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Best Student Cities in the UK

25,748 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

Living in Newcastle upon Tyne has been an amazing experience for me. The city has such happy vibes and a great balance between peace and fun. The nigh...

By member7164621 On 28th October 2025

Liverpool

Liverpool is an incredible city with a unique charm and welcoming atmosphere. It has a rich cultural and historical heritage, from its iconic waterfro...

By member13173511 On 20th January 2026

Newcastle

The accommodation is great, staff is friendly and always organising activities, shouting out to Abdul a nighttime staff member always friendly and tre...

By member8174411 On 24th January 2026

Sheffield

The moor is such a great place to shop and the train station is so close to the university meaning you can take a quick train to Meadowhall. There’s l...

By member4173642 On 20th January 2026

Glasgow

Everything is Glasgow is built for uni life. Low prices, affordable accommodation and transport. It is really all a student needs. There are lots of g...

By Mya Bruce On 29th January 2026

Leeds

My first two weeks in Leeds have been quietly lovely, mostly thanks to my little supermarket runs. Near my accommodation is a cozy Morrisons—its produ...

By member13160273 On 8th October 2025

Birmingham

Living in Birmingham has been a really positive experience as a student. It’s a diverse, multicultural, and student-friendly city, which makes it easy...

By JaanviSingh On 2nd February 2026

Cardiff

Cheap and lots to do! Love the independent stores. Bus fare is pretty cheap too, i think £3.70 for a day pass (with your MTP card, which you can get f...

By member12149258 On 22nd May 2025

Nottingham

Nottingham is a remarkable city. It ranks 9th among the best student cities in the UK, boasting a vibrant student community. The city is renowned f...

By member12175155 On 28th January 2026

#10

Belfast

I love Belfast, ecen before I came before I came here for uni. Everything is so close together and my university (ulster) is right beside everything....

By member7168614 On 3rd December 2025

#11

Manchester

The cost of living is reasonable, with affordable public transport and diverse dining options. Eating out offers good value, and travel is convenient,...

By member11154767 On 14th August 2025

#12

Hull

really good place to live near the ms...

By member6142904 On 8th July 2025

#13

Southampton

This apartment is absolutely amazing! The spacious layout and modern finishes create such a comfortable and stylish living space. The natural light fl...

By member13169803 On 11th December 2025

#14

Bristol

My time at Bristol Uni is fantastic. It blends a stimulating academic atmosphere with a warm campus community. The charming city adds joy to daily lif...

By member5175581 On 30th January 2026

#15

Lincoln

So reasonably priced no matter where you go, because the city is mainly built around catering to the students (in my opinion) it is so fairly priced, ...

By member7167980 On 27th November 2025

#16

Royal Leamington Spa

Love the services and the accommodation...

By member1258760 On 25th May 2021

#17

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is amazing, just a bit pricey (although less than anywhere in London). That said, the student deals are great and everywhere, so it's easy t...

By member6168616 On 3rd December 2025

#18

Portsmouth

Living in Portsmouth as a student has been a really comfortable and enjoyable experience for me. The cost of living is reasonable, especially compared...

By Indu kannan On 18th December 2025

#19

Aberdeen

As the name says the granite city, Aberdeen is a beautiful and peaceful city with amazing people around, it is a perfect combination of historic archi...

By Shazz On 11th December 2025

#20

Dundee

I don’t really go on nights out but when I have they have been fun, I don’t use public transportation other than trains but they always seem to be gre...

By member5168763 On 4th December 2025

#21

Chester

Chester is a great city, it’s not massive but just the right size where you can get across it in about 20 mins. It is really scenic and so close to ot...

By member6156753 On 3rd December 2025

#22

Preston

Welcome to the north east of England where it rains everyday and it’s cold yeah you probably thinking where is Preston well by train is 30 mins from M...

By member11169847 On 6th January 2026

#23

South West London

Create stuff about this town. Great transportation system of buses and trains. Halal restaurants are nearby. Grocery stores for students is at walking...

By member11107483 On 26th April 2024

#24

Norwich

Transport is amazing here to train station and buses...

By member13104811 On 20th March 2024

#25

Cheltenham

Really Great town. Is quite expensive but I think everything is expensive on a uni budget...

By member9161653 On 14th October 2025

#26

Plymouth

Close to both Dartmoor and Cornwall, both easy as pie to get to. Walkable city, great sea views and amazing people! Shout out the Plymouth sound natio...

By member10144860 On 4th April 2025

#27

Bath

I use the buses almost everyday to get to uni, which are pretty reliable and very friendly. I also use the bus or get a train to Bristol or to go home...

By member13148524 On 29th January 2026

#28

Swansea

wow swansea is so good!! my favourite thing is seeing the fanta fruit twist at the front desk in the seren building, all neat in a hamper. i wouldn’t ...

