Choosing a university at the best of times can be stressful, especially as there is so many cities to choose from and a lot to take into consideration. Which uni has the best library facilities, will the course be right for you? Well, lets be honest the most important thing to consider is the nightlife and how close your uni is to it..
University open days may help you to answer the questions you have brewing up but it also gives them a chance to prepare and show you the best version of themselves. For a more realistic view, QS have realised a league table showing the best student cities in 2025. This report analysis the top 500 cities in the world and creates a lost of the top 100 best cities for students.
The assessment is based on six factors: university rankings, desirability including the safety of the area, percentage of international students, employment of graduate students, affordability and student satisfaction.
After taking all these factors into consideration, these are the top 10 student cities in the UK that rank among the 100 best student cities in the world.
Top 10 student cities in the UK
- Leeds
- Nottingham
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Coventry
- Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Glasgow
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
- London
Read more about each city and their rankings below.
10. Leeds
Leeds is a new entry to the top UK student cities, ranked by QS. But, it’s earned its place. It’s home to unis like the University of Leeds, and Leeds Beckett University, and is one of those cities that’s compact but offers everything (maybe apart from good weather).
The city came in 53rd place overall, which is pretty good, and beat other UK cities like Liverpool and Belfast. The highest-ranking factor that bolstered Leeds’ place in the table was student views of the city, which is arguably one of the most important considerations for future students – the experience.
We love…
Leeds is a fun place to be, particularly if you’re into scary stuff. There are tons of haunted places – make sure you check out our fave spooky sites like Armley Mills and Kirkstall Abbey.
9. Nottingham
Nottingham is ranked 51st for the best city for students in the world… but it’s also known for the Robin Hood Legend. It is home to two incredible unis Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham.
The city is loved by students, with over 60,000 students choosing to study in the city. The nights out are amazing, with the city being small enough for you to definitely bump into multiple people you’ll know. The city is great for offering out free events, supplying some of the best hidden bars in the UK and having some of the best activities for date night. It’s also known for the fierce competition between universities and we actually settled this through the article Nottingham Uni v Nottingham Trent: Who is ACTUALLY better?
We love…
We love an Ocean night out Wednesdays for Trent Students and Monday for Uni of. For a little higher end night out head to COCO Tang where they’ll serve you the most delicious cocktails!
8. Birmingham
The city that brought us Peaky Blinders and UK’s second largest city, it’s no surprise Birmingham has a lot to offer. Take a casual boat trip down the canal in the summer (close your eyes and you might just think your in Venice) or take a trip to Digbeth which is famously referenced as the ‘new Shoreditch’ or check out these hidden bars in the city. You will find that most clubs and bars are in one place on Broad Street which means transport links are really good for students. Most students you talk to will hype Birmingham for the best night out in the UK and our 25 hardest partying uni rankings also confirms this.
According to QS it is the 48th best city for students in the World and ranked in the top 50 in the university rankings. The city is home to Aston University and the University of Birmingham. It hasn’t been voted the cheapest place to study but with all the city offers, it’s well worth the money.
We love…
Of course we are going to recommend the peaky speakeasy which is a secret hidden bar behind a bookcase in a peaky blinders pub. You can’t not go here, especially as Peaky Blinders was invented in your city! For clubbing head to Broad Street with Pryzm and Pop World particularly popular among students.
7. Bristol
The UK harbour city has two reputable unis; Bristol University and University of the West of England. There are lots of things in the city geared towards students, such as neighbourhoods full of cafes, bars and clubs (Clifton and Gloucester are the most studenty). It’s also just a nice city generally, with lots of architecture, art and the sea.
It ranks so highly in the QS rankings thanks to student satisfaction and opinions, and its diverse mix of students. So if you’re looking for a coastal city to study at, Bristol seems to prove a popular one among current students.
We love…
Bristol has a great choice when it comes to bottomless brunches! There’s a place called Steam, which is a beer hall that also serves up cocktails at its bottomless brunch you need to try. It’s also got great student bars like The Brass Pig and many others.
6. Coventry
Coventry didn’t do so well in our ranked hardest partying unis in the UK coming in at 20th but the city does have a lot to offer. They have numerous escape rooms, comedy gigs and lots and lots of pubs. They came in 2nd out of 29 cities for selling the cheapest pint.
