If you’re thinking of going to Lincoln for uni, our list of 10 reasons why the city is great for student is just what you need to be convinced!
Updated: 13 Jul 2026
Located in the East Midlands, Lincoln is fairly central within the UK and also within easy reach of most of the UK’s major cities. The compact town has lots to offer students, from its picturesque streets to the vibrant nightlife – there’s something for everyone. Read on to learn more about this great city.
The city has two universities, the University of Lincoln and Lincoln Bishop University. In the 2026 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, Lincoln Bishop University came sixth in Career Prospects. Meanwhile, the University of Lincoln was ranked in the top 10 UK universities in five different subject areas by Complete University Guide’s 2027 league tables. Whichever uni you choose, it’s got a lot going for it!
Living in Lincoln, you can forget the gym membership. In the centre of the city, you’ll find Steep Hill, which is exactly what it sounds like. Getting to the top will definitely give you a work out, and you can climb it as many times as you want for free. Who needs a gym?
Although the city is compact, it caters to students really well, meaning there’s a lively and vibrant nightlife scene. You’ll find many bars, pubs and clubs around the city, and some even offer student deals or discounts, so make sure you’re ready for the student nights!
With two unis in the city, the city has a very large student population considering the size of the area. In total, there are over 15,000 undergraduate students studying at the University of Lincoln or Lincoln Bishop University, meaning over 15,000 opportunities to make new friends!
Compared to many other UK cities, the cost of living in Lincoln is relatively low. You’ll see this most visibly in rental prices, which are considerably lower than England’s major cities, and also lower than many of the other cities in the Midlands.
From Lincoln, you’ll find direct trains to Leicester, Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, London and more, so if you want to visit home or take a weekend break in a different UK city, you have plenty of options and easily accessible destinations.
If you’re into art and culture, there’s plenty to get involved in here. The Engine Shed hosts concerts from local acts as well as names from across the world, while the Lincoln Museum and Usher Gallery offer a look into the area’s artistic and cultural past.
The city is surrounded by lots of beautiful countryside and places to take a scenic walk, including the Lincoln Wolds and the waterfront at Brayford Pool. You’ll also find the Commons around the city if you’re looking for somewhere a bit closer to home to spend an afternoon in the grass.
The city has regular festivals, events and markets where you can get involved in the local community. The people of the city are known for being friendly and welcoming, and there’s a range of different events on the city’s calendar throughout the year covering a diverse set of interests.
Lincoln’s history can be traced right be to a Roman settlement, so unsurprisingly, there’s a lot of history to explore around the city. Whether you pay a visit to one of the historical sites such as Lincoln Castle, or just walk around the city, you’ll find yourself immersed in the past.
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