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 look at the university itself when choosing places to apply to, but what about the actual cities that they’re in? Which is the best student city, whether you’re an avid partygoer or just prefer hanging out with a few close friends? To help you answer just that, Millie’s 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 with vivid history and dramatic landscapes. We’ve rated it the best student city thanks to its numerous attractions, buzzing nightlife, friendly locals and overall great atmosphere that’s perfect for university students to thrive in. It’s home to the famous Edinburgh Castle, as well as the annual Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a delightful cultural event guaranteed to make your university experience unforgettable! Let’s look at one of its universities in a bit more depth:

The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh university was opened in 1583. It has over 33,600 students, just under 40% of whom are international. Edinburgh ranks 16th in the world (Top Universities) and 12th in the UK (Complete University Guide), making it a competitive and popular choice worldwide. Added bonus: it’s only a 10 minute walk from the iconic Edinburgh Castle! Here are some of Edinburgh’s top ranked majors:

Veterinary Medicine - Ranked #2

• IB: 38 points with 666 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 #23

• IB: 37 points with 666 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 #5

• IB: 36 points with 665 at Higher Level including a 5 in English
• A-Levels: AAB to ABB
• AP: 4, 4, 4, or above

Did you know…

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

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

Student city #2 - Manchester

Manchester is a large city located in Northern England with 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 recently in 2004 and has over 40,000 students, 25% of whom are international. It ranks 13th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 27th worldwide (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 555 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 #10

• IB: 35 points overall with 665 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 655-666 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…

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

Next on our spotlight is another Scottish city: Glasgow!

Student city #3 - Glasgow

Glasgow is a city in the Western Lowlands of Scotland. It is home to two famous universities, the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde. This gives it a large student population, making it a perfect location for fun and affordable student life. It is famous for its architecture reminiscent of the Victorian and art-nouveau era, as well as its numerous cultural hubs such as the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland. Let’s go into a bit more detail about its most famous university.

The University of Glasgow

Glasgow University was founded in 1451, and ranks 16th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 73rd in the world (Top Universities). It is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world! The university houses over 26,600 students from over 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 (666 at Higher Level) to 32 points (655 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 666 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 (666 at Higher Level) to 32 points (655 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…

• The Father of Economics, Adam Smith, studied at the University of Glasgow at just 14 years old?
• The first international football game was held in Glasgow in 1872?
• Glasgow graduates Frank and Harold Barnwell helped the allies to win both world wars by building fighter planes to match those used by the 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 full of history and architecture from the medieval and Elizabethan eras. The city is abuzz with students who have revamped the clubbing and nightlife, making it a vibrant and alive place to be. It is home to the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, giving it a lively student atmosphere. Let’s look into one of its universities a bit more.

The University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham was founded in 1881 and is home to over 44,500 students, 9,000 of whom are international. It is ranked 24th in the UK (Complete University Guide) and 103rd worldwide (Top Universities), and has courses from Aerospace Engineering to Zoology. Here are some of its top ranked majors.

Pharmacology - Ranked #8

• IB: 34 points overall with 655 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…

• Nottingham is home to the famous Robin Hood, the heroic outlaw from the English folktales?
• The city’s Wollaton Hall is featured as “Wayne Manor” in the Hollywood-hit Batman film The Dark Knight Rises?
• The university’s Student Union hosted the first ever 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 is home to the medieval-style Coventry Cathedral, as well the University of Coventry and the University of Warwick. These two universities give Coventry a rich student experience full of social areas and nightlife, as well as being affordable for student budgets. Here’s a bit 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 has over 38,000 students of whom 13,000 are international, making it a vibrant university filled with different people from all over the world. Many Warwick and Coventry University students meet 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…

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

So that’s all on 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!