The Best City For Postgraduate Students In The UK
Selecting the best city for your postgraduate study is a crucial decision every student has to make. As a postgraduate student, the city or town you decide to take your course can have an impact on your mental health and studies.
Over the years, the UK has made some of the best student cities in the world. Famed for its academic excellence, the UK is a dream destination for students of all nationalities. But this information is sufficient enough to select the best cities/towns to live in. As part of World Cities Day 2022, let’s have a quick brief overview of the top 10 UK cities for postgraduate studies.
Best UK cities for postgraduate students
As per the QS Best Student Cities 2023, the UK has 25 entries in the 140 city list, all of which are above the #100 mark. The top 10 are:
The UK has 89 universities out of 1500 universities in the QS World University Ranking 2023 for top global universities. The followings are the top 20 and their rankings.
| QS University Ranking 2023 | University |
|---|---|
| # 2 | University of Cambridge |
| # 4 | University of Oxford |
| = 6 | Imperial College London |
| # 8 | University College London |
| # 15 | University of Edinburgh |
| # 28 | University of Manchester |
| # 37 | King’s College London |
| # 56 | London School of Economics and Political Science |
| = 61 | University of Bristol |
| # 64 | University of Warwick |
| # 78 | University of Southampton |
| # 81 | University of Glasgow |
| # 86 | University of Leeds |
| # 91 | University of Birmingham |
| # 92 | University of Durgam |
| = 96 | University of Sheffield |
| = 96 | The University of St. Andrews |
| # 114 | University of Nottingham |
| # 122 | Newcastle University |
| = 125 | Queen Mary, University of London |
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Let’s learn more about the top 5 cities.
London
The capital city and the most populous city in the UK, London is home to some of the most well-known universities for higher education. With numerous activities and employment opportunities, London is one of the best destinations to study in the UK and stay beyond.
Best Universities
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and Political Sciences
- King’s College London
- University College London
- Queen Mary, University of London
Pros
As a megacity and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, there is plenty to do in London. This means you can find anyone and anything from any one part of the world.
- Cuisine – You may explore a range of cuisines in various locations such as Camden Market or Soho with cultural touches from Italy, South East Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and more.
- Transportation – London has one of the best transportation systems in the world and it can take you almost anywhere in the city. There are train links connecting to other cities and parts of the country as well as the Eurostar which is a one-way trip to Paris in just over an hour.
- Culture – As a student, you have access to a multitude of free activities including most museums, art galleries, large parks, monuments and buildings dating back hundreds of years.
- Sports – London is home to two of the biggest football clubs in the world. It’s also home to the iconic Wembley Stadium, Wimbledon (tennis), the Oval (cricket), Twickenham Stadium (Rugby), and many more.
- Shopping – London is known for having some of the most luxurious stores in the world including Harrods and Selfridges among other iconic fashion brands, casual clothing, thrift stores, independent stores, electronics and many more dotted around the city. Some of the best stores are located around the areas of Oxford Street, Soho, Shoreditch, Camden and others.
- Nightlife – London is a city that never sleeps. The nightlife is as vibrant as in most cities and there are various locations one may go to. There are hundreds of bars, clubs, and restaurants dotted all over the city from expensive to casual settings.
Cons
- London is one of the most expensive cities in the world and this is reflected in the prices of everyday essential items.
- As a tourist destination, London can be packed with tourists and can make you feel overwhelmed. In addition, most people in London keep to themselves and your journey to and from school or work can seem down compared to your home town.
- Due to the limited space the UK has to build on, property sizes are significantly smaller compared to those in Australia, USA or India. Space comes at a premium and the prices are reflected as so. Renting a room or a house in London can have affordability problems which can cut through your monthly budget.
- The weather in London is as unexpected as it gets. On most days, you can experience 3 different seasons in a matter of hours or just one season for a prolonged period of time.
Must visit places
- The British Museum
- Hyde Park
- London Zoo
- Natural History Museum
- The National Gallery
- Regents Park
- Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Tower of London
Edinburgh
Nestled among the hills, Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. Edinburgh is known for its natural beauty and historical buildings, dating back hundreds of years. Like other cities, Edinburgh has its downsides which need to be considered before moving.
Best Universities
- University of Edinburgh
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh Napier University
- Queen Margaret Unversity
In contrast to London, Edinburgh is smaller in comparison and doesn’t have nearly as much amenities to offer – which could sway to avoid. However, Edinburgh does have a lot to offer in terms of:
Pros
- You can see the rich history of the city in every corner of its boundaries. Some of the city’s tenements date back to the 1700s.
