A top-notch education and good career prospects are two of the main reasons a student might want to study abroad. However, the benefits don’t end there.
Not only do you get to experience new places and cultures, but you get to meet and make new friends.
After making the decision to study overseas, the next important question is where. Many international students claim that they chose the city they want to study in even before choosing the course or university.
A few key factors to take into consideration before deciding where you want to go should be affordability, availability of jobs, and diversity.
Taking this into account, we have compiled a list of the 5 best student cities in the UK for Indian students. Whether you love the peace and tranquillity of the suburbs or the craze and energy of the metropolitans, we have you covered.
5 Best Cities in the UK for Indian students
Read on to discover our round-up of the top 5 best cities to live in the UK for Indian students.
1. London
London was ranked the best student city in the world (QS) for the second year in a row. Though the expenses can be a bit on the higher end, you will get an experience that is worth every penny.
Education - This city is home to over 40 universities offering courses in various subjects. The quality of education in undergraduate, postgraduate and foundational courses is high, with many universities awarded gold for teaching excellence. Brunel University, City University of London and Middlesex University are some great universities to choose from.
Employment Opportunities - London is the financial capital of the world. Many well-known names like Unilever, HDFC and BBC have their headquarters here. With such high exposure, you can take up internships while studying and start your career successfully.
Lifestyle - London is a cultural hub that never sleeps. Whether you are into silent art exhibitions, active rock climbing activities, you will always have something interesting to do in your free time. Plus, you can satisfy the foodie within through 24/7 restaurants with delicious cuisines. The transport system is another gem of the city with an underground train system and buses running across all of London.
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, has ranked 16th in the world student city ranking by QS. It also ranks 12th for student view and experience (QS). Its rich history with a hint of modern diversity makes it one of the best UK cities for Indian students.
Education - It is home to six global universities including Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Edinburgh.
Employment Opportunities - The common trait of all Edinburgh universities is their integrated relationship between academics and industry experience. You will have the opportunity to work with top companies like Skyscanner and the Royal Bank of Scotland based out of Edinburgh after graduation.
Lifestyle - You can climb the ancient volcano (Arthur's seat) and stroll the Royal Mile to shop, Edinburgh has something for everyone. It is a cosmopolitan city situated on nature’s lap.
You can explore the entire city by bus using the Student Ridacard for just £45 per month. You can also take short breaks in between your studies to socialise in the many friendly pubs.
3. Manchester
With over 100,000 international students, Manchester is one of the most populous student cities in the UK. It is in the top 25 best student cities in the UK (QS University Ranking). Also, it holds the 25th rank in the student view indicator (QS) showing that students have a satisfying experience and a great social life. It is a big city with an inclusive and welcoming multicultural community and one of the best places to live in the UK for Indian students.
Education - Manchester doesn't only offer a beautiful place to live. It also provides a great global education. Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford are some of the top educational institutions here.
Employment Opportunities - Manchester is one of the major economic hubs of the UK. Many international companies such as Kellogg's and Adidas have their UK headquarters in Manchester. This exposure is going to come in handy in your career.
Lifestyle - The city is very well known for its music bands (Oasis, The Smiths) and football clubs (Manchester United, Manchester City Football), but the fun doesn’t end there. Being one of the liveliest cities, you have many clubs to party and restaurants to visit. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it is one of the more affordable cities.
4. Glasgow
The largest port city of Scotland is next on the list of the top UK cities for students. It ranks in the top 50 best student cities (QS). Its contemporary culture, educational quality and friendly locals have made it one of Indian students’ favourite cities.
Education - Glasgow knows the art of teaching. After all, the city's universities have been teaching since the 15th century, University of Glasgow, University Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University are some of the city’s pioneers.
Employment Opportunities - Glasgow has its fair share of successful big businesses, but it is also a growing hub for entrepreneurs: Clyde Space, Data Lab and Mind Mate are just a few among the many startups that you can join to kickstart your career, making it one of the UK's best cities for students.
Lifestyle - This is a vibrant Scottish city, and it has been named as the world's friendliest city by Rough Guide. It has also been named as a UNESCO city of music. You can also do many other things such as cheering on in sporting events and enjoying the tranquillity of the local parks.
5. Coventry
Coventry is a true student city. 6.8% of the population is made up of university students, of which 40% are international students. So as a foreigner, you will have the company of many international students as you explore. It has ranked in the top 50 Best student cities in the world (QS) and has also won the title, “UK City of Culture”.
Education - Coventry is home to some of the UK's top universities with proud traditions and a modern approach to learning like the University of Warwick and Coventry University.
Employment Opportunities - This is the land of cars. Top companies like Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover manufacture their luxury cars here. If you are not an automobile person, there are always other opportunities in companies like Cognizant Technology Solutions, KM&T, and so much more.
Lifestyle – Coventry satisfies both your outdoorsy side and artsy side. You have sporting games like ice hockey and rugby at the centre of the city. You also have music performances by bands like cold play in the Warwick art centre. You can take your pick. There are also many historical monuments like Coventry Cathedral, St. Mary's Guildhall to soak in and old pubs to let loose. Its quaint charm and large student population makes it one of the top UK cities for Indian students.