Coventry is home to Coventry University and the University of Warwick which explains the huge student community feel. Coventry were ranked 43rd in the world overall. This is mainly because it’s extremely diverse, scoring 99.4 for student mix, one of the criteria QS uses to rank the best student cities in the UK and the world.
We love…
When your student loan comes in make sure to treat yourself to the award winning Indian at Tumeric Gold. Then head down to Kelsey for some live music and end your night at Smack or Neon which are popular clubs for students. Kasbah is also popular in Coventry.
5. Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
You may know Newcastle for its well known reality show Geordie Shore, but Newcastle is also the 39th best city in the world to go to university and made it onto the top 10 list in the UK. The city’s main universities are Newcastle University and Northumbria University, with Durham university close by.
There is a lot to do in Newcastle, including discovering its best hidden bars. Students love the friendly atmosphere and great nights out where you’ll almost always bump into someone you know.
We love….
The very Instagrammable pizza punks which is known for its customisable pizzas at only £10. In the evening we recommend the Tap Room for pre’s and Digital after (especially on a Monday student night).
4. Glasgow
Glasgow is known for being one of the UK’s friendliest cities, but it’s also one of the best student cities too. It ranked in 4th place in the UK, and 33rd place in the world! The student view of Glasgow is particularly high at 98, which is a great sign if you’re looking for a great experience.
It is home to the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow. It’s easy to see why with the friendly atmosphere, plenty of attractions to see and the vibrant music scenes which means a diverse club scene. The universities also have some seriously impressive former celebrity students, such as Gerald Butler and Emeli Sandé.
We love…
If your looking for an amazing atmosphere and varied menu then head down to the Ubiquitous Chip. For the best bars head to Sauchiehall Street but if you’re looking for an edgy night out then head to Viper in the West End.
3. Manchester
It is easy to see how Manchester is ranked 24th best city for students globally and 3rd among UK cities, as the city gave birth to Oasis, Joy Division, the Buzzcocks and The Smiths… pretty impressive right!? Manchester is extremely diverse which has inspired their own Chinatown, Curry Mile and a gay village on Canal Street. This is reflected in the rankings with the city being ranked 12th in the world for student mix.
The city is home to Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester with the city holding a staggering 100,000 strong student population. Both unis made it onto the list for the 25 hardest partying unis in the UK and it’s easy to see why with these 7 hidden bars in Manchester to explore!
We love…
Affleck’s is a mecca of independent shops, selling vintage clothes, jewellery and even tarot card readings. You have to visit this place at least once as a student. For some yummy street food head down to Hatch where you can eat, drink, shop and hangout.
2. Edinburgh
This brilliant city is the 13th best city in the world because of its diverse student population and high rate of student satisfaction. It’s the home of renowned universities like Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Edinburgh.
The city is notoriety expensive, coming in low for affordability but they have some of the best nights in the UK, and it shows with their appearance in the rankings of the 25 hardest partying unis in the UK. They also have some great girls nights and some pretty interesting shops to check out. The city is filled with beautiful architecture, an infectious atmosphere and is home to the Fringe festival.
We Love…
For some fast food head to Red Box Noodle bar in-between lectures or study periods. The city is renowned for its stand up comedy so make sure to check it out so you’re prepared for Edinburgh Fringe, after all it’s hugely popular and people travel from all over to witness it. If you’re into your cocktails then head to under the stars which serves some of the best cocktails in the city. If you’re looking for student clubs then check out the Liquid Room, Silk and The Bongo Club.
1. London
London is the city of dreams and it seems everyone else thinks so too. The city is home to 17 prestigious universities and is ranked the best city in the UK, as well as the best city globally by QS for students!! This isn’t the first time either, where London regularly comes in top place.
You would think that cost of studying in London would make it a little lower down the rankings, but the employer activity, opportunities, diversity and wide range of things to do just make it so appealing! London really does have it all with new clubs, bars and restaurants opening up daily.
We love…
We love the Breakfast club at London Bridge… hot tip when you’ve finished your meal tell the waiter “I’m here to get lucky” and follow them to an intimate secret bar.
