The Safest Cities in the UK for Students
Choosing where to study is about much more than ranking tables or nightlife — it’s also about feeling safe in the place you’ll call home. Safety influences everything from where students choose to live to how comfortable they feel walking to lectures, exploring the city, or enjoying nights out with friends.
To help students make informed decisions, StudentCrowd analysed thousands of verified reviews to identify every mention of safety — from comments about well-lit streets to descriptions of secure accommodation, safe campus areas, or concerns about neighbourhoods. Each mention was scored based on sentiment, frequency, and context, giving us a unique student-led perspective on how safe each city truly feels.
Here are the top 10 safest student cities in the UK, based purely on what students themselves say.
1. Chester – 4.95/5#
Chester takes the top spot with an outstanding safety rating. Known for its historic Roman walls, walkable city centre and strong community feel, Chester is consistently described by students as calm, friendly and easy to navigate. The city’s compact layout means students rarely feel isolated, and university buildings, shops and accommodation are often just a short walk apart.
Students commonly mention that Chester feels safe both during the day and at night, with many appreciating the quieter atmosphere compared to larger cities. Its smaller size contributes to a sense of familiarity where students quickly learn their way around and feel comfortable exploring independently.
Student quote:
“My room is great, comfortable and has everything I need… the area itself feels safe and I’ve settled in well.”
2. Aberdeen – 4.91/5#
Aberdeen ranks extremely highly thanks to its reputation for being secure, student-focused and welcoming. Many accommodation blocks and university buildings are located within close-knit neighbourhoods, creating a reassuring sense of community. Students regularly highlight how safe they feel walking to lectures or going out in the evenings.
The city’s streets are generally busy with students, particularly around Old Aberdeen and the city centre, which helps contribute to a feeling of safety and shared student culture. Many international students also comment that Aberdeen feels easy to settle into, with locals described as approachable and the environment as peaceful.
Student quote:
“Having a great time… it’s a cozy, safe environment — amazing experience and worth the money!”
3. Newcastle upon Tyne – 4.77/5#
Newcastle blends vibrant nightlife with a strong sense of student safety. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere, efficient public transport and well-regarded student neighbourhoods such as Jesmond and Sandyford. Students frequently comment that Newcastle feels secure even late at night, with many citing the compact city centre and busy student areas as positive factors.
Universities in the city also have visible security and campus patrols, contributing to a heightened sense of reassurance. Despite being a lively city, Newcastle’s strong student presence helps create an environment where students feel looked after.
Student quote:
“Great location, safe, and staff are friendly and helpful.”
4. Sheffield – 4.75/5#
Sheffield is regularly praised for feeling safe, relaxed and community-driven. Its student districts, including Broomhill, Crookes and Ecclesall Road, are known for being lively yet secure, creating an environment where students feel comfortable walking between university buildings, cafés and accommodation.
The city's layout plays a big part in this feeling: Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in the UK, with spacious areas and wide streets that help students feel at ease. Reviewers often mention friendly locals and supportive accommodation teams, giving Sheffield a reputation for being both safe and welcoming.
Student quote:
“I’ve been thoroughly enjoying my time here… the area feels safe and has really helped make my university experience special!”
5. Glasgow – 4.67/5#
Glasgow may be a large, bustling city, but students consistently highlight that its popular student areas — especially the West End — feel secure, well-lit and vibrant. The city has a strong cultural scene, excellent public transport and a noticeable student presence, all of which contribute to a sense of safety.
Many reviewers note that both the university and accommodation providers place a strong emphasis on security. Students often describe feeling confident travelling around the city, particularly in areas close to campus, parks and main high streets.
Student quote:
“Very safe building and very safe area — highly recommend.”
6. Birmingham – 4.60/5#
Despite being one of the UK’s largest cities, Birmingham’s student districts are consistently rated as safe, social and student-friendly. Popular areas like Selly Oak and Edgbaston are busy with students throughout the day, creating a supportive and familiar environment.
Students often comment that they feel secure walking around campus and that city-centre travel is simple and accessible. The combination of university security, community atmosphere and well-connected transport routes all contribute to Birmingham’s strong performance in our safety analysis.
Student quote:
“So close to campus and in a good area — pretty much perfect.”
7. Edinburgh – 4.59/5#
Edinburgh’s reputation for safety is one of the reasons it attracts so many students from around the world. Its historic centre is well-lit, busy and easy to navigate, while student areas such as Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Newington are often described as peaceful and secure.
Students appreciate how walkable the city is — meaning they rarely feel isolated — and many mention that their accommodation providers invest heavily in security. The combination of urban convenience and small-city charm helps Edinburgh maintain a strong safety score.
Student quote:
“My stay has been great so far… it’s located in a secure area which I find very convenient.”
8. Reading – 4.59/5#
Reading provides a stable, calming environment that many students describe as ideal for balancing study and social life. Accommodation areas are often set slightly away from the busiest streets, giving students both peace and a sense of security.
The University of Reading campus is one of the most self-contained in the UK, which contributes to the high safety rating — students can access shops, libraries, social spaces and green areas without needing to travel far. Reviewers frequently mention how comfortable they feel returning home after evening study sessions.
Student quote:
“A very nice city block which is safe and has a great view throughout”
9. Leeds – 4.56/5#
Leeds is known for its vibrant student energy, but it also performs strongly on safety thanks to well-established student districts and excellent public transport. Areas like Headingley and Hyde Park are heavily populated by students, creating active neighbourhoods where people feel reassured by the constant footfall.
Students often remark that they feel safe walking between campus buildings or returning from the city centre. Accommodation providers in Leeds also receive frequent praise for their security measures, which contributes to the overall score.
Student quote:
“Great location… staff are friendly and efficient. The area is also very safe.”
10. Southampton – 4.50/5#
Southampton offers a friendly, coastal student experience with a strong sense of community. The city centre is compact and convenient, and students appreciate that many essential shops, social spaces and transport links are within walking distance.
The university’s neighbourhoods feel active and supportive, and students regularly mention feeling comfortable exploring the city both during the day and in the evenings. The combination of well-designed campus areas and thriving student communities places Southampton firmly in the top 10.
Student quote:
Very nice，I like here, there is a lot of activity here, the front desk is very welcoming, and it is very safe at night.
Final Thoughts#
Safety is a key part of student life, impacting how confident and comfortable students feel as they build their independence. These top 10 cities stand out for offering secure, welcoming environments supported by strong transport links, student-focused neighbourhoods and accommodation providers committed to student wellbeing.
Because these rankings are based on real student experiences, they offer one of the clearest, most authentic pictures of safety across UK university cities.
Need help choosing where to live in one of our 10 safest cities? Check out the results of our Accommodation Awards to see the best-rated providers across the country.
