in cheap price. Cost of living is not expensive at all. Multiple side jobs are available...

By member1256208 On 14th April 2021

#19

Bristol

because bristol is a city uni there is so many places to eat, go clubbing shop and there is plenty of busses that run till late at night and if not th...

By member1358659 On 24th May 2021

#20

South East London

Southeast London is the good place to live. It has a good network and options of public transportation. Cost of living is good in relation to the job...

By member462470 On 23rd September 2021

#21

Reading

Very good location, it only takes half an hour by train from London, the climate is comfortable, it rarely snows, and the winter is relatively warm co...

By member1354805 On 2nd March 2021

#22

Plymouth

Great for a night and and shopping. Always lots of lovely events going on down at the Barbican and royal William yard. Nice to have the sea so near. ...

By member1358046 On 17th May 2021

#23

Dundee

Dundee is a great place to live and study even with covid restrictions ! There’s loads to do within walking/short bus distance and you’re always close...

By member761033 On 20th July 2021

#24

Leicester

If you come to Leicester, you undoubtedly are going to have loads of fun. People are very friendly and you always make friends when you hang out. The ...

By member562949 On 18th October 2021

#25

Lincoln

Great place- small town but densely populated and active. Student life is prominent around the main areas of town and there's lots of beautiful scener...

By member1156941 On 27th April 2021

#26

Aberdeen

I'm in Fraser studios in Aberdeen. The transportation here is very convenient. Downstairs is the Chinese supermarket and bus stop, which can go direct...

By member1261509 On 1st August 2021

#27

Cheltenham

Cheltenham is gorgeous. Few clubs and lots of bars and places to go. Really lovely area and lots of events happen regularly...

By member1057930 On 14th May 2021

#28

Preston

Preston is a city that is overlooked, but a perfect setting for somebody who wants a small town like feel but in a city. Everything is within walking ...

By member1161733 On 15th August 2021

#29

Southampton

Fancy experience living here with fantastic food and everywhere easy to reach by public transportation. Nice weather, enthusiastic citizens and cool s...

By member1359681 On 8th June 2021

#30

Exeter

I have found Exeter a great city to live in, there are lots of things to do and places to go out to and even though it is smaller than other cities I ...

By member1157558 On 10th May 2021

#31

Bournemouth

I made the best decision by coming to live in Bournemouth. It reminds me of my town back home. I love living in the area of Lansdowne, I have everythi...

By member860744 On 5th July 2021

#32

Bangor

I love it here. There are loads of nooks and crannies and beautiful sights once you get looking. It's right next to Anglesey, Snowdonia and some prett...

By member860402 On 22nd June 2021

#33

Derby

Has something for everyone from clubs, bars, pubs, shops, restaurants, cafes to modes of transport. It really is a great city and it’s not too big so ...

By member961365 On 27th July 2021

#34

Central London

It is quite safe at night because you can often many policemen around. It just takes less than ten minutes to go to the supermarkets and shops around,...

By member462813 On 13th October 2021

#35

Stoke-on-Trent

everything is very close by and easy to get to! everywhere is close to walk to so no need to get in the car and go into town!...

By member853601 On 21st January 2021

#36

Lancaster

The town isn't very big or modern, yes, but it's got everything you would need. As someone who grew up in the city, I find these old buildings and clo...

By member1161459 On 28th July 2021

#37

Loughborough

From what I've seen, Loughborough has many places to get food from, to shop and to have a good night out in. The public transport is good, is availabl...

By member761071 On 28th July 2021

#38

Durham

Durham is a small town, it is a perfect student town with a huge cafe culture, and the university being the main part of the city. Although there is n...

By member561482 On 30th July 2021

#39

Aberystwyth

Cheap public transportation and cost of living comparing to larger cities. Eating out similar like everywhere...

By InternationalStu On 3rd October 2020

#40

Bath

Quite an expensive city to live in. Lots of places to go and eat in the city and lots of things to do with visiting family/friends. Bus is obviously b...

By member1161352 On 26th July 2021

#41

Keele

Best gyms around (M club is where The Beast Eddie Hall trains), all the supermarkets you need, large shopping centre in Stoke on trent....

By 007 On 11th November 2020

#42

Coventry

Coventry is such a valuable city with a rich history. If you have a chance you must explore them by yourself! That would be fantastic I promise! Also,...

By HANRUI LI On 8th April 2021

#43

Worcester

Worcester is a great location, with lots of amenities and bars and shops to get everything you could need and have the best social life...

By member858479 On 22nd May 2021

#44

Colchester

The scenery is really great, and the cultural environment is comfortable and relaxing, I can experience different life here...

By member1262918 On 15th October 2021

#45

Wolverhampton

Amazing city, not crowded like most cities are, most takeaways and cafes are in walking distance, same as the train, bus and metro station...

By member463014 On 20th October 2021

#46

Huddersfield

I cant personally vouch all that much for the social and night life of huddersfield because that's not my scene, but I know theres a bunch of places t...