- Like London, nearly all the museums in Edinburgh are free to visit. You can also find historical sites which date back to the Viking age.
- Edinburgh has over 100 parks and green spots all over the city which is great for those who like to be outdoors or active. For those who are introverts, you will have stunning views of the city, hills and green areas.
- Every year, the city holds the world’s biggest art festival. Fringe Festival, and other smaller-scale festivals. If you are one that likes to party, the Scottish know how to have a good time.
- Edinburgh has a good and reliable transport system for a city of its scale. You can even catch a train to Glasgow, Scotland’s 2nd largest city in just under an hour.
Cons
- Similarly to London, space is a luxury in Edinburgh and thus the prices and rent are expensive and often hard to get.
- As a northern city, Edinburgh experiences a colder climate than the southern cities closer to the continent. Rain is frequent and the sun is rare during the winter months.
- The cost of everyday essentials is sky-high.
- The Scottish accent can be hard for many to understand. While Edinburgh may not be too bad, those from Glasgow can be harder to understand.
- Situated among the hills, Edinburgh is a hilly city. If you are not one to walk everywhere, some places may provide some difficulty and it would require you to pay for transportation.
Places to visit
- Edinburgh Castle
- Holyrood Park
- National Museum of Scotland
- Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Glasgow
Compared to Edinburgh, Glasgow is a flatter city and only about a one-hour train ride away. Also known as one of the friendliest cities in the world, Glasgow is full of architecturally impressive buildings.
Best Universities
- University of Glasgow
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow School of Art
Pros
- Glasgow is filled with many green spaces, with public parks and gardens found all over the city.
- Good and reliable transport to the city centre as well as reliable train links to Edinburgh and northern English cities.
- There are many museums and art galleries with free entry.
Cons
- Like all weather in Scotland, Glasgow is no exception to the cold and rain.
- Similarly to Edinburgh, space is a luxury and thus accommodations are often expensive and hard to get.
- Everyday essentials are expensive.
- Accommodation is hard to get as well as being really expensive for what is offered.
- Culturally, Scotland has a diverse history, but Glasgow as a city does not offer as much as Edinburgh would. Diversity is fixed at a level of a normal city.
Places to visit
- Glasgow Science Centre
- Kelvingrove Art Museum
- Kelvingrove Park
- The Necropolis
Manchester
Known as the second city of England, Manchester is known for its diverse culture, vibrant street art, Victorian architecture and exciting nightlife. Ranked 25th as the QS best student city, is one of the best places to stay during your studies.
Best Universities
- University of Manchester
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of Salford
- University of Bolton
Pros
- Manchester is a fast-growing city in the UK. As such, many companies have moved their HQ’s to Manchester which provides plenty of job opportunities.
- As a culturally diverse city and you can expect to find festivals, parties and even cuisines from many parts of the world.
- Also known as the football capital of England (alongside London) with its two dominating football teams. Additionally, you may find other sporting locations including the National Squash Centre, an aquatic centre, a regional athletics arena and many more.
- Manchester has a transport system closer to London and provides people with bus and tram access.
- Those looking to have a slower pace of life but likes to live in a lively city.
- You can find various party locations around the city in Salford, Trafford and in the city centre.
Cons
- Salaries here are much lower compared to London
- Weather in Manchester is closer to Scottish weather than a typical London day. You should expect to meet more rain and less sunshine.
- If you are a fast pace person, Manchester is seen as a slower version of London
- While there are job opportunities, these are on a much smaller scale compared to London.
- It may be a put-off living in a small area with a huge student population.
- Manchester is not known for its green space and it can be seen as living in an urban prison with no escape.
Places to visit
- John Rylands Research Institute and Library
- Manchester Art Gallery
- National Football Museum
- Salford Museum and Art Gallery
- Science and Industry Museum
- The Trafford Centre
Coventry
The smallest city in the top 5 list, Coventry is a historic city in England 17 miles east of Birmingham. Recently, Coventry was awarded the UK City of Culture in 2021 and the city held various cultural festivities throughout the year.
- Coventry University
- University of Warwick
- Arden University
Pros
- As a small city, it does not take long to travel to your destination.
- Coventry is a spacious city and you won’t feel obstructed compared to bigger cities.
- There is not as much pollution.
Cons
- Weather in Coventry is on the wet and humid scale. Despite being in the southern half of England, the weather is more like the northern tip of the country.
- Unlike other cities, Coventry does not have many amenities. If you want a night out, travel to Birmingham would be your best option.
- Everyday essentials are expensive.
- Transport is unreliable and very expensive.
