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Best Student Cities in the UK

23283 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!

Liverpool

Liverpool, a vibrant city in the Northwest of England, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, iconic waterfront, and warm, welcoming community. T...

By member11102162 On 26th February 2024

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is a nightlife rich and safe city, so I have a lot of time to relax myself, and I am not afraid on the way home from the library at night. A...

By member7105549 On 26th March 2024

Belfast

Living in Belfast is very lively, having an endless supply of pubs and places to go, such as Hollywood bowling and lost adventure golf, escape rooms e...

By member1296818 On 8th January 2024

Leeds

The accommodation here is very comfortable, the reception service is very warm, the living environment is very good, the facilities are complete, the ...

By member10100011 On 9th February 2024

Sheffield

The University of Sheffield boasts excellent transportation options, making it convenient for students to get around the city. With numerous bus route...

By member10105459 On 24th March 2024

Cardiff

The environment is very good, the room is particularly satisfied, especially the large French Windows, which are very few in the UK, the price is not ...

By member6100732 On 15th February 2024

Nottingham

One of the best cities to study in.Everything is so good the food the people the infrastructure.One of the great cities i have visited and i also met ...

By member11103243 On 8th March 2024

Glasgow

Glasgow is a vibrant and charming city that combines a long history, rich culture and modern vitality. The city is famous for its unique style and fri...

By member10105930 On 2nd April 2024

Birmingham

I’m so glad I live here for this year , it is a good apartment!and I meet a lot of new friends,I will recommend here to other people for no doubt!hope...

By member7106233 On 8th April 2024

#10

Southampton

Emily davies apartment in Southampton is a good value for money apartment, low price but very good location. It is close to all train and bus stations...

By member12104443 On 18th March 2024

#11

Manchester

The city of Manchester is a dynamic blend of culture, history, and modernity. From iconic music venues to rich industrial heritage, there's always som...

By member10102853 On 4th March 2024

#12

Norwich

Norwich is quite beautiful and safe i really loved it I used to live in london and i think norwich is a perfect mix between the loud city if london ...

By member1187605 On 15th June 2023

#13

Bristol

Bristol is safe. Its pace of life is relatively slow, which will make me feel relaxed. People are friendly and shopping is easy....

By member787821 On 21st June 2023

#14

Edinburgh

What truly sets Prestige Mayfield Residence apart is its vibrant and welcoming community. I had the pleasure of meeting students from diverse backgrou...

By member11106086 On 4th April 2024

#15

Portsmouth

Getting anywhere is super easy in Portsmouth. It really elevates living here to a new level. Also, the trains go directly to London and most major poi...

By member897259 On 16th January 2024

#16

Lincoln

A hidden gem. Has everything but isn’t as crowded as some of the really big cities. Couldn’t get a better place to live and study!...

By member596626 On 22nd December 2023

#17

Bournemouth

Bournemouth town is good. The pricing is pretty decent however would be much better if there were more shops....

By member1185605 On 2nd May 2023

#18

York

beautiful city - love it.................................................................................................................................

By member690342 On 22nd August 2023

#19

Leicester

The cost of Living is not too bad in Leicester. The University is near the train station, only one bus needed to get to the coach station from the Uni...

By member696771 On 5th January 2024

#20

Chester

1. I have thoroughly enjoyed my times here at Granary Studios. From move in week the atmosphere created has been next level, consistent weekly events ...

By member13104438 On 18th March 2024

#21

Aberdeen

There are plenty of options for eating out, lots of clubs and bars for nightlife, and a convenient bus network for getting around. Plus, we have a lov...

By Rosie N On 2nd April 2024

#22

Preston

Cost of living is pricey but as long as you get good grades (A's and B's) Biola University will gladly give you scholarships that aid your attendance ...

By member10103475 On 11th March 2024

#23

Exeter

The apartment management staff can respond promptly to issues reported by residents. Once, the mirror on the wall of my house fell off, and the apartm...

By member13103505 On 11th March 2024

#24

Reading

Great transport, a little confusing compared to london but easy to get used to. Town is great, has a never ending variety of places to visit and eat o...

