Not sure where you want to study? We looked at which cities were most popular with our users to help you with your search.
Updated: 17 Mar 2025Common drivers for choosing a university includes whether they offer the degree you want to study, the atmosphere, and the graduate prospects – but location is important too.
Student cities usually have everything you need; good restaurants, plenty of outdoor areas, bustling towns and lots of shopping options.
But which university cities are the most popular with students? We took a look at the places that were most searched for on Whatuni over the last year and compiled a list, which includes a selection of the universities you can find in these areas.
Located in West Yorkshire, it's the largest city in the county. Leeds has had a transformative history from a small village in the middle ages to a bustling student city that's benefitted from some incredible regeneration projects like its city centre. If you're a foodie, you're also in for a treat with a number of options to choose from. The area is known for specific dishes like Yorkshire puddings and Yorkshire curd tarts. Creatives will also thrive in this city with award-winning national theatre and dance companies and a wider creative community.
Check out the following universities if you’re interested in studying in Leeds:
An interesting fact about Liverpool is the city is split up into quarters and every one of them holds a piece of the city’s history as well as cultural and entertainment options for students. If you’re a football fan, you’ll be close to Liverpool football stadium where you can sign yourself up for one of their experience days or stadium tours. For students, you’ll want to make the most of the social scene Liverpool offers and places like the Baltic Triangle is perfect for that. It’s known as one of the most ‘exciting, creative, and fast-growing areas of the city with no signs of slowing down. What was once an unused area full of warehouses, factories and breweries has now been repurposed into a thriving independent cultural hub.’
Interested in studying here? Check out what these universities have to offer:
Known as the city ‘of a thousand trades’ especially when it comes to toys and jewellery – did you know that 40% of the UK’s jewellery is made in what is known as the Jewellery Quarter? Between the city’s food scene, which has options from every corner of the globe, to open green spaces that you can explore, Birmingham offers a well-rounded experience for students. The cultural scene means there’s something for everyone and a large student population is perfect socialising and making new friends.
Birmingham boasts several universities if you’re keen to be part of the community:
A popular destination for students, Manchester is a hub of activities and things to do that'll keep you busy outside of your studies. Manchester United and Manchester City fans are in the right place to soak up the football culture, but if you’re not big on sports then between the city’s historic sites, outdoor spaces and lively entertainment scene, you'll find a slice of Manchester that’ll make them feel right at home.
Interested in studying in Manchester? Check out these uni options:
A popular choice with students across the UK, studying in the capital gives you access to the best of what London has to offer. Scenic social spots in the city and different cultures in neighbouring boroughs, London really is the place to meet people from across the world. One reason why Greater London is so popular is because of the number of universities that students can choose from and vast range of places to visit that’s at their doorstep. Explore the city’s most iconic sights, or travel to other parts of the UK and Europe easily with the numerous transportation links available.
Take your pick from a number of universities in London, which include:
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