By member12168406 On 1st December 2025

#29

Leicester

Leicester is a vibrant and welcoming city with a rich multicultural crowd that makes it feel lively and inclusive. The public transport system is very...

By Sumit On 26th January 2026

#30

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

#31

Bournemouth

Night's out in Bournemouth are the bets i've ever had! Cameo is such a unique nightclub consisting of 5 rooms covering everyones music tastes....

By member9109126 On 20th May 2024

#32

Guildford

Guildford is great, can sometimes be a bit expensive but lots of great shopping places that are more premium. I like Guildford it's a small wee town b...

By member10173926 On 21st January 2026

#33

Exeter

The room is big, with good lighting, and the kitchen is quick and easy. Well ventilated and quiet surrounding. The community is good and every activit...

By member13105560 On 26th March 2024

#34

York

Transport is always reliable and good quality, shopping is not limited at all, with a wide range of shops and stores that cater to all backgrounds, ve...

By member032597 On 21st November 2025

#35

Salford

Living in Salford is actually one of the best because there is barely any crime or noise. Just beautiful night lights, river, decorations and markets....

By member699654 On 29th January 2026

#36

Reading

Reading itself is a lively, welcoming town that offers everything a student could want. It has a great mix of modern shopping centres, cafés, restaura...

By member13169877 On 11th December 2025

#37

Uxbridge

Great little town, plenty to do and at reasonable prices :))...

By member1061527 On 2nd August 2021

#38

Derby

not the biggest city which does me perfect. loads of good shops with stuff at reasonable prices. uni bus is free. pop world and mosh are good nights o...

By member5111933 On 28th June 2024

#39

Ormskirk

Lovely place to live as a student and I am considering sticking around...

By member1396790 On 15th February 2025

#40

Canterbury

The town is a pleasant place to live with a friendly atmosphere and good local amenities. There are plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well a...

By member6175116 On 28th January 2026

#41

Worcester

Worcester is a great place to live, a balanced environment of city and suburbs....

By member12158574 On 29th September 2025

#42

Durham

Love the city. Amazing and really helpful people here. xx...

By shivaniidhingra On 2nd February 2026

#43

Coventry

Cheaper than London, loads of options for food as it's a city, has multiple clubs but you could go to Leamington or Birmingham too, buses are modern a...

By NNew On 5th December 2025

#44

South East London

Everything in London is so expensive...

By member1199430 On 6th February 2024

#45

Brighton

I am currently staying at Hollingbury House, Brighton, and my experience has been outstanding, which is why I have already rebooked for next year. The...

By Blessy On 20th November 2025

#46

Sunderland

Sunderland is growing as smart city it is developing many things. such as transporting, industrial revolution, and other facilities such as big major ...

By member6142655 On 17th March 2025

#47

Oxford

The city has a nice atmosphere, friendly people, and everything you need as a student. Most things are easy to get around and the area feels safe and ...

By Priyxnshu On 8th December 2025

#48

Lancaster

Has everything a students needs here at Lancaster except for bigger shops, may have to travel to Manchester for selfridges...

By member9107473 On 25th April 2024

#49

High Wycombe

It’s a bit far away from home....

By member478953 On 20th February 2023

#50

Loughborough

Living in Loughborough has been a delight! Whether it's hitting the shops for high-street brands or unique finds, there's something for everyone. Plus...

By member13110797 On 11th June 2024

#51

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

#52

Luton

Beautiful city, very quiet area living standard is very nice near to london city and also there is lots of our muslim community...

By Khawerrafik9 On 2nd November 2024

#53

Cambridge

Costly, but worth it. £1 buses everywhere with a tiger card, decent selection of clubbing with insane deals on drinks like 5 for 5 at mash, you can sh...

By member10157472 On 19th September 2025

#54

West London

It's good! Cheap rental and good home...

By member999623 On 8th February 2024

#55

Bradford

Bradford is a culturally rich city known for its historical landmarks and vibrant arts scene. The city offers diverse dining options, beautiful parks,...

By member13112488 On 15th July 2024

#56

Colchester

really fun and fantastic experience would highly recommend okayyyy...

By member10111265 On 13th June 2024

#57

Wrexham

Honestly it's great here, towns busy with lots of shops. Plenty to do in general. Nights out are really fun with a big three floor club 'Atik', as wel...

By member5168032 On 28th November 2025

#58

Stirling

Stirling is a beautiful city with very interesting places to visit and have fun...

By member988457 On 30th June 2023

#59

Huddersfield

Huddersfield is a really good place for students — it’s welcoming, affordable, and has a great community feel. The town itself isn’t too big, so it’s ...

