2024’s Most Affordable Cities in the UK for International Students

International students are drawn to the UK for more than just its excellent education system. Another reason for its popularity is its affordable study-abroad options. Finding budget-friendly housing in the UK does not necessitate giving up a top-notch learning experience. There are many affordable cities in the UK for international students. The high cost of living is a major deterrent for many students considering studying in the UK. However, you should look into the UK since certain inexpensive locations welcome international students.

We will uncover a list of the most affordable cities in the UK for international students. Experience high-quality education and a great lifestyle in these affordable UK cities.

2024’s Most Affordable Cities in the UK For International Students

We have shortlisted a list of the most affordable cities in the UK for international students below according to NatWest Student Living Index 2023:

We will go through each city one by one in brief.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth is a relatively small city located in the South West region of the UK. It has great transportation links to bigger cities like London and Manchester. In 2023, the NatWest Student Living Index named Bournemouth as the most affordable city in the UK for students. Bournemouth University is a top university in this city that offers cost-effective education. The lowest weekly rent for student housing starts at EUR 140.

Cardiff

Among the UK’s most affordable cities, the capital of Welsh is a popular choice for international students. It is where the prestigious University of Cardiff and Cardiff Metropolitan University is located. International students may take advantage of part-time employment opportunities with the high-quality education they get. A part-time job might help students manage their expenses and take on more responsibilities while they’re abroad.

Cardiff offers students a budget-friendly experience with average monthly living costs ranging from EUR 720 to EUR 850.

Lincoln

According to NatWest, Lincoln ranked third among the most affordable cities in the UK for students. Lincoln’s location is quite central within the country. It has good transportation links that connect it to other major cities like London and Leeds. The University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University are the only two public universities in the city of Lincoln.

Portsmouth

As per the NatWest Student Living Index 2023, Portsmouth secured the fourth position among the most affordable cities in the UK for students. If you study in Portsmouth, you’ll be enrolled at the University of Portsmouth. This university stands out by offering ‘Connected Degrees.’ These degrees provide flexibility by allowing students to complete a placement year either before or after their final year of study. No other university in the UK offers such an arrangement.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a leading UK student city that manages to strike a good mix between a vibrant culture and a strong feeling of community despite its small size. Newcastle exemplifies the common belief that Northern England is more affordable than Southern England. It is home to internationally-ranked universities such as Newcastle University, Durham University and Northumbria University.

Newcastle might not have the cheapest tuition in the UK, but it does have low rent and public transport. Students are certain to like the environment because of its reputation of being really welcoming. To include basics like housing, food, transport and books, the average monthly cost for international students is around EUR 1,112.

Manchester

Manchester is one of the biggest and most affordable cities in the UK. The low cost of living isn’t the only reason for this. It’s also due to low tuition at highly regarded universities like the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, etc. Affordable travel and accommodation are just two of the many amenities students can discover in Manchester. The city is also home to the Museum of Science and Industry and Old Trafford, a globally renowned football stadium.

Leeds

According to the NatWest Student Living Index 2023, Leeds secured the seventh position on the list of most affordable cities in the UK for students. It is located in the northern part of England. It is also the third-largest city in the UK and is growing rapidly. For students, the cost of living in Leeds is much lower compared to cities in the southern regions. This makes accommodation options in Leeds relatively inexpensive when compared to cities in the southern UK. Additionally, the universities in Leeds are easily accessible through a widespread network of trains and buses, making commuting convenient for students.

Birmingham

Not only is Birmingham home to prestigious institutions like Aston University and The University of Birmingham, but it is also one of the most affordable cities in the UK for international students. The city provides an exciting environment for anybody looking to live or work, thanks to its diverse population and lively culture. The 2023 NatWest Student Living Index placed Birmingham at #8 for the most affordable UK city for international students. Public transport is excellent, and the accommodation rates are low. However, takeout is more expensive in Birmingham than in other UK cities.

Oxford

Oxford is another city that is tied up with Birmingham at #8 on the list. While Oxford is renowned for various reasons, its most notable claim to fame is housing the University of Oxford, an institution that ranks among the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Over the years, Oxford was labelled as the least affordable city in the UK outside of London. However, the rising cost of living and inflation rate have made Oxford one of the most affordable cities in the UK. It is also one of the safest cities in the UK.

Leicester

Leicester stands last in the list of most affordable cities in the UK for students. On average, the costs of accommodation in Leicester are lower compared to many other major cities across the UK. The city offers convenient and reasonably priced public transportation options. Students can rely on frequent bus services for local commutes or take trains to explore nearby cities like London and Birmingham. Additionally, Leicester hosts numerous companies, providing ample part-time job opportunities for students seeking extra income during their studies. It is home to some popular universities like De Montfort University and the University of Leicester.

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2024’s Most Affordable Cities in the UK for International Students FAQS

Q1. Which city in the UK has the lowest cost of living?
A1. Cardiff is considered to have the lowest cost of living for international students.

Q2. Which city is best in the UK for international students?
A2. London is always the first choice for international students, irrespective of living costs.

Q3. Which city in the UK has more Indian students?
A3. London has more Indian students than any other UK city since it is home to over 40 universities.

Q4. Which is the safest city to study in the UK?
A4. According to QS Ranking, London is considered the safest city in the UK to study for international students.

Q5. Which city in the UK has more job opportunities?
A5. Milton Keynes, Oxford, York, St Albans, and Norwich are the top 5 cities in the UK for job opportunities.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.