If you’re wondering about choosing a country that will suit your career goals, there are plenty of universities across the world. It’s even hard for us to point out the best one because there are plenty of education institutes that offer a list of remarkable study programs. However, your first goal is to select the country that you would most likely be comfortable to settle in for a while.
There are amazing universities with global education standards in the UK. In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the cities you should explore to understand whether that’s the place you want to stay and study.
The UK has a great many universities, welcoming international students to achieve their academic goals. Let’s take you through some of the top most cities housing universities that provide excellent education infrastructure, quality research facilities, distinguished teaching methodologies, and a rich heritage with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Popular cities where international students can enrol in the UK
There are several factors that can define where you can study in the UK, but knowing a little bit about these cities can help you make a better decision. We also have a list of leading universities in the UK that offer undergraduate to postgraduate programs. You might want to take a look at them once you go through these cities below.
-
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is every nature lover’s choice of study destination with miles of nearby coastline and countryside to discover. While it’s not as affordable a study destination for many international students, Aberdeen has received the highest score of the UK’s entrants when it comes to affordability. Staying in this city involves incurring lower living costs for rent compared to larger cities.
-
Birmingham
Birmingham is the UK’s second-largest city and it is one of the most exciting cities to stay in while you study. Staying here lets you visit some amazing restaurants, explore the history of the city, experience varied forms of entertainment, and enjoy shopping and distinguished cultural habits. The city is popularly known for its industrial heritage and has larger canals compared to Venice. Birmingham hosts the largest Christmas market, celebrating more than 50 festivals every year, including the famous Birmingham Comedy Festival.
-
Nottingham
Nottingham is a remarkably vibrant city and is considered one of the Best Student Cities in the UK. Nottingham is greatly admired and referred to as the ‘Queen of the Midlands’, known for its connection to the Robin Hood legend. International students love this city for its nightlife, friendliness, ward-winning public transport system, diversity, and much more. As per several students, the city is described as a thriving and fun city lifestyle.
-
Brighton
Consisting of some of the UK’s most popular seaside resorts, Brighton is known for its sunnier weather compared to other parts of the country. The city is the UK’s unofficial LGBTQ capital. It is full of friendly, unconventional creatives and free spirits. Like Nottingham, Brighton is also a vibrant, inclusive city with a large student population that comprises more than 11 percent of the population.
-
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne or Newcastle is located north of Tyne and Wear. Newcastle was described as the ‘glory of all the towns in this country’ in the year 1609. In 1633, it was considered a city beyond compare as the fairest and richest town in England. It was renowned for its mineral wealth. Newcastle has had many identities ever since; for two centuries, it fuelled the industrial revolution and made Britain the workshop of the world. It is considered the most populous city in the northeast and is also home to some of the most excellent universities, such as Durham University.
-
London
London is considered one of the most popular cities, attracting a large pool of international students. This city also ranks second among other cities for employer activity. London is a city known for its diversity of varied activities and for meeting new people. The living costs here are high, while there are few things available at affordable rates. The education institutes here are remarkably outstanding with excellent amenities, offering international students promising career opportunities.
-
Coventry
Coventry is a city in central England consisting of a sizable population of students with more than 40 percent of students from the outside of the UK. It is a diverse place for studying as you get to meet people of different origins. Coventry is culturally rich, having won the title of UK City of Culture 2021 in December 2017. The city presents excellent venues, such as the Warwick Art Centre at the University of Warwick. It is the largest arts centre in the UK after London’s Barbican.
-
Manchester
Manchester is a city, both large and small. It can accommodate plenty of experiences for you to see and explore. The city also gives a sense of inclusiveness and unity among everyone. Music plays a significant part in its culture, with popular bands formed here, such as Joy Division, Oasis, The Smiths and Buzzcocks. This multicultural city welcomes anyone and everyone who wishes to stay here to pursue their dreams. Manchester has one of the largest student populations in Europe.
-
Edinburgh
The Scottish capital Edinburgh is known for its fascinating historical and cultural attractions. Events like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival tend to double the city’s population in August every year. Several students have admitted the affordability enjoyed in the city, including its nightlife, employment opportunities, arts and culture, and more. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and setting, not to mention the friendly and accepting people.
-
Glasgow
Glasgow has a fairly large and mixed student population. The city is home to two universities ranked in the top 300 of the World University Rankings: the University of Glasgow, ranked at 65th, and the University of Strathclyde, ranked at joint 277th, with the former dating back to the 15th century. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and is famous for its rich history, distinct contemporary culture and the friendliness of the locals.
Study in the UK for a bright future
If you can pick a city among the ones listed above based on your preferences, you can begin researching the universities too. You can browse through the university websites and check their course tuition fee. The cost of studying will depend on the university you select. The duration of the course you choose to study in the UK matters too as it would define your living, travel and accommodation expenses.
We also suggest that you join free online groups, including alumni university social media groups that discuss life in the UK for international students. You might get a clearer picture of what to expect. These groups also allow you to ask your doubts and find out more about accommodation or the campus life at universities, and more.
If you are challenged with getting into a university due to lack of financial backup or support, there are several scholarship programs. You can consult our UK immigration consultants to assist you with the requirements and document submissions in this process. You can also visit our UK scholarship and fee section if you want more details.