By member1084629 On 20th April 2023

#25

Dundee

The night life here is on another level. There is loads of pubs and local restaurants to go for your favorite meals. Getting there is no issue as th...

By member893833 On 27th October 2023

#26

Swansea

Swansea in itself is a cost effective place and completely affordable for students. There are plenty of activities to do at low cost. It is a city tha...

By member6106082 On 4th April 2024

#27

Bolton

there are quite a few places to enjoy quiz nights, dancing, and drinking • several shops have been closing due to unsatisfactory demands e.g. high str...

By member868605 On 29th April 2022

#28

High Wycombe

It’s a bit far away from home....

By member478953 On 20th February 2023

#29

Plymouth

Plymouth is a lovely place to live, situated right by the sea which is perfect on sunny days. The transport in the city centre is perfect for wherever...

By member685092 On 27th April 2023

#30

Guildford

Guildford is a good city, pleasant scenery, beautiful environment, convenient transportation, there are many shopping malls and supermarkets, shopping...

By member587630 On 16th June 2023

#31

South West London

Very nice to live here, because of the super conveniences to all the supermarkets and restaurants nearby...

By member1290571 On 29th August 2023

#32

Central London

I recently lost my access card and approached the front desk for a replacement. The staff was incredibly helpful and efficient, making the process qui...

By member9106506 On 14th April 2024

#33

Loughborough

I really like it in loughborough. Everything is reasonably priced and there are lots of options for pubs when wanting to go out....

By member4106348 On 11th April 2024

#34

Cambridge

Cambridge is a fantastic city - so much to do! Bars, restaurants, pubs, clubs, activities day or night....

By member588290 On 28th June 2023

#35

Brighton

Not a bad town to reside in and has a lot of hospitality, but more nighttime entertainment wouldn't go a miss instead seeing students out Thursdays, F...

By member1088908 On 12th July 2023

#36

Derby

Derby is a nice place to live, everything is within walking distance and it’s very diverse. The range of shops make it good for everyone and the clubs...

By member794417 On 2nd November 2023

#37

Cheltenham

Cheltenham is a beautiful and historic city that has a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. I was struck by the picturesque architecture, the ab...

By member684960 On 26th April 2023

#38

Bath

Slightly pricey, but it is possible to find student deals and prices around the city. There's plenty of shops in city center, and plenty of restaurant...

By member497532 On 17th January 2024

#39

Coventry

Coventry, my kind of city! It's got this awesome vibe, you know? People are friendly, streets buzz with energy. Plus, there's history everywhere, whic...

By member1193817 On 27th October 2023

#40

Durham

An expensive uni town, but somewhat expected given the ratio of private to state school education. Going out options are plentiful and lots of shoppin...

By member1192051 On 8th October 2023

#41

Stirling

A place mix with culture and history. This is best for adventure lovers and a beautiful environment to stay in....

By Sakshi On 13th December 2022

#42

East London

My time living in East London has been an extraordinary adventure filled with diverse culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and a unique blend of old and ne...

By member689303 On 25th July 2023

#43

South East London

South East London offers a vibrant blend of cultures, rich history, and diverse neighborhoods. The green spaces, trendy cafes, and cultural hubs creat...

By member492799 On 17th October 2023

#44

Sunderland

Sunderland is a beautiful place to live and studying. The Cost of living is not too high but is affordable. Sunderland have diverse eating establishm...

By member884845 On 24th April 2023

#45

Salford

The cost of living in Salford, like any other city, can vary depending on what you spend and location of where you are either accommodation or shared ...

By member1394000 On 27th October 2023

#46

Worcester

Town centre is in walking distance, can walk back from a night out safely...

By member769854 On 7th July 2022

#47

Winchester

It is a very peaceful city with an unparalleled environment and climate that is more comfortable and pleasant than many large cities and is ideal for ...

By member784206 On 14th April 2023

#48

Oxford

"Oxford University is an epitome of academic excellence and intellectual rigor. From its distinguished faculty to its state-of-the-art facilities, Oxf...

By member7106395 On 11th April 2024

#49

Falmouth

Amazing friendly atmosphere, beach on your doorstep, and if it’s for you, a slower, more mindful pace of life...

