The UK is an extremely popular destination for international students.
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) report in 2023/24, international students made up 14% of all higher education enrolments in the UK.
Why is the UK so popular for international study?
From being home to some of the best universities globally and holding a powerful reputation for career opportunities, the UK also possesses a rich culture, fascinating history and stunning landscapes that make it an ideal location for study.
As a result of the UK’s worldwide appeal, the country benefits from numerous diverse communities.
Its institutions are well-equipped to support international students and provide tailored services, from both academic support to housing.
The concept might seem daunting, but it’s a common rental requirement and a pretty straightforward process once you understand it.
How do you choose a student city in the UK?
Despite its small size, the UK is home to a variety of unique cities, each with their own quirks, benefits and drawbacks. Choosing a student city can be overwhelming.
Ultimately, deciding on the best place to study will depend on your university choices, lifestyle preferences and budget.
Let’s explore Housing Hand’s top 5 places to study in the UK as an international student:
London
The UK capital is the most popular choice for international students, and is known as a global centre for academic excellence.
It is home to some of the country’s most prestigious universities; including King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, University College London and London School of Economics.
London is steeped in vibrant culture and rich history, whilst boasting a diverse international community. It’s an ideal choice for students who enjoy exciting experiences, sightseeing and immersing themselves in the arts.
The city’s reputation as a global hub for business also presents students with numerous career opportunities, including placements, internships and networking with professionals in their industry.
Drawbacks of London
London has the highest cost of living of any city in the UK, especially for students requiring accommodation for Central London-based campuses, such as UCL.
As a result of its staggering population, London also experiences high levels of air and noise pollution, as well as frequent overcrowding on busy public transport links.
Despite its numerous benefits and opportunities for finding a community, the scale of London can sometimes result in social isolation.
Oxford
According to Times Higher Education, Oxford University has been named the best university in the world for nine consecutive years.
This prestigious school is the oldest in the UK and is famous for its world-class facilities and jaw-dropping alumni.
Admissions to Oxford University are unsurprisingly competitive, with over 20,000 students applying annually for less than 3,000 available spots.
Oxford itself is a culturally rich and beautiful city. Despite being well-connected to London, Oxford retains its quaint, “small-town” feel; ideal for international students who prefer to keep the hustle and bustle at arms length.
Drawbacks of Oxford
Due to Oxford’s proximity to the capital and widespread popularity, it’s one of the most expensive places to live in the UK. International students opting for this city should expect their largest expense to be accommodation.
It’s reported that the reputation of Oxford University can sometimes cause students to feel an intense academic pressure, which can be draining.
Plus, for students that value a rich nightlife culture, Oxford unfortunately underdelivers in this area.
Birmingham
Heading over to the West Midlands of England, Birmingham is another popular choice for international students.
Birmingham University is a member of the Russell Group universities, recognised for its academic excellence and research-intensive programmes.
With the familiar bustle of the big city mixed with a diverse multicultural community, Birmingham benefits from the same vibrancy as London – without the price tag.
Student accommodation in this city is considered extremely affordable, helping students to budget and manage their finances.
Drawbacks of Birmingham
Despite the fact Birmingham offers cheaper housing, this can also create fierce competition from other students. Students are advised to plan their accommodation well in advance.
In comparison to fairytale cities like Oxford or Edinburgh, Birmingham has a much more industrial aesthetic.
If you’re looking for a traditional British countryside campus, Birmingham may not be for you.
Leeds
Leeds was voted the “best UK student city” in 2024 by StudentCrowd, a verified student review site. Its affordability, diversity and exciting cultural scene make it a compelling choice for international students.
University of Leeds, another Russell Group member, is one of the UK’s largest universities, boasting over 38,000 students from 170 countries.
According to another survey by Student Crowd, the University of Leeds was voted third in “best student union”, which benefits from over 300 clubs and societies, including cultural and international groups.
A huge benefit of Leeds, amongst other cities in the North of England, is a much lower cost of living.
With accommodation, transport and general expenses being far cheaper than Southern alternatives, students are better able to manage their budgets.
Drawbacks of Leeds
Despite being a large city, Leeds doesn’t benefit from an underground or tram system. Students using public transport rely solely on buses, which can sometimes be unpredictable.
Unfortunately, Leeds is not famous for its sunny climate.
Students, particularly from warmer climates, opting to study in Leeds should be warned that the weather is one of Northern England’s biggest downfalls.
Edinburgh
Finally, our fifth best student city in the UK is Edinburgh; the capital city of Scotland.
Edinburgh is famous for the scenery, culture and history of its beloved ‘Old Town’ and ‘New Town’, both of which together qualify the city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The University of Edinburgh has a strong academic reputation and consistently ranks globally as a top university; recent graduates are highly sought after within various industries as a result.
Drawbacks of Edinburgh
The Scottish winters are infamously cold and damp, so students hailing from warmer climates may find it difficult to adjust.
Edinburgh qualifies as one of the most expensive cities in the UK, so the cost of living isn’t very student-friendly.
Finally, owing to the city’s hilly terrain, students with limited mobility may find it difficult to get around.
Key takeaways
When it comes to the best student city in the UK, it primarily depends on your study choice, lifestyle preferences and budget.
Every city has its pros and cons, the best city for you will depend on your specific needs.
Regardless of your choice, the UK is a great choice for international students. It has a wonderful infrastructure in place to make your move as smooth as possible, and to get the most out of your higher education.