By member1260210 On 16th June 2021

#47

Canterbury

Public transport is quite pricy but most stuff in Canterbury is within walking distance. The nightlife is great here and lots of restaurants and takea...

By member1353111 On 12th December 2020

#48

Cambridge

A very beautiful and history-rich city! With so many colleges around the city, there's always something new to explore. Distances are relatively short...

By member1259352 On 1st June 2021

#49

Oxford

What can I say about Oxford? It has now become one of my favorite cities in the world, and though small in size in comparison to London, it has its ow...

By member1162037 On 31st August 2021

#50

Stirling

Stirling is an amazing city to dwell in....

By member556323 On 15th April 2021

#51

Bradford

Bradford is a good town to live in as a student, has everything you need, and is amazing food-wise. It's a small town and isn't the best for a night o...

By member1357933 On 14th May 2021

#52

Sunderland

Metro is a god send. It's accessible and easy to use to get in and out of Sunderland. Also useful for getting to and from the hospital of you have loa...

By member559060 On 27th May 2021

#53

High Wycombe

Very good area to live and study in, all the facilities they have....

By member654273 On 17th February 2021

#54

Salford

Love Manchester nights out, brilliant public transport and everything you need eating/shopping wise is only a 20 minute bus ride away Cost of livin...

By member947313 On 14th April 2020

#55

St Andrews

St Andrews is a very expensive town. Cost of living (rent, bills etc) are higher than that of towns hosting other universities. However you’re paying ...

By member1359465 On 2nd June 2021

#56

Guildford

Guildford is a bit expensive as a city. However, there are many discounts available for students and so many activities and socities to participate in...

By member662319 On 14th September 2021

#57

Winchester

Very beautiful small city, very close to Southampton, with many historical sites and beautiful scenery. Peaceful and beautiful, good for a leisurely ...

By member1257438 On 7th May 2021

#58

Brighton

Living in Brighton is great. There is so much to do, and walking around the city honestly makes you smile. There are so many pubs, clubs, restaurants ...

By member460222 On 17th June 2021

#59

Middlesbrough

Getting around in Middlesbrough is great, brilliant prices, amazing nights out, but not for the weak of heart. It can be a rough town, but once you're...

By member562139 On 5th September 2021

#60

West London

The town is quiet and safe, with a strong sense of humanity...

By member1162810 On 12th October 2021

Carmarthen

It is an amazing place to be,it is full of life there is easy access to buses and trains. There are a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars. It ha...

By member758666 On 24th May 2021

Gloucester

A beautiful city, with a good location and welcoming people, also with a lot of opportunities for student development....

By member544610 On 3rd January 2020

Twickenham

Everything is easily accessible, with London being on your doorstep....

By member1160220 On 17th June 2021

Inverness

Inverness is a great place to live....

By member858578 On 23rd May 2021

Ormskirk

It’s a nice place but if you’re looking for a proper Uni experience with everything on your doorstep then this maybe isn’t for you. Only 30min train j...

By member860910 On 13th July 2021

Gillingham

Thank you for everything. I am glad....

By member459926 On 10th June 2021

East London

mile end was a great area in some hours of the day, but of course i had to be careful at night. the uni was very close to victoria park which was just...

By member961344 On 26th July 2021

Carlisle

Decent town. Lovely walks through it and parks are also nice...

By member559966 On 11th June 2021

Newport

Newport is a little town with the larger Telford nearby. There are regular buses and I think the prices are decent, especially in comparison to if you...

By member850365 On 11th August 2020

North London

Vibrant and fun area with lots to do...

By member762908 On 15th October 2021

Falmouth

Its a really welcoming and artistic community that’s very environmentally conscious and has delicious food. I came from London and was worried about n...

By member948770 On 28th May 2020

Bolton

Not far from Manchester to get into the city. The town has all the things you need and the student night life is good too...

By member1347347 On 15th April 2020

Northampton

I came to Northampton for a day visit and I have to say it was a complete success I would recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of history. I have ...

By member836304 On 27th February 2019

Ipswich

Lived here for a while and always nice...

By Oliver NI On 20th August 2020

Chichester

Good transport links but apart from pubs and restaurants there is no night life....

By member942003 On 7th September 2019

Luton

It's a nice area to live that like peace and calm atmosphere...

By member659125 On 27th May 2021

Writtle

A picturesque village though without many facilities....

By anonwrittle On 28th April 2021

Buckingham

Buckingham has lots of lovely coffee shops and all the main things one would need. I wish we had a train station though!...

By member1045052 On 28th January 2020

Hatfield

Galleria and 20 mins train ride from London...

By member1146463 On 5th March 2020

Keep reading...

Join StudentCrowd for Unlimited Access, to Write Reviews and Help Students.

We'll send you an email so that you can verify your free account.

By joining you agree to our T's and C's. We're committed to protecting your privacy.