Do you plan to study in the UK? If so, this guide contains the cheapest cities in the UK for international students that will best fit your budget.
The United Kingdom is one of the very best places in the world to study abroad, with lots of diverse cultures, high standard institutions, globally recognized, and lots more. But figuring out the best budget-friendly cities in the UK as an international student can be tedious especially when you know how expensive the cost of living in London is. Therefore in this guide, you will learn about the cheapest cities in the UK for international students.
Cheapest Cities in UK For International Students
Curious to know the affordable cities in the UK for international students?
Let’s get started…
7. Birmingham
Birmingham is the largest city in the West Midlands of England with numerous cultures which makes it a great place to study in the UK.
The cost of living in Birmingham is about 2.2 per cent lower than in London according to Numbeo, and the city is also ranked 64th most affordable city globally.
Birmingham powers one of the world’s highly regarded universities; the University of Birmingham, which is globally ranked jointly in 79th place, and also Aston University which is also a good institution to go with as an international student.
6. Edinburgh
In 2019, the University of Edinburgh was awarded the city life award at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Students who participated in the voting revealed that Edinburgh has a safe environment, great student nightlife, over 13 budget-friendly supermarkets, and many other things that made the city stand out apart from its affordability from other cheapest cities in the UK for international students.
Also, in terms of the living cost in Edinburgh, the city is 51% cheaper than the capital city London. And according to the official website of the University of Edinburgh, the average estimated cost of living for an international student is around US$891 per month which includes the rent, groceries, transportation, and other major expenses.
For once winning the Whatuni Student Choice Award, the University of Edinburgh is no doubt the perfect university you should go to as an international student. Although the city also has some other internationally ranked universities which include Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University, and Scotland’s Rural College University.
5. Cardiff
If you prefer living in Wales for your international studies then Cardiff which is the capital city of Wales is one of the cheapest cities in the UK for International students to go for.
The cost of living in Cardiff is also relatively low and with an average rent of around £114.19 per month, a highly inexpensive, transportation cost, you can live comfortably in the city. Apart from being one of the cheapest cities in the UK for international students, the availability of part-time jobs is also another good reason why a lot of international students study in the city.
And for the university to go with, the University of Cardiff which is the only Welsh university member of the Russel group is the best option to go with.
4. Glasgow
Glasgow is a popular city in the Western Lowlands of Scotland. The city is renowned for its classical arts and wealthy heritage for its trade and shipbuilding.
The cost of living in Glasgow is highly inexpensive. With an estimated £117.30 for rent, you can get a nice apartment in Glasgow. The city is also currently ranked 59th for affordability globally, and it is 38% cheaper than in London.
For the university to go with, the city has two universities and one of them which is the University of Glasgow is jointly ranked 69th in the top universities ranking in the world.
3. Belfast
The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, ranks as the number one city in the UK with the cheapest taxi fare. And not just that, it is also one of the cheapest cities in the UK for international students with a relatively low budget-friendly cost of living.
The cost of living in Belfast ranges between £75 – £112 with a super low transportation cost of £1 per km.
And for the high standard university in the city to study, Queen’s University Belfast is the ideal option to go with.
2. Manchester
Yes, Manchester! I’m sure you are surprised to see Manchester as one of the cheapest cities in the UK for International students. The city is the second biggest city in the UK yet maintains a high level of affordability.
The cost of living in Manchester is unmatched, which is 17.13% lower than London and with an approximated weekly rent of £75. Although due to how large Manchester is, you will spend a bit more on transportation when compared to cities like Newcastle which is small, and Belfast which offers a highly inexpensive taxi fare.
Manchester boasts of high standard universities which include the University of Salford, University of Bolton, University of Manchester, and many other.
1. Newcastle Upon Tyne
Photo credit – Newcastle University
Newcastle is the capital of the North East and for the past years, has been regarded as the number one amongst cheapest cities in the UK for international students. Also, in 2018 the city added to its glory the number one place to visit.
Newcastle is also popularly known as the smallest big city in the world and was a powerful unit for shipbuilding during the industrial revolution, and now a renowned hub for science, arts, and businesses.
The very cheap cost of living in Newcastle is unmatched, boasting 65% cheaper cost of living than in London. And as an international student, cheap living cost is not your only course for concern, the popularity of the universities in the city are also what you’d take into consideration. Nevertheless, Newcastle boasts of two internationally ranked universities in the top 300 world university ranking which include; Durham University (74) and Newcastle University (141).
Conclusion
Now you have an idea about the cost of living in the UK as an international student and the number of different cheapest cities in the UK for international students. So you shouldn’t be afraid of breaking the bank just because you want to study in the UK.
Now let us hear from you. Which of these cheapest cities In the UK for International students do you intend to reside in? Let us know your thought in the comment section.