By member888212 On 28th June 2023

#50

Newport

A fun night out with friends in the weekends is one thing I will never forget when leaving this place....

By member8100993 On 18th February 2024

#51

Huddersfield

A small city that is suitable for living may have a poor shopping experience, but people are very friendly and not as noisy as other cities. Overall, ...

By member1290522 On 28th August 2023

#52

Colchester

Great town lots to do good resteraunts and bars and shops. Well equipped for travelling with buses and train stations clean friendly...

By member883845 On 8th April 2023

#53

Lancaster

Great place to live, lots to do...

By member876591 On 31st January 2023

#54

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

#55

Hull

Cheap, cheerful and an array of nightlife of all genres (though lacking on a Tuesday night)...

By member985972 On 10th May 2023

#56

Bradford

Not many options for nights out but the shopping facilities and access to transport make it easy to visit other places and still be home safely at the...

By member689248 On 25th July 2023

#57

Stoke-on-Trent

Ok, Let’s talk Stoke. Not the first place you think of for Uni, but a MASSIVE underdog. Ye the nightlife isn’t up to much, but the LRV compensates ...

By member998060 On 25th January 2024

#58

Keele

Generally a good town to live in. All basic needs are met. Public transport is close by to my accommodation and fairly consistent with timetables and ...

By Jessica Gilson On 31st October 2023

#59

Canterbury

Canterbury is a great all around city with strong transport links around Kent and up to London. The high street does really well compared to other dec...

By member1387480 On 13th June 2023

#60

St Andrews

Extremely expensive. The only Tesco located in Market Street is away more expensive than other Tesco I’ve ever been to....

By member5101883 On 23rd February 2024

#61

Ipswich

Ipswich is my home town and although it is not the best for young individuals it is a nice town to live in...

By member1085195 On 27th April 2023

#62

West London

Got to know about new culture and knowledge about when started living in london. Cost of living is a bit high might be difficult to manage according t...

By member497287 On 16th January 2024

#63

Bangor

The nights out in Bangor are absolutely amazing especially Wednesday night especially academi and castle, bus travel and trian travel can easily and c...

By member791119 On 14th September 2023

#64

Hatfield

Easy and good living. Shops around for students and to make food shopping easier....

By member769756 On 1st July 2022

#65

North London

Really gooooooooooood and fun to stroll around...

By member5104322 On 15th March 2024

#66

Luton

Luton is a small city and with a wide range of communities. The best part of it is that it has a close airport and it’s well connected to London and o...

By member1386968 On 30th May 2023

#67

Wrexham

A nice place to live not far from Chester and Llangollen. Plenty of bars and clubs. Fairly safe area....

By member884943 On 25th April 2023

#68

Middlesbrough

It's a small city but well-equipped. It's also safer to go out at night and it's easy to get around by public transport....

By member770764 On 15th August 2022

#69

Northampton

I love it it’s very pretty and social...

By member8100942 On 16th February 2024

#70

Aberystwyth

lovely place, a good one if you want a mix of countryside and town vibes. comes alive in the summer. unfortunately everyone is an awful driver and a d...

By member765396 On 13th January 2022

Inverness

Inverness is a great place to live....

By member858578 On 23rd May 2021

Buckingham

Close to shops and public transport....

By member1379747 On 27th February 2023

Gillingham

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

By member459926 On 10th June 2021

Ormskirk

Really nice area, clean and tidy and overall lovely...

By member1089205 On 23rd July 2023

Chichester

Chichester City Centre has majority of the shops that you want in the high street, With also restaurants and pubs in the city centre its very ideal....

By member673142 On 8th November 2022

Gloucester

Lots of shops, good amount of events and things to do, loads of public transport, especially to and from cheltenham. Really enjoy living in the city c...

By member870957 On 20th August 2022

Writtle

A picturesque village though without many facilities....

By anonwrittle On 28th April 2021

Carlisle

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

By member559966 On 11th June 2021

Cirencester

I don’t really leave campus on the 2.5 days in there just classes then back to the building...

By member1376399 On 30th January 2023

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

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