We Found The Most Fun UK Student Cities!

University life is full of meeting new people, experiencing new things, gaining independence, and, of course, a lot of learning. Most people focus on the university itself when choosing places to apply to, but what about the actual cities they're located in? Which is the best student city, whether you're an avid partygoer or you just prefer hanging out with a few close friends? To help you answer that, Millie has spotlighted a few of the best student cities in the UK that WON'T break the bank!

Student city #1 - Edinburgh

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, a country rich in vivid history and dramatic landscapes. We've rated it as the best student city due to its numerous attractions, buzzing nightlife, friendly locals, and an overall great atmosphere that's perfect for university students to thrive in. It's home to the famous Edinburgh Castle and the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a delightful cultural event guaranteed to make your university experience unforgettable! Let's delve into one of its universities in greater detail:

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh was founded in 1583. It boasts over 33,600 students, with just under 40% being international. Edinburgh ranks 16th in the world according to Top Universities and 12th in the UK according to the Complete University Guide, making it a competitive and popular choice globally. An added bonus: it’s only a 10-minute walk from the iconic Edinburgh Castle! Here are some of the university's top-ranked majors:

Veterinary Medicine - Ranked #2

• IB: 38 points with 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including a 6s in Chemistry and Biology and 5s in Standard Level Physics and English
• A-Levels: AAA including Chemistry and Biology
• AP: 4, 4, 4 or above including Chemistry, Biology and Maths/Physics

English Language and Literature - Ranked #9

• IB: 37 points with 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including English Language and/or Literature
• A-Levels: AAA to ABB including English Literature
• AP: 4, 4, 4, or above including English Literature

Social Policy - Ranked #10

• IB: 36 points with 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level including a 5 in English
• A-Levels: AAB to ABB
• AP: 4, 4, 4, or above

Did you know…

1. The University of Edinburgh's "The Student" is the oldest student newspaper in the UK, dating back to 1887?
2. The city of Edinburgh was voted as the best place for young people to travel in the UK by the British Youth Travel Awards?
3. Some of the university’s distinguished alumni include Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Darwin, Alexander Graham Bell, and J.K. Rowling?

Now onto our second-best ranked student city, Manchester!

Student city #2 - Manchester

Manchester is a large city located in Northern England, boasting fantastic architecture, great restaurants, and a thriving nightlife, making it one of the best student cities in the UK! It has a rich industrial heritage, making it a treasure trove for history lovers. There’s so much to do in this incredible city — you’ll never be bored! It’s also home to one of the UK’s top universities: the University of Manchester.

“There’s so much to do in this incredible city - you’ll never be bored!”

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester was founded relatively recently in 2004 and boasts over 40,000 students, with 25% of them being international. It ranks 13th in the UK according to the Complete University Guide and 27th worldwide according to Top Universities, making it a competitive and rigorous place to study. Here are some of its top-ranked majors:

Adult Nursing - Ranked #4

• IB: 30 points overall with 5, 5, 5 at Higher Level including Biology, Chemistry or Psychology
• A-Levels: BBC including one subject from Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Sociology, Health and Social Care or Applied Science
• AP: 4, 4, 4 including Biology, Chemistry or Psychology

Development Studies - Ranked #17

• IB: 35 points overall with 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level with a 5 in Maths (Standard or Higher Level) and minimum a 4 in English A
• A-Levels: AAB including one subject from Accounting, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Philosophy, Politics orPsychology
• AP: 5, 5, 4 including Calculus and English

Pharmacology - Ranked #10

• IB: 33-36 points overall with 6, 5, 5-6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including two science subjects (usually Biology and Chemistry)
• A-Levels: AAA-ABB including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths
• AP: 5, 5, 4 including two of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths

Did you know…

1. The university has had 25 graduates, postgraduates, and professors who have become Nobel laureates?
2. Manchester is considered one of the largest universities in the UK?
3. Some of Manchester’s notable alumni include musician Phil Collins, comedian Meera Syal, and former Irish president Michael D. Higgins?

Next on our spotlight is another Scottish city: Glasgow!

Student city #3 - Glasgow

Glasgow is a city in the Western Lowlands of Scotland. It's home to two renowned universities: the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. This gives it a substantial student population, making it an ideal location for a fun and affordable student life. The city is renowned for its architecture, reminiscent of the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras, as well as its numerous cultural hubs, including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, and National Theatre of Scotland. Let's delve into more detail about its most famous university.

The University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow was founded in 1451 and ranks 16th in the UK according to the Complete University Guide and 73rd in the world according to Top Universities. It is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world! The university is home to over 26,600 students from more than 140 countries.

“Glasgow University is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world!”

Here are some of Glasgow’s top ranked majors.

