The Best Cities for International Students to Study in England

If you’re an international student looking to study in the UK, then you have a bunch of great cities to choose from. From the popular seaside coast of Brighton, to the bustling city life in Newcastle, you’re bound to find somewhere that suits you. 

Here are the top 6 best cities to live in as an international student in the UK. 

Newcastle

Newcastle is bustling with student life. From the multitude of bars to the friendly student societies, you’ll be sure to find your crowd. Home to two large universities, Newcastle University and Northumbria University, the city’s packed full of other students to make friends with.

Sitting to the north of the UK, you’ll be close to the beautiful sites of the Lake District, as well as just a short train journey to Scotland. Plus, the city has its own airport for those all-important trips home.

Sheffield

With over 60,000 students, you’re bound to be at home in Sheffield. The city is a thriving hub of culture, home to the famous Crucible Theatre and Lyceum Theatre. With two universities in the city, Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield, you’ll be spoilt for options on what’s available to study.

With the Peak District on its doorstep, Sheffield is the greenest city in the UK. It’s home to many public parks near the city centre, such as the Botanical Gardens and Norfolk Park. So, if you’re looking for somewhere cheerful, this is definitely the city for you.

Leeds

Leeds has previously been voted the UK’s best university destination by the Independent, so it’s safe to say it’s a great choice for international students. Home to Leeds Beckett University and the University of Leeds, the city attracted over 60,000 students every single year.

Famed for its nightlife, the city has plenty of places for fancy cocktails, craft beers and bar crawls. Plus, the music scene in Leeds is to die for, with a large selection of gig venues and music to suit every taste. If you’re looking for something a little quieter, the Yorkshire Dales are just on the doorstep.

Bristol

Voted the best place to live in Britain by the Sunday Times in 2017, Bristol is famed for its University and as a place to live. With over 44,000 student coming to the city every year, the city centre is buzzing with two of the most popular indie bars in the county in Milk Thistle and La Sorella.   If you need a break from the late nights, don’t forget that Bristol has an abundance of outdoor green space. Brandon Hill, College Green and Leigh Woods are the perfect excuse to get out of the city and go for a beautiful summer walk in the fresh air.

Coventry

Coventry was rated one of the top five UK student cities in 2018, so it’s safe to say it’s a thriving destination for any international student to study in. It’s home to the University of Warwick and Coventry University, and popular student areas include Spon End and the City Centre.

Coventry is the UK’s City of Culture for 2021, which is attributed to it’s incredible mix of cultures, experiences and ethnicities in the city. There are a bunch of comedy nights, West End shows, and local music shows always on in the city, and it’s a great place to study if you’re looking for a culture-rich place to call home. 

Norwich

Norwich is bursting with history, culture, and is just a short journey to the beach (perfect for a summer BBQ). The city is sat in the middle of the countryside too, so its unique location offers plenty of space for students to explore.

Full of independent shops, Norwich Lanes is bound to fill your craving for shopping. There’s a bunch of bars, cafes and nightclubs in the area too, making it perfect for those hoping to spend plenty of time socialising.