UK Cities For Study Abroad – Studying in the UK is still a dream for so many students across the globe, and selecting the best university in the best city becomes a crucial decision to have a life-changing experience. According to the QS Best Studies Cities Ranking 2023, about 15 UK cities are in the top 100 student-friendly cities for education and other facilities. These rankings are based on affordability, lifestyle, student reviews, quality of education, etc.
On the top list, London holds a position renowned for academic excellence. So let’s buckle up and dive down into the best cities in UK for international students to study abroad and what cities can offer to them.
The Top 10 Best Cities in UK for Students
We all know that UK is a way ahead in providing students with quality education. Below we have mentioned the best 10 cities in UK for Students as per the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023.
- London (1)
- Edinburgh (10)
- Manchester (25)
- Glasgow (25)
- Coventry (40)
- Newcastle Upon Tyne (42)
- Birmingham (45)
- Bristol (49)
- Nottingham (50)
- Leeds (56)
Here we are giving information on the 5 Best Student Cities in UK
Let’s have a look on the UK Cities For Study Abroad:
1. London
London is a place of well-known universities for higher education for the best play to study in UK. Students can get numerous employment opportunities and internships for international students. Also, London has a strong Indian community.
Best Universities in London
- Queen Mary University of London (QS Ranking 114)
- Brunel University (QS Ranking 368)
- SOAS University of London (QS Ranking 346)
- University of Greenwich (QS Ranking 725)
- Middlesex University (QS Ranking 725)
- Western University (QS Ranking 203)
- University of Huddersfield London (QS Ranking 720)
Cost of Living in London
London is able to attract many international students yearly, which is why it has become the best city in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023. However, being popular is making it an expensive destination as well. Below we have listed all the various requirements and costs per month.
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £408 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £480 |
| Transportation | £159 |
| Food | £406 |
| Utility | £155 |
| Entertainment | £44 |
| Groceries | £155 |
| Clothes | £69 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,237 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,309 |
What Can International Students Do in London?
Once you plan to pursue higher education in London, you will enjoy the nightlife. Apart from that, London has the best local restaurants, beers, and food to have an entertaining weekend,
Further, the transportation system of London is world-famous, and one can explore the best cities in UK for international students. Also, you can use:
- For entertainment, you can visit the West End Theatre District
- Visit the Camden Market at weekends to experience the wide range of cuisines
- Visit world famous Buckingham Palace
- Go to British Museum for Free
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is known as the “City of Hills” or Dunedin, with natural beauty. Being a student, you will love this place’s natural beauty; it has become the best city in the UK for Indian Students.
As a localite, you can go to Ed Castle and have a flavorful scotch whisky, and the local festival will keep you entertained. Furthermore, Edinburgh is the most affordable city in UK for students. This city ranks at 10th position in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023.
Best Universities In Edinburgh
- University of Edinburgh (QS Ranking 20)
- Heriot Watt University (QS Ranking 301)
- Edinburgh Napier University (QS Ranking 900)
- Queen Margaret University
Cost of Living in Edinburgh
While making a budget as an international student, you must consider many things, such as accommodation costs, transportation, food, work, and budget-friendly places to hang out with friends. Here is a breakdown of every possible expenditure while living in Edinburgh as an international student.
| Item | Cost (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £516 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £711 |
| Transportation | £58 |
| Food | £900 |
| Utility | £108 |
| Entertainment | £37 |
| Groceries | £108 |
| Clothes | £70 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,739 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,934 |
What Can International Students Do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is the best city to study in UK, and Edinburgh has many international students. Below we are mentioning what you can do while living in Edinburgh.
- Get Ceilidh Dance Classes
- At Grassmarket, try neeps, haggis, and tatties
- Go to Scott Monument
- Go to Royal Mile and try Scottish whiskeys.
3. Manchester
Manchester is also well known as England’s second city because of its diverse culture, exciting nightlife and Victorian Era Mystics. The city ranks 25th in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2023. The Manchester locals are friendly and interactive with the international students. Therefore, it is one of the best cities in UK for international students’ higher education.
