List of Top UK Cities For Study Abroad in 2024: Cost of Living, Safety & Lifestyle

Table of Contents

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. 

Top UK Cities For Study Abroad

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.

Get a scholarship within 48 hours?

let us help you find your ideal university with a guaranteed scholarship

Jaipreet Kaur

Jaipreet Kaur

I've had the opportunity to learn more about the educational systems of many various countries thanks to my 13 years of experience in this subject. This involves coordinating applicants, keeping in touch with students, answering their inquiries, and counselling them about studying abroad.

Share Blog on -

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Reddit
Tumblr
WhatsApp
Email
Print

Related Articles

SecureMyScholarship Mascot

Want a scholarship within 48 hours ?

let us help you find your ideal university with a guaranteed scholarship

SecureMyScholarship Mascot