Top University Cities in the UK – Best Places for Students

Top University Cities in the UK

The city you choose to study in plays a big role in your university experience. Here are the top university cities in the UK, ranked by Uni Compare.

Top University Cities in the UK – Best Places for Students

The city you choose to study in plays a big role in your university experience. Here are the top university cities in the UK, ranked by Uni Compare.

🌍 Discover the Best University Cities in the UK for Students

Many international and domestic students choose to study in the UK not only for its world-renowned universities, but also for the unique lifestyle and cultural experiences that come with living there.

Your choice of city can significantly shape your overall university journey—academically, socially, and financially. Whether you prefer the buzz of a big city, the charm of a coastal town, or the calm of a suburban area, the UK offers a wide range of student-friendly locations to suit every personality and ambition.

To help students make an informed decision, Uni Compare analyzed university cities across the UK based on several key factors: cost of living (30%), safety (30%), university quality (20%), and public transport (20%). These criteria were used to calculate a comprehensive Student City Score, revealing which cities offer the best all-around student experience.

Newcastle upon Tyne topped the list with an impressive Student City Score of 70.37, thanks to high marks in university quality and public transport. Notable institutions in the area include Newcastle University and Northumbria University.

Rounding out the top five university cities in the UK are Edinburgh, Belfast, Cambridge, and Manchester—each offering a vibrant student life, excellent education, and unique cultural appeal.

Top University City rank	City	Student City Score
1	Newcastle upon Tyne	70.37
2	Edinburgh	69.31
3	Belfast	66.94
4	Cambridge	63.88
5	Manchester	63.52
6	Leeds	62.17
7	Liverpool	61.41
8	Glasgow	60.18
9	Brighton	58.78
10	Sheffield	58.72

🎓 Belfast: The Most Affordable Student City in the UK

When it comes to value for money, Belfast ranks as the most affordable student city in the UK, earning a cost of living score of 57.60. This means students in Belfast benefit from lower rents, affordable groceries, and reasonably priced dining options—making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious students.

In addition to its affordability, Belfast secured the third spot overall in the top university cities ranking. The city is home to respected institutions like Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, offering a high-quality education in a cost-effective environment.

Most Affordable City rank	City	Cost of living score
1	Belfast	57.60
2	Sheffield	59.20
3	Birmingham	60.20
4	Liverpool	60.80
5	Newcastle upon Tyne	62.20

🗣 Expert Insight: What Makes a City the Best for Students?

Owen O’Neill, founder of Uni Compare, shared his thoughts on the research findings:

“Our research highlights that the ‘best’ student city in the UK really depends on individual priorities. If you’re looking for affordable living, cities like Belfast and Sheffield offer great value. For those who prioritize academic excellence, Edinburgh and Cambridge stand out. But for students seeking the best overall experience—a perfect blend of affordability, safety, academic quality, and accessible public transport—Newcastle currently leads the way.”