- Was ranked 34th of the top 50 worse places to live in England in a poll taken in 2021.
Places to visit
- The Coventry Music Museum
- Hert Art Gallery & Museum
- FarGo Village
- Midland Air Museum
Pros & Cons of Living in Other UK Cities
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Pros
- Newcastle is undergoing a redevelopment and its seen as one of the fastest city growths in recent years.
- Has good nightlife with a few popular bars and clubs.
- Prices are lower compared to the South.
Cons
- Located very close to the shores of the Northern Sea, Newcastle receives a very cold and wet climate.
- Is seen as a university town rather than a city.
- Biased views on immigration.
- The transport system is unreliable.
- Events are typically overlooked in Newcastle, you may need to travel to cities such as Edinburgh, Liverpool or Manchester.
- Accents in Newcastle are among one the worse in the UK.
Some of the places you should visit while in Newcastle includes the Biscuit Factory, the Discovery Museum, the Great North Museum: Hancock, Laing Art Gallery Life Science Centre, and Newcastle Castle.
Birmingham
Pros
- Birmingham offers almost everything a city offers.
- It’s significantly cheaper than in London.
- There is a good job market in various sectors.
- Similarly to London, Birmingham is a very diverse heavy city. This can help ease the moving transition.
Cons
- The transport system is viewed as inefficient by the locals.
- If you’re looking for a warmer climate, you should avoid Birmingham as it’s generally colder than warm.
- While not as big as London, life in Birmingham can be stuck in the middle. If you’re looking for a quiet life, you should look elsewhere.
- Travelling in Birmingham during peak times is difficult which causes various accidents.
Places to visit include Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Cadbury World, Cannon Hill Park, Lapworld Museum of Geology, Legoland Discovery Centre, Sareholl Hill Museum, and Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.
Bristol
Pros
- Bristol is a hub for art and culture.
- They are famous for having a wide selection of stores and outlets.
- Bristol has a rich history and it can be seen through various historical monuments.
- There is a good selection of diverse cuisine.
Cons
- For a small city, Bristol is one of the most expensive cities in the UK.
- Bristol is very narrow and it can be seen from the many narrow streets throughout the city.
- The transport system in Bristol is seen as unreliable by the locals.
Places to visit include Brandon Hill, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Clifton Observatory, Leigh Woods, and The Red Lodge Museum.
Nottingham
Pros
- Nottingham is a cheap city compared to other big cities.
- As a diverse location, Nottingham has plenty of various restaurants for an evening dinner.
- The transport system in Nottingham is seen as good and reliable for the region.
Cons
- The streets which serve trams are seen as very dangerous.
- One should be careful on a night out and make sure you are not alone.
- The Nottingham accent can be hard to understand.
- You may hear the reference to Robin Hood a lot.
Places to visit include Highfields Park, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Industrial Museum, Nottingham Natural History Museum, the Robin Hood Experience,
Leeds
Pros
- The nightlife in Leeds is one of the most welcoming in the part of the country. There are many bars and clubs.
- Leeds has a rich culture and you won’t feel lonely no matter where you come from.
- There are many outlet stores located in Leeds. There is something for everyone.
Cons
- There is not much to do in Leeds compared to other bigger cities.
- Leeds is a very wet city and the amount of sunshine outside of summer can be disappointing.
- Accommodations in Leeds are expensive for the salaries but cheaper than in London.
- While transport is seen as good, it’s very expensive for what is offered.
Places to visit include Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills, and Royal Armouries Museum.
Conclusion
Now you know a little bit more about each of the cities, where do you think you would like to live?
London is the most typical destination for most, with the city with the most things to do, the most amenities offered and the best weather. Or will you pick the slightly harder-to-understand Birmingham, which is cheaper to live in while offering almost as much as London?
When deciding the best university for you, you should also consider the city or town you will be living in as they can have an impact on your postgraduate studies and mental health. Whichever you choose, we wish you the best of luck!
Are you thinking about pursuing a postgraduate course at a top UK university? Make your dream come true by seizing this opportunity to either take your career to the next level or tick off a personal interest. *Apply online and we’ll support you on your path to success.
Representative Example: Assumed borrowing of £30,825 over 120 months at 12.73% APR representative. Monthly cost of £509.26. Total amount repayable of £61,199.65. Interest rate of 11.62% p.a.(fixed) and total fees of £925.00. Available for loan amounts between £5,000 – £100,000.
(Representative Example date: October 2024)
*Credit is subject to status and loan approval is not guaranteed. Over 18’s only. Terms and conditions apply.
