As almost everyone will tell you, the university years are likely to be the best of your life. But as it stands, student living is almost always a consistent financial burden, and it can feel like deciding to go to university is the same as deciding to place your neck at the mercy of a mechanical, monetary axe.

Luckily, there are always decisions you can take to relieve yourself of some of that burden if you’re (rightly) not willing to completely pull the plug on your bank account – the first of these is choosing the city you want to study in. If you’re thinking about going to uni, or even if you’re already at uni and just want to put your mind at ease, here’s a list of the ten cheapest cities in the UK for students to live in.

We used help from Uniadmissions, who combine data from Numbeo, Natwest’s Student Living Index, and more to curate their list of the cheapest cities in the UK for students in 2026.

Make sure you also check out the most expensive cities for students too!

The 10 cheapest students cities in 2026

1. Belfast (£1,122 per month)
2. Newcastle Upon Tyne (£1,131 per month)
3. Sheffield (£1,146 per month)
4. Nottingham (£1,175 per month)
5. Liverpool (£1,208 per month)
6. Leeds (£1,213 per month)
7. Warwick (£1,234 per month)
8. Milton Keynes (£1,253 per month)
9. Birmingham (£1,259 per month)
10. Southampton (£1,273 per month)

10th. Southampton (£1,273 per month)

Southampton sneaks onto the list as one of the more affordable cities on the south coast — which is no small achievement. Rent is generally cheaper than nearby cities like Portsmouth or Brighton, especially if you’re willing to live slightly outside the centre. Nights out won’t completely destroy your budget, and the city has a decent mix of bars, clubs and waterfront spots. It’s not the cheapest overall, but for a coastal city, it’s surprisingly manageable.

9th. Birmingham (£1,259 per month)

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham offers great value for students. Rent is far lower than London, public transport is decent, and food spots are both plentiful and affordable. Nights out range from cheap student pubs to big clubs, so you can tailor your spending to your mood (and overdraft). Big city energy, without big city prices.

8th. Milton Keynes (£1,253 per month)

Milton Keynes might not scream “student city” at first, but it’s quietly affordable. Rent is reasonable, especially in shared housing, and transport links are excellent — which is handy if you want to pop into London without paying London rent. It’s not known for wild nightlife, but if you’re after a calmer, cheaper student life, it gets the job done.

7th. Warwick (£1,234 per month)

Studying near Warwick (or Coventry) gives you the best of both worlds: lower living costs and a strong student community. Rent is fairly affordable, particularly in shared houses, and campus life means you’re not constantly spending money going out. It’s quieter than big cities, but that also means fewer impulse purchases and nights that “accidentally” cost £60.

6th. Leeds (£1,213 per month)

Leeds is one of the best-value student cities in the UK. Rent is relatively cheap for a major city, food is affordable, and student discounts are everywhere. Nights out are legendary — and thankfully still cheaper than southern cities. You get a buzzing student scene without feeling like every pint is draining your loan.

5th. Liverpool (£1,208 per month)

Liverpool is famously student-friendly, and your bank balance will appreciate it. Rent is affordable, public transport is cheap, and nights out are some of the best (and best value) in the country. With loads of culture, music and sport on your doorstep, Liverpool proves you don’t need to be broke to have a great uni experience.

4th. Nottingham (£1,175 per month)

Nottingham consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities for students. Rent is reasonable, especially in popular student areas, and nights out won’t leave you regretting your life choices the next morning. Add in good transport, plenty of green space, and a strong student community, and it’s easy to see why Nottingham is a favourite.

3rd. Sheffield (£1,146 per month)

Sheffield is a dream for budget-conscious students. Rent is low, food is cheap, and there’s a strong sense of community thanks to its large student population. Nights out are fun without being extortionate, and you’re right on the edge of the Peak District if you need free entertainment. Affordable and scenic? Yes please.

2nd. Newcastle upon Tyne (£1,131 per month)

Newcastle is famous for two things: incredible nightlife and surprisingly low living costs. Rent is cheap compared to most UK cities, and going out doesn’t feel like a financial mistake every time. The city centre is compact, transport is affordable, and students are everywhere — which keeps prices competitive. It’s hard to beat for value.

1st. Belfast (£1,122 per month)

Taking the crown as the cheapest student city in the UK for 2026 is Belfast. Rent is noticeably lower than most UK cities, food and drink are affordable, and transport costs are reasonable. The city has a growing student scene, plenty of nightlife, and stunning scenery nearby — all without destroying your budget. If you want maximum student life for minimum spend, Belfast is hard to top.