Accounting and Finance - Ranked #4

• IB: 38 points (6, 6, 6 at Higher Level) to 32 points (6, 5, 5 at Higher Level) including Higher Level Maths and a 5 in Standard Level English
• A-Levels: AAA to ABB including Maths
• AP: 4, 4, 4 in relevant subjects

Dentistry - Ranked #1

• IB: 36 points with 6, 6, 6 at Higher Level including Chemistry, Biology and Maths/Physics
• A-Levels: AAA including Chemistry and Biology
• AP: 4, 4, 4 in relevant subjects

Theatre Studies - Ranked #4

• IB: 38 points (6, 6, 6 at Higher Level) to 32 points (6, 5, 5 at Higher Level) including Higher Level English and a Humanities subject
• A-Levels: AAB to BBB including a Humanities Subject
• AP: 4, 4, 4 in relevant subjects

Did you know…

1. The "Father of Economics," Adam Smith, studied at the University of Glasgow when he was just 14 years old?
2. The first international football game was held in Glasgow in 1872?
3. Glasgow graduates, Frank and Harold Barnwell, helped the Allies win both World Wars by building fighter planes to match those used by German pilots?

Find out more about studying in Scotland here with Millie’s Spotlight on Scottish Universities.

And now onto the next city in our list, this time back in England!

Student city #4 - Nottingham

Nottingham is a city in central England, rich in history and boasting architecture from the medieval and Elizabethan eras. The city is abuzz with students who have revitalized its clubbing and nightlife, making it a vibrant and lively place to be. It hosts both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, infusing it with a vibrant student atmosphere. Let's delve deeper into one of its universities.

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham was founded in 1881 and houses over 44,500 students, with 9,000 of them being international. It ranks 24th in the UK according to the Complete University Guide and 103rd worldwide according to Top Universities. The university offers courses ranging from Aerospace Engineering to Zoology. Here are some of its top-ranked majors.

Pharmacology - Ranked #8

• IB: 34 points overall with 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level including Chemistry and another science
• A-Levels: AAB including Chemistry and Biology
• AP: Scores ranging from 4, 4, 4 to 5, 5, 5

Civil Engineering - Ranked #19

• IB: 34 points overall with a 6 at Higher Level Maths (or 7 at Standard Level) and a 5 in a second science Higher Level (preferably Physics)
• A-Levels: AAB with Maths and a Science
• AP: Scores ranging from 4, 4, 4 to 5, 5, 5

Economics - Ranked #15

• IB: 38 points overall
• A-Levels: A*AA or A*ABB including Maths
• AP: Scores ranging from 4, 4, 4 to 5, 5, 5

Did you know…

1. Nottingham is the legendary home of Robin Hood, the heroic outlaw from English folktales?
2. The city’s Wollaton Hall was featured as “Wayne Manor” in the Hollywood hit Batman film, "The Dark Knight Rises"?
3. The university’s Student Union hosted the very first gig by Paul McCartney and Wings in 1972?

And to finish up this UK city spotlight, last up on our list is Coventry!

Student city #5 - Coventry

Coventry is a city in central England and is perhaps one of the lesser-known student cities. It boasts the medieval-style Coventry Cathedral, as well as Coventry University and the University of Warwick. These two universities imbue Coventry with a vibrant student experience, complete with lively social areas and nightlife, while remaining affordable for student budgets. Here’s more about Coventry University:

The University of Coventry

Coventry University was founded in 1992 and ranks 52nd in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 601st in the world (Top Universities). It boasts over 38,000 students, of which 13,000 are international. This diverse student body ensures a vibrant university atmosphere, drawing individuals from all over the world. Many students from both Warwick and Coventry Universities mingle in Coventry during Freshers Week!

“Many Warwick and Coventry University students meet in Coventry during Freshers Week”

Here are some of its top ranked majors.

Food Science - Ranked #12

• IB: 30 points overall including a 5 in Higher Level Chemistry and Biology
• A-Levels: BBC including Biology and Chemistry
• AP: 2 APs with a minimum score of 3.0

Product Design - Ranked #29

• IB: 29 points overall including Higher Level Visual Arts or Design Technology
• A-Levels: BBC including Art or Design
• AP: 2 APs with a minimum score of 3.0

Sports and Exercise Therapy - Ranked #23

• IB: 30 points overall including a 5 in Higher Level Biology
• A-Levels: BBC including Biology or PE
• AP: 2 APs with a minimum score of 3.0

Did you know…

1. Legend has it that St. George, the legendary dragon slayer and Patron Saint of England, was born in Coventry?
2. Coventry University is ranked #1 in the UK for student satisfaction?

So that’s all of the best student cities in the UK that are fun and affordable!

Now keep in mind that this list isn’t definitive; you’ll have a great time at whatever university you attend because of the people you meet and the memories you make! Remember, sign yourself up for a free consultation to plan your next steps at university!