By member09090909 On 17th October 2025

#60

East London

Very safe and friendly town and very welcoming people...

By member499908 On 9th February 2024

#61

Keele

Bit further out from the town but buses run every 15mins and it’s not too far of a walk. There is pretty much everything you need on campus already to...

By member4109885 On 29th May 2024

#62

Bangor

Best town to live in if you are a nature attraction person...

By member6161296 On 14th October 2025

#63

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

#64

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

#65

North London

Good experience but the area isn’t safe. However, station court is pretty much safe....

By member10111108 On 12th June 2024

#66

Bolton

i’m from bolton and it is amazing. too many good words to say....

By member10103224 On 7th March 2024

#67

Winchester

Cost of living: Winchester can be an expensive place to live, but considering this, food, petrol, rent etc. is to be expected for the south. There is ...

By member5121314 On 21st October 2024

Bromley

Very sociable area with interconnected community...

By member5168275 On 1st December 2025

Swindon

Abingdon

A quiet town with everything you need. Everything within a walk away including a shopping area and a large Tesco superstore....

By member843862 On 21st November 2019

Weston-Super-Mare

good brilliant great excellent...

By member12139722 On 25th February 2025

Solihull

Easy to get to Coventry, Birmingham and the airport! Then there’s start city not far away too...

By member1250312 On 7th August 2020

Scunthorpe

so many things to do and plenty of things too do...

By member11136511 On 13th February 2025

Bury

great and i love it so much thank yo...

By member5143787 On 25th March 2025

Greenwich

Greenwich is a great place to study – it’s got a nice mix of history, parks, and riverside views, while still being close to central London...

By member13158354 On 26th September 2025

Yeovil

Since you are living at home you can go out as often or as little as you like. You can attend face to face tutorials or not as suits you. Early on sum...

By member649752 On 7th July 2020

Timperley

Excellent place to live, so much to do....

By member9161630 On 14th October 2025

Warrington

It has a lot of good links to different cities...

By member9143627 On 25th March 2025

Leeds

The town is charming, peaceful, and well-developed. It has friendly people, beautiful scenery, and a strong community. Public services are efficient, ...

By member10139727 On 25th February 2025

Rotherham

we are very close to sheffield and it’s a very close knit community...

By member12167902 On 27th November 2025

Hertfordshire

Great shopping and food and transport where I live but very high cost of living...

By member6125262 On 29th November 2024

Stafford

Really good accommodation with great facilities...

By member13160744 On 27th November 2025

Kingston upon Thames

Kingston is a lovely place. I love this place....

By member5175608 On 30th January 2026

Isleworth

london is very expensive. specially the travel is too expensive. its difficult to manage expenses...

By member13157684 On 22nd September 2025

Buckingham

The cost of living in this community is relatively fair. As a student, I refer to cook my meals so that I don’t spend a lot eating out; however eat ou...

By Oluwayomi On 18th October 2024

Stoke Gifford

The best City You can go by bus to the centre in 15 minutes...

By member543125 On 4th November 2019

Gloucester

Central location, close to the city centre...

By member11138542 On 20th February 2025

Doncaster

I didn’t live in Leeds I stayed at home. Leeds is a lovely city but everything is quite spaced out and if you’re staying at trinity it is quite the tr...

By Amy070196 On 13th September 2019

Hagley

fantastic area everything is within a 10min walk...

By member5109327 On 22nd May 2024

Bognor Regis

In Bognor, they have a lot of charity shops as well as a savers, which can really help for those struggling with cost of living. As well as, it has go...

By member8160201 On 7th October 2025

Burnley

Nenenennenenens evened Jane jenen...

By member5126166 On 6th December 2024

Gillingham

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

By member459926 On 10th June 2021

Hartlepool

Cheap, smaller Northern town. Transport and food/shopping options are good and close together. Because its a smaller town though the nightlife is pret...

By member7158453 On 27th September 2025

Watford

Great everything in my town is great...

By member11119839 On 15th October 2024

Lampeter

Lampeter is a small, quiet village surrounded by countryside. There are a few cafes, pubs and restaurants but if you want more choice then Aberystwyt...

By member464617 On 5th December 2021

Penryn

I was dismissed from studying due to discrimination of a disability they took my write s to study the tutors are poor and I received no response and a...

By member639461 On 18th June 2019

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

Maidstone

Eating out in the local area is expensive however as it is close to a university they offer student discount which helps a lot. There are many local m...

By member1385517 On 30th April 2023

Birkenhead

As the living crises go up this cannot be blames to a specific area. It is hard to keep up with everything but it is manageable....

By member12117009 On 1st October 2024

Milton Keynes

It's distance learning...

By member1349794 On 7th July 2020

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