Exploring the Best Cities for Student Living

Picking where to study is a big choice. Yes, the course choice matters, but the city you live in has the power to shape your whole experience too. The people you meet, the places you hang out, and how a city feels day to day can make a big difference.

The best student cities are easy to live in, and you will feel like you are at home. They are affordable while being connected and full of things to do while you're not studying. Some places have just the right mix, but some stand out for students. Let's have a look at them below.

Leeds: Food, Music, and Student Energy

Leeds has definitely become one of the top choices for many students. It's a city that balances study and social life extremely well. You've got three universities close to the centre, so everything feels like it is properly linked together.

The cost of living is lower than in most large cities, and buses run frequently, so you are able to get around this city without needing a car. The nightlife is one of the best parts of Leeds. Whether you like quiet pubs, live gigs, or heading to a club, you will find something every single night of the week.

Food in Leeds deserves a mention on its own. The variety is huge. You can go from street food to fine dining in just a few streets. To get a feel of what's on offer, check out these Leeds restaurants. It is worth exploring, especially when you need a break from cooking in your student home.

When you want space to relax, the city has plenty of parks for you to head to. Hyde Park is popular with students, and Roundhay Park is great for long walks or even heading for a picnic where you can study in the summer.

Manchester: Creative, Connected, and Full of Life

Manchester has a good mixture of history and culture, as well as being of a good size. There will be no problems with you getting around on public transport, as everything is fairly close by.

Withington and Fallowfield are two of the most popular places for students. They are definitely worth checking out, with lots of cafes, thrift stores, and small bars. It's no wonder that students tend to gravitate towards them.

There's a lot going on in Manchester, and you will always find plenty of places to head out in the evening.

If you ever want to break away from this city, you can also get to the Peak District in less than an hour, perfect when you want to get away or look after your health. 

Bristol: Creative Spirit and Green Living

Bristol has a laid-back, creative vibe that has attracted students from all over the city.  It has a sense of independence and community; you can see this clearly in the cafes, markets, and art spaces.

 Many students who care about the environment choose Bristol.  This city is very proud of the projects it has done to protect the environment and help the local economy grow. City Green at Brabazon is an example of how this way of thinking affects new buildings. They combine city life with open green spaces, which are great for finding the right balance between a busy life and a place to relax.

Bristol is fantastic for walking; you can walk almost anywhere, and there's no shortage of outdoor spaces for you to explore. From the Harbourside to Ashton Court, there is always somewhere peaceful for you to sit or for you to study. It's a city that gives you plenty of breathing room.

Nottingham: Compact, Sociable, and Easy to Settle In

Nottingham may be a smaller city, but that is one of the things that makes it a great student place. You can walk almost anywhere, and it doesn't take long for you to feel like you know your way around and feel at home.

It is home to both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, so students are absolutely everywhere. The atmosphere is extremely friendly, and it's really easy to meet people through clubs, local events, and societies.

Nottingham gives you plenty of places to eat and hang out, and it's very reasonably priced too. When you want to head to a quieter area, Wollaton Park and the Arboretum are close by.

Nottingham feels very manageable, so you don't have to spend hours commuting or trying to get through huge crowds. It's a very good balance of having the busy energy of a city, but also having some calm.

Finding Your Perfect Student City

What you want most from your student life will help you choose the right city.

Every city has something to offer, but you should think about what would be best for you. Do you like to go out on big nights or to quiet coffee shops? Would you rather live in a big city or a smaller one where everyone knows each other? 

As you consider your student city choice, also think about how long you'll be staying. Medical courses, PhDs and postgrad programmes mean you could be in a city for five, six or even seven years. During that time, your needs will evolve. You might pick up part-time work, freelance projects or internships alongside your studies. Living in a place you love, while having access to great amenities in terms of restaurants and parks, but also things like a thriving economy and flexible workspaces is valuable. Rather than studying in your accommodation or hunting for cafe tables, coworking spaces and flexible workspaces provide professional environments for revising, working on projects, attending virtual meetings or collaborating with peers. Cities like Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, and Nottingham have expanded their workspace offerings and are great for postgraduates and early-career professionals balancing work and further study.

No matter what you choose, make sure you take some time to see more than just the campus. Go to the small stores, parks, and restaurants in the area. Get to know people who aren't in your class. That's how a city starts to feel more like home.