The UK has one of the world’s most high quality education systems and is an international hub for students seeking higher education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Quality education is not the only factor that attracts international students to the UK. Affordability is another major factor which makes it a top study abroad destination. It is easy to find cheap places to live in the UK without compromising on a high quality learning experience.
Students often get discouraged to study abroad due to the high costs of living involved. However the UK has some great options for affordable education as many of its top ranking universities are located in the world’s most affordable student cities which not only offer cheap places to live as students but also to enjoy their student life without feeling financially burdened.
Discover the top five cheapest places for students to live in the UK below and get in touch with an SI-UK consultant if you wish to apply to top universities in the most affordable UK cities for international students.
Five most affordable and cheap places for students in the UK
1. Manchester
One of the biggest and most affordable UK cities, Manchester has a vast industrial heritage and is a city which is a student hub in the UK. Leading universities in the city are University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, Alliance Manchester Business School and Manchester School of Architecture. Accommodation in the city is cheap and affordable, available for just around £75 per week and going out to bars, pubs and cafes or taking a taxi is not that expensive either.
2. Cambridge
Home to the world’s number one university (Times University Guide 2020), the University of Cambridge, this is probably the most famous student city in the world. Cambridge is an affordable place to live in the UK offering students excellent value for money and great graduate career prospects. Annual rentals and living costs are low while catering facilities and daily travel are also inexpensive.
3. Leicester
Leicester is considered one of the cheapest places to live for students in the UK as accommodation rentals are not too high and international students can find good places to live for as low as £83 per week. It is also valued for cheap transport and a student pass can be made for just £29. Other living expenses such as meals, gym membership and entertainment options are also affordable for students living on a limited budget. University of Leicester and De Montfort University are some of the top ranking UK universities situated here.
4. Durham
Durham is one of the most popular student cities not only because of its affordability, but also for its beautiful and picturesque university campus. A small and cosy city, Durham offers living, eating and entertainment options at a reasonable price. University of Durham is in the UK top ten (Times and Sunday Times Good University Rankings 2020) and is attended by hundreds of international students each year making it a much sought after student city.
5. Belfast
Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland has the cheapest taxi fares in all of the UK. A great place for students to live with weekly accommodation rent around £113 for an apartment. It is a popular value for money university town inhabited by many international students pursuing bachelors and masters degrees at top universities such as the Queen’s University Belfast.
*Source: Student Living Index, NatWest
Study in the Cheapest Student Cities, UK
Study in the UK and make huge savings on your living costs. A free consultation with SI-UK is enough to start your application process with a top ranking university in the UK’s cheapest student cities.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 