7 most popular UK student cities

Struggling to decide where to study? We've explored the cost of living, nightlife, and more to help you choose the perfect place to thrive as a student

The UK's impressive higher education landscape, boasting over 160 esteemed universities, can make selecting the right institution a daunting task. Your ideal university city will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and how close you want to be to campus.

It's important to do your own research and consider your individual needs before settling on a university city.

We've summarised the top seven UK student cities according to StudentCrowd's Best Student Cities UK 2023 survey, which questioned over 9,000 students over 12 months on the cost of living, eating out, nightlife, shopping, and public transport in their university location.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a city steeped in musical history, with a number of unique attractions. Among the city's most famous sights are the Beatles Museum, the Cavern Club, and Mathew Street, each celebrating the city's musical legacy.

The city is home to several prestigious institutions, including:

• The University of Liverpool
• Liverpool John Moores
• Liverpool Hope University
• Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.

With a thriving student community of over 70,000, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities and make new friends.

The city's lively nightlife scene offers a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to suit all tastes. Liverpool offers a range of cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, theatres, and music venues.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Royal Albert Dock features a blend of museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Art lovers will appreciate the Tate Liverpool, a world-renowned art gallery offering a captivating journey through diverse exhibitions. Football enthusiasts can soak up the legacy of one of the world's most illustrious clubs at Anfield, the homeground of Liverpool FC.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Boasting a student population of around 45,000, Newcastle is a fantastic place to study and live. This cosmopolitan city in the North East of England is home to two world-renowned universities: Newcastle University and Northumbria University.

Renowned for its warm hospitality, strong sense of community, and affordable cost of living, students can find great value for money in accommodation and living costs in the city.

Newcastle's well-connected public transportation system, including buses reaching into Northumberland and a metro connecting the city to the beach, makes it easy to explore the city and its surrounding areas.

The city has a famous nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, meaning you can explore the Quayside, a waterfront area with numerous bars, restaurants, and shops, or catch a show at the historic Newcastle Theatre Royal.

Beyond its nightlife, Newcastle offers numerous cultural activities for students. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Dene in Jesmond, with its gardens, river, and waterfall. Sports enthusiasts can catch a game at St. James' Park, home to Newcastle United FC.

Sheffield

Nestled in South Yorkshire, Sheffield is a vibrant city with a thriving student population of over 60,000, thanks to its two prestigious institutions: the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.

The University of Sheffield, a member of the Russell Group, ranks among the top 150 universities worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings 2025 and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Sheffield Hallam University, with its emphasis on applied learning, is renowned for its strong industry ties and work-integrated learning programmes.

Sheffield's affordable cost of living, ranked 8th in the UK by the 2024 Student Living Index, combined with its world-class education, diverse culture, and stunning natural surroundings, makes it an attractive destination for students worldwide.

The Peak District National Park, just a short distance away, offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and climbing. Alternatively, delve into Sheffield's industrial heritage at the Kelham Island Museum, which tells the story of the city's industrial past.

Notable nightlife hotspots include West Street, popular with both students and locals, as well as Division Street and Kelham Island, with their vibrant selection of bars, restaurants, and breweries.

Belfast

Belfast, a lively and affordable city, has emerged as a popular destination for students seeking a unique and enriching university experience. Home to two prestigious institutions, Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University, the city offers a range of academic programmes across various disciplines.

Beyond its academic offerings, Belfast boasts a thriving student community with a diverse range of social and cultural activities. The city's compact size makes it easy to navigate, with many attractions within walking distance.

Students can explore the historic Titanic Quarter, immerse themselves in the lively Cathedral Quarter, or simply relax along the picturesque waterfront. The city's affordable cost of living allows students to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while budgeting their finances.

Belfast's lively nightlife scene caters to all tastes, with a range of pubs, clubs, and live music venues. The city's rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its museums, art galleries, and historic sites. Additionally, Belfast's stunning natural beauty, with its rolling hills, coastal paths, and scenic countryside, offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Despite boasting all these attractions, the city remains affordable, securing first place on the Student Living Index 2024, meaning it's the most budget-friendly student city in the UK.

Explore our guide to saving money as a student.

Leeds

In the heart of West Yorkshire, Leeds has established itself as a top choice for 80,000 students each year. Leeds is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, both renowned for their academic excellence and world-class facilities.

Leeds offers numerous parks and green spaces, providing opportunities for relaxation and outdoor activities. The city's excellent transport links, including rail and bus networks, make it easy to explore the surrounding areas and experience the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.  

Student life in Leeds is both exciting and convenient. Students can choose from a range of accommodation options, including university halls, private halls, and student flats. The city also provides opportunities for part-time work, allowing students to gain valuable work experience and contribute to their living expenses.  

The city centre is a hub of activity, with a mix of historic buildings, modern shopping centres, and sporting attractions including rugby and football. Popular student areas like Headingley and Hyde Park offer a lively atmosphere, trendy bars, and independent shops. For those seeking outdoor activities, Roundhay Park is an ideal destination for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports.

Nottingham

Known for its inclusive atmosphere, Nottingham proudly hosts two esteemed institutions - the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University. Together, these universities host a thriving community of over 60,000 students and offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various subjects.

Nottingham's excellent transport links by road, rail, and air make it easy for students to travel to and from home and other parts of the UK. Throughout the year, the city comes alive with a vibrant array of festivals and events, such as the Splendour Festival and the Nottingham Comedy Festival.

Nottingham's nightlife scene is as vibrant as its cultural offering, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from in distinct neighbourhoods catering to all manner of tastes. The city also offers a treasure trove of museums, galleries, and theatres for those seeking cultural pursuits. Hockley, with its bohemian vibe and independent scene, is a popular spot for students to enjoy nightlife, while the historic Lace Market offers a range of cultural activities.

Glasgow

Glasgow, the UK's third largest city, attracts students from all over the world. Its three universities - the University of Glasgow, Strathclyde University, and Glasgow Caledonian University - welcome over 185,000 students annually. The city also houses several specialist institutions, such as the Glasgow School of Art and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Glasgow's vibrant student scene comes alive throughout the year with festivals and events like Riverside and the TRNSMT music festivals, while iconic haunts like Ashton Lane, Sauchiehall Street, and the Merchant City are always buzzing with energy.

Sports fans can catch a game at Celtic Park or Ibrox Stadium, home to the legendary Celtic and Rangers football clubs.

Glasgow boasts beautiful natural surroundings. The central Kelvingrove Park features gardens, a picturesque lake, and a captivating museum, or you could take a day trip to nearby Loch Lomond.

The cultural landscape features gems like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Glasgow Science Centre, and the iconic Theatre Royal.

Glasgow is the most affordable student city in Scotland, ranking 4th on the Student Living Index 2024. Its excellent transport links, including a subway system, buses, and trains, make it easy to explore all the city has to offer.

Find out more

• Get some advice on comparing UK universities.
• Explore the best places to study abroad.
• Learn about university open days and how to choose the right degree.
• Read our guidance on student loans and finance.