Studying abroad is not only to obtain higher qualifications but also to broaden one’s horizons and ways of understanding the world. A city’s traffic, business and cultural attributes have a bearing on future employment and development, and a safe and well-resourced city can make studying abroad twice as effective. Studying in the UK, many students who are just beginning to understand only know London, but there are many quality options. Oh. Today, we will take a look at the UK study cities; which one is the most suitable for you?
5 Cities for Studying in the UK
Manchester
Manchester is the second largest city in the UK and one of the first industrialised cities in the world. It is ranked 30th in the world regarding cities to study in. Manchester has a diverse culture and a cityscape that has seen many changes and offers a relatively large number of job opportunities for international students. Manchester is located in the north-west of England and has an extremely well-developed transport system. Manchester’s international airport is the second largest in the UK after London Heathrow. The city centre is served by two major railway stations, Piccadilly and Victoria.
Like all countries in the world, the capital city of London is too busy, other towns are too comfortable, and Manchester is in the middle of it all; everything is just right. Although Manchester is the second largest city in the UK, the cost of studying in the city is much lower than in London. Manchester is in the middle of the list for student accommodation costs. Manchester student homes average monthly rents of £400 and £600, which is a very attractive price for students!
Preston
Preston is also high on the list of best cities to study in the UK. With beautiful scenery and a rich history, Preston is now the third largest city in the North West of England after gaining city status in 2002. Situated on the west coastline, Preston is an essential hub on the west coast, close to the metropolis of Manchester and the beautiful Lake District, and just 20 minutes from Blackpool, one of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts. Preston has strong links with the whole of the North West.
Preston is an excellent place for students. Plenty of shops around the campus and areas where students can relax over a drink or have a meal with friends. In addition to this, the nightlife is excellent, and Preston has many pubs and clubs to suit everyone’s interests and musical preferences. In addition, Preston has been continuously awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation, making it the only city in Lancashire to have achieved this designation, the ‘gold standard’ for safety at night. Preston is one of the ten cheapest cities in the UK for student accommodation, ranking sixth in the UK, with Preston accommodation having an average cost of £112 per week.
London

London tops the UK’s cities for studying and global rankings, so it’s fair to say that it deserves it. As the capital of the United Kingdom, London is the UK’s political, economic, cultural and financial centre. It has a unique geographical location and a rich historical and cultural heritage. At the same time, London has top educational resources. Many world-famous universities, such as University College London (UCL), Imperial College of Science and Technology, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), are located in London.
In addition, London is located in the south-east of England, spanning both sides of the Lower Thames. The transport network is extremely well developed, with airports like Heathrow and Gatwick. The London Underground is the city’s primary mode of transport. Since its establishment in 1863, it has become the world’s oldest and most extensive underground system. London has a busy, historic railway network with railway stations such as King’s Cross and Victoria.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city in the United Kingdom, an important birthplace of Scottish history and culture, and a city entire of art. Ranked second in the United Kingdom and 16th in the world, Edinburgh is situated on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth in the central lowlands of Scotland. Edinburgh is also easily accessible by public transport, with Edinburgh Airport being the largest airport in the Scottish region. Waverley Railway Station is the terminus of most trains from King’s Cross and the origin of most First ScotRail trains.
Edinburgh’s mountainous backdrop makes it windy all year round, so bring a windbreaker if you’re going to the city! The average annual rainfall is steady and lower than other cities in the west. Temperatures are low for a UK city, averaging around 20 degrees in the summer and dropping below 0°C in the coldest part of the winter. Overall, Edinburgh is a great city place for students to study.
Liverpool
Liverpool, a city known for its unique culture and enterprising spirit, ranks as one of the UK’s most famous student destinations. Located in the North West of England, Liverpool attracts more than 60,000 students from the UK and abroad for its quality education, affordable living and continued growth. Liverpool is best known for its iconic bands, The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club. Still, the city is also known for its diverse student community, making every student feel at home here. Liverpool’s open-mindedness and inclusivity provide students with a rich and varied learning experience.
If you choose to study and live in Liverpool, one thing is for sure: you’ll never be bored. The city, named ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2008, has a wide range of shops, music venues, museums, exhibitions, sports stadiums, bars, restaurants, cinemas and many attractions and festivals to make your evenings or after-school life colourful. Liverpool is one of the more cost-effective cities for students to live in, with accommodation costing between £80 and £305 per week.
What Factors Influence Study Abroad City Rankings
University Rankings: This indicator reflects how well a city’s universities perform in the QS World University Rankings. This means that universities in this city are highly rated regarding education quality, research level, and international reputation. Choosing a city in a top-ranked university for international students can lead to better educational resources and academic atmosphere.
Student composition: This indicator offers a glimpse into a city’s student community, both from a local and international perspective. Cities with a higher percentage of students are likely to offer enhanced student facilities and services. However, what truly excites is the prospect of a vibrant international environment, which is fostered by cities with a significant number of international students. This promises rich opportunities for cultural exchange, a key aspect of studying abroad that can be truly enriching.
Agreeableness: This indicator is a comprehensive measure of a city’s agreeableness, encompassing safety, opportunities, and attractiveness. Safety is a paramount concern for international students and parents when choosing a city to study. Therefore, this indicator serves as a reassuring tool, providing a clear picture of a city’s safety standards, in addition to its study environment and employment opportunities, instilling a sense of security in the decision-making process.
Employer activity: This indicator is based on QS’s Global Employer Survey, which aims to show which cities are most popular with graduate employers. Choosing a city with a good reputation in the eyes of employers improves the likelihood of employment opportunities and career progression.
Affordability: This indicator reflects affordability, considering factors such as tuition fees and the cost of living. Choosing a city with high affordability can reduce financial stress and give international students and their parents more peace of mind.
Student Perspectives: This indicator is based on a global student survey that reflects students’ views and experiences of cities where they study abroad. Understanding other students’ perspectives, you can better understand a city’s strengths and weaknesses and make a more informed decision.