The city where you choose to study can shape your entire university experience. According to Uni Compare, these are the UK’s top university cities.
Many students pick the UK for its world-class universities, but also for the lifestyle and unique experience of living there.
Your choice of location in the UK can really influence your time as a student, so it’s key to find a place that matches your goals. Whether you prefer a bustling city, a coastal spot, or a quieter suburban town, the UK has something for everyone.
To help you decide, Uni Compare evaluated UK university cities based on several factors: cost of living (30%), safety (30%), university quality (20%), and public transport (20%). These were combined into a “Student City Score” to determine which cities offer the best overall student experience.
Newcastle upon Tyne took first place with a Student City Score of 70.37, excelling in university quality and public transport. The city is home to Newcastle University and Northumbria University, among others.
Rounding out the top five are Edinburgh, Belfast, Cambridge, and Manchester.
Top University City Rankings
| 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 |
When it comes to affordability, Belfast came out on top with a cost-of-living score of 57.60—meaning students can enjoy lower rent, grocery costs, and reasonably priced dining. Belfast also ranked third overall. Key universities here include Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.
Most Affordable Cities
| 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 |
Owen O’Neill, founder of Uni Compare, shared: “Our research shows that the ‘best’ student city really depends on your priorities. If budget is your main concern, Belfast or Sheffield could be ideal. For academic prestige, Edinburgh and Cambridge score highly. But if you want the best all-around mix of affordability, safety, top-tier education, and easy transport, Newcastle currently leads the way.”