Best Universities in Manchester
- Manchester Metropolitan University (QS Ranking 900)
- The University of Manchester Study Center (QS Ranking 27)
- University Academy of 92 Global
Cost of Living in Manchester
Manchester is the second largest affordable city in UK for international students. The cost of living lies between the average of the UK standards. Here we have shared the monthly breakdown of the possible expenses in Manchester.
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £408 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £596 |
| Transportation | £94 |
| Food | £780 |
| Utilities | £91 |
| Entertainment | £28 |
| Market (Groceries) | £91 |
| Clothes | £58 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | £1456 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | £1644 |
What Can International Students Do in Manchester?
You can explore Manchester with the reminiscing great Manchester Musuems, or you can try the Indian curries at Wilmslow Road, making you feel entertained.
- Going to Asian restaurants and markets in Chinatown
- Old Trafford is the best place to watch football matches
- Manchester Museum has dinosaur skeletons
- Trafford Centre for shopping
4. Glasgow
Glasgow is well known as the world’s friendliest city with ancient and impressive architecture. Following that a lovely place to study abroad. The education system at Glasgow follows international standards for international students. For art, Glasgow is a perfect city in UK and in QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023 ranks 25th similar to Manchester.
Best Universities in Glasgow
- University of Glasgow (QS Ranking 77)
- Glasgow Caledonian University (QS Ranking 900)
- SAE Institute
- University of West of Scotland
- University of Strathclyde
Cost of Living in Glasgow as International Student
Glasgow lifestyle can vary as how a student wants to live depending on their expenses. However, we have shared a list of particulars and their monthly costs for better understanding.
| Item | Cost (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £480 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £540 |
| Transportation | £55 |
| Food | £290 |
| Utility | £102 |
| Entertainment | £26 |
| Groceries | £102 |
| Clothes | £73 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,073 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month) | £1,133 |
What Can International Students Do in Glasgow?
Being an international student, you can explore the city by going to the following places:
- Exploring the Botanical Gardens
- Try single malt whiskey at Clydeside Distillery
- Go to Kelvingrove Art Gallery
- Go to Glasgow Science Centre and meet the researchers
5. Coventry
Coventry is home to lush green spaces and is famous for its Roman architecture, art, museums, etc. If you enjoy staying in green spaces, then Coventry is your best choice. However, this city is the most underrated place. The city ranks 40th in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023.
Therefore, Coventry has become a likeable place for international students.
Best Universities in Coventry
- CU Coventry (QS Rankings 545)
- Coventry University London (QS Rankings 545)
- Coventry University (QS Rankings 545)
Cost of Living in Coventry as an International Student
Coventry has the cost of living slightly lower than the UK’s average and which is why it is called the most affordable city in UK. Here we have shown the monthly expenditure for international students in Coventry.
| Particulars | Expenses (Per Month) |
| Off-Campus Accommodation | £316 |
| On-Campus Accommodation | £628 |
| Transportation | £46 |
| Food | £406 |
| Utilities | £202 |
| Entertainment | £45 |
| Groceries | £61 |
| Clothes | £40 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation | £1,070 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation | £1,382 |
What Can International Students Do in Glasgow?
It is best for greenery lovers as students will enjoy the peaceful nature of the place. You also can:
- Go to Coombe Abbey Park on weekends
- Visit the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
- Relax at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve
- Sightseeing the rarest and oldest aircraft at Midland Air Museum
Conclusion
Having discussed the above List of Top UK Cities for Study Abroad in 2024, we have covered all the details regarding the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2023. Therefore, this can give an idea of which universities you must focus on and what new things you can do over there. Are you still struggling to choose the university for you in the UK or confused about which course to pick, then we are at your rescue. You can message us today because at Securemyscholarship we focus on making education affordable. Get in touch with us and start your study abroad journey today.
