Choosing your university is a big decision. But finding the city that feels right for you is just as important.
Are you an international student coming to the UK for the first time? Not sure what the best student cities in the UK are?
We get it. There’s a lot of information to digest, but don’t be overwhelmed. QS has already listed the Best Student Cities in the UK 2027 for you. Convenient, right?
Here are the UK cities that ranked in the QS Best Student Cities in the UK 2027
London – 3rd
England’s capital city needs no introduction.
It comes as no surprise that London consistently ranks at the very top of the QS university city leaderboard every single year.
This global city is home to every culture, cuisine and community you can possibly imagine. Mainstream. Niche. Something in between. Wherever your interests lie, you’re sure to find its resting place in the bustling Big Smoke.
Whether you’re studying finance, business, science, medicine, or the arts, there’s endless opportunity to make something of yourself in this metropolis.
In the heart of South East London, you’ll find Vita Student Lewisham Exchange. Here, you’re close to everything that makes London one of the greatest student cities in the world.
Key scores
Student view: 99
Student mix: 94.6
Employer activity: 92.5
Desirability: 81.6
Affordability: 14.4
Overall Score: 97.3
Edinburgh – 13th
Even if you’ve only ever seen the Scottish capital on Instagram, it’s hard to forget its unmistakable beauty.
Edinburgh is a legendary place to live for any student. Whether you’re a fresh-faced undergrad or a mature master’s student, you’re sure to quickly become immersed in the magic of this iconic city.
With sightseeing, hikes and cosy pubs aplenty, you could spend years of life in Edinburgh and still not run short of things to do.
Looking to live out your student days in the middle of the Old Town? Vita Student New Waverley is the ideal option for you. Want somewhere a little off the beaten track? Vita Student Fountainbridge is your spot.
Key scores
Student view: 92
Student mix: 96.1
Employer activity: 79.4
Desirability: 90.3
Affordability: 21.9
Overall Score: 89.1
Glasgow – 31st
One of the most underrated cities in Europe, Glasgow offers a world-class student experience that ranks highly on QS’ list.
With a rich history, thriving sport scene and burgeoning food scene, this city is truly magnetic. Well-connected to the rest of Scotland’s wider natural beauty, Glasgow is the gateway to even more incredible experiences during your time at university.
Plus, the cost of living in Glasgow is substantially lower than Edinburgh, making it accessible to more budget-conscious students.
Want to live near all of Glasgow’s greatest spots? Vita Student West End puts you a short walk away from all the thrills.
Key scores
Student view: 98.6
Student mix: 94.6
Employer activity: 59.6
Desirability: 83.3
Affordability: 19.2
Overall Score: 82.7
Manchester – 40th
Manchester, so much to answer for.
If you’re looking for a fun student experience in a city with bags of personality and gallons of culture, Manchester is the one.
Well-known for its trailblazing music scene and lively creative landscape, this is the city where you’ll certainly find yourself. It’s a big city that’s closely connected to nature, giving students the best of both worlds.
At Vita Student Manchester, you’re close to all the action. In fact, we have four incredible buildings to choose from, right in the middle of town.
Key scores
Student view: 78.2
Student mix: 97.1
Employer activity: 75.3
Desirability: 70.9
Affordability: 17.6
Overall Score: 80
Newcastle Upon Tyne – 43rd
Up the toon.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s 43rd position on the QS Rankings 2027 will come as no surprise to students currently living in the city.
The largest city in the north-east, Newcastle is diverse and rich in culture. Spend your time out of lectures exploring the River Tyne, Newcastle Castle, and some of the country’s prettiest streets.
At Vita Student Leazes Park and Vita Student Strawberry Place, you’re only a 10-minute stroll away from all the iconic spots. Live amongst a thriving student village, with everything you need for a comfortable and convenient student lifestyle.
Key scores
Student view: 87.2
Student mix: 90.7
Employer activity: 67.7
Desirability: 67.9
Affordability: 25
Overall Score: 79.5
Coventry – 45th
Charming. Olde worlde. Quintessentially British. Coventry is a real catch with students, sitting comfortably on the 45th podium in the QS list.
If you’re looking to experience big student living with a small town feel, Coventry could be the place for you.
Located in the West Midlands, Coventry is a brilliant base for exploring the rest of the UK. From here, you can reach open fields, rolling green, and the mega metropolis of London in no time.
Want to be near all the things that students love about Coventry? Vita Student Copper Towers is the perfect place to start. Here, everything’s taken care of including weekday breakfast, a 24/7 gym, and even a complimentary shuttle bus service directly to University of Warwick.
Key scores
Student view: 82.9
Student mix: 95.5
Employer activity: 64.8
Desirability: 61.4
Affordability: 25
Overall Score: 76.8
Nottingham – 48th
Want to live somewhere that’s connected to the rest of the UK but still incredible on its own?
It’s time to put Nottingham on your radar.
The majesty of the Midlands, Nottingham is packed with things to do and history to explore. In fact, it’s even a UNESCO City of Literature, making it a hotspot for humanities students. It’s affordable, accessible, and walkable. What more could you want?
At Vita Student Station Street, you’ll be living in the heart of the city and close to all the transport links. Being a student in Nottingham doesn’t get more convenient than this.
Key scores
Student view: 84.2
Student mix: 91.2
Employer activity: 50.8
Desirability: 64.9
Affordability: 27.8
Overall Score: 74.3
Leeds – 49th
Any Leeds student will tell you that living and studying here is a truly unforgettable experience.
A compact yet electrifying city welcomes thousands of students every year. Home to two high-ranking universities, University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, there’s a huge student community to get involved with. Pair that with Leeds’ iconic nightlife and bustling foodie scene, and you’ve got yourself the perfect setup.
Vita Student Portland Crescent is directly outside Leeds Beckett University, allowing you to get to lectures in no time. Want to live more centrally? Vita Student St Albans has your name on it.
Key scores
Student view: 80.9
Student mix: 85
Employer activity: 59
Desirability: 68.9
Affordability: 24.1
Overall Score: 74.2
Bristol – 50th
The South Westerly star needs no introduction. Few cities pack a punch like Bristol.
If you’re looking for a place with palpable youth culture and something happening on every street corner, consider your search over.
One of the UK’s most creative and colourful cities, Bristol promises a special kind of student experience. You don’t have to be a maritime connoisseur to appreciate the city’s incredible history.
In the centre of all the action, you’ll find Vita Student Zed Alley. Enjoy all-in student living, right where the best of Bristol unfolds.
Key scores
Student view: 86
Student mix: 87.4
Employer activity: 59.2
Desirability: 67
Affordability: 16.5
Overall Score: 74.1
