Best Cities in the UK for Indian Students 2025: To Study, Work & Settle
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Best cities in the UK for Indian students are becoming increasingly popular as the UK welcomed over 140,000 Indian students in 2023, a 54% rise compared to previous years. With top ranked universities, vibrant multicultural communities and strong post study work opportunities, the UK stands out as a prime destination for higher education.
The best cities in the United Kingdom for students and expats also provide affordable living options and cultural familiarity, making adaptation easier. In this article we will explore the top 10 UK cities for students 2025 along with comparing factors like cost of living, education & opportunities, safety, etc.
11 Best Cities in the UK for Students 2025
Considering moving to the UK? Some of the top priority factors when choosing the best place to live in the UK include not just job opportunities and educational institutions but also account factors like welcoming community, safe environment, etc. The comprehensive list of top cities in the UK to live includes:
|
City Name |
Current Indian Population |
|
London |
542,857 |
|
Edinburgh |
25,600 |
|
Manchester |
99,967 |
|
Glasgow |
36,178 |
|
Newcastle Upon Tyne |
14,000 |
|
Coventry |
56,500 |
|
Bristol |
22,000 |
|
Birmingham |
112,251 |
|
Nottingham |
33,674 |
|
Leeds |
45,908 |
|
Leicester |
73,296 |
1. London
London, the capital city of the United Kingdom is a hubspot of cultures and one of the most diverse cities in the world. The city offers unmatched opportunities, renowned universities, and a welcoming environment for Indians with numerous cultural events, Indian restaurants and community centers.
Key Highlights of London
- London is ranked as the best city in the United Kingdom to live in the world by QS Best Student Cities ranking 2025.
- The best places to live in London UK include - Camden Town, Notting Hill, Islington, North Greenwich, Putney, Brixton
- Near proximity to various top universities in the world like Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), London School of Economics (LSE)
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
London |
|
Unemployment Rate in London |
4.60% |
|
Average Annual Income in London |
GBP 39,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in London |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,500 For a Family of 4: GBP 4,000 |
|
Current Indian Population in London |
542,857 |
|
Major Industries in London |
Finance, Technology, Creative Industries |
Also Explore: Complete Breakdown of the Cost of Living in London, UK
2. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland that combines stunning architecture and rich history with a thriving economy, especially in sectors like finance and technology. The city's top-tier universities, and high quality of life along with the benefits of a relatively low cost of living compared to cities like London make it ideally best cities in the UK for Indian students and professionals
Key Highlights of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh is known as the second-largest financial center in the UK.
- QS Best Cities Ranking 2025 ranks Edinburgh as the 13th best country in the world.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Edinburgh |
|
Unemployment Rate in Edinburgh |
3.80% |
|
Average Income in Edinburgh |
GBP 34,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Edinburgh |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,300 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,600 |
|
Current Indian Population in Edinburgh |
25,600 |
|
Major Industries in Edinburgh |
Finance and Technology |
Also Read: UK Work Visa for Indians in 2024: Process, Fee & More
3. Manchester
with a robust economy and thriving cultural scope Manchester is an ideal destination for professionals and students alike. This is one of the best cities to live in the UK for Indians thanks to its lower cost of living compared to London combined with excellent job opportunities in various sectors.
Key Highlights of Manchester
- Manchester is known as a major economic center in the UK and hosts numerous businesses across various sectors.
- QS Best Cities Ranking 2025 ranks Manchester as the 27th best country in the world.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like the University of Manchester, and Manchester Metropolitan University.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Manchester |
|
Unemployment Rate in Manchester |
4.40% |
|
Average Income in Manchester |
GBP 32,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Manchester |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,200 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,400 |
|
Current Indian Population in Manchester |
99,967 |
|
Major Industries in Manchester |
Media, Finance, Technology |
Also Explore: UK post-study work visa (PSW UK)
4. Glasgow
Glasgow is also known as Scotland's cultural capital. The city is famous for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and has a growing Indian community. Glasgow also provides diverse job opportunities in various leading industries, along with offering a good quality of life that makes it one of the best cities in the United Kingdom for Indian professionals and families.
Key Highlights of Glasgow
- It is the largest city in Scotland and offers a diverse and multicultural environment.
- QS Best Cities Ranking 2025 ranks Glasgow as the 33rd best country in the world.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like the University of Glasgow, and Glasgow Caledonian University.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Glasgow |
|
Unemployment Rate in Glasgow |
5.40% |
|
Average Income in Glasgow |
GBP 29,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Glasgow |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,100 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,100 |
|
Current Indian Population in Glasgow |
36,178 |
|
Major Industries in Glasgow |
Finance and Technology |
Also Explore: UK Visa Interview Questions and Answers
5. Newcastle Upon Tyne
Newcastle Upon Tyne, commonly known as Newcastle, is a vibrant student city in Northeast England, known for its Friendly atmosphere affordability and thriving student culture It offers a strong epidemic environment with top institutions in a closed net Indian community, making it a welcoming destination for international students
Key Highlights of Newcastle Upon Tyne
- Ranked among the top 5 affordable and student friendly cities in the UK (39th as per QS Best Student Cities 2025 )
- Best places to live in Newcastle include Jesmond, Heaton, Sandyford, Gosforth, and Ouseburn
- Home to prestigious universities like Newcastle University and Northumbria University
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Newcastle Upon Tyne |
|
Unemployment Rate in Newcastle |
5.10% |
|
Average Annual Income in Newcastle |
GBP 29,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Newcastle |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,100 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,000 |
|
Current Indian Population in Newcastle |
14,000 |
|
Major Industries in Newcastle |
Digital Tech, Education, Health, Energy |
6. Coventry
Coventry city is renowned for its strong automotive and advanced manufacturing sectors. The city has a growing Indian community, offers affordable living along with the presence of many top universities makes it one of the best place to live in the UK for families and students.
Key Highlights of Coventry
- Coventry offers one of the most affordable cost of living in the UK for students which is around GBP 1,108 - GBP 1,320 (excluding tuition fees)
- QS Best Cities Ranking 2025 ranks Coventry as the 43rd best country in the world.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like the University of Warwick, and Coventry University.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Coventry |
|
Unemployment Rate in Coventry |
4.70% |
|
Average Income in Coventry |
GBP 27,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Coventry |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,050 For a Family of 4: GBP 2,900 |
|
Current Indian Population in Coventry |
56,500 |
|
Major Industries in Coventry |
Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing |
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Student
7. Bristol
Bristol is one of the best cities in the United Kingdom for students and expats known for its creative landscapes. Excellent universities and sustainability initiatives with a rich history and vibrant multicultural vibe. It is a preferred city for Indian students looking for probe academic growth and quality of life.
Key Highlights of Bristol
- Ranked among the top 10 student cities in the UK by QS Best Student Cities ranking.
- Best places to live in Bristol include Clifton, Redland, Bishopston, Southville, and Strokes Croft.
- Bristol is home to leading universities like University of Bristol and University of West of England (UWE)
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Bristol |
|
Unemployment Rate in Bristol |
3.90% |
|
Average Annual Income in Bristol |
GBP 33,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Bristol |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,300 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,500 |
|
Current Indian Population in Bristol |
~22,000 |
|
Major Industries in Bristol |
Aerospace, Finance, Media, Education |
8. Birmingham
Birmingham known for its rich industrial heritage and strong Indian community offers affordable living and a growing job market, especially in manufacturing and financial services. This is one of the best cities in the UK for Indians students as the residents actively celebrate various Indian festivals creating a home-like atmosphere for Indian residents
Key Highlights of Birmingham
- Birmingham is known as the Second City of the UK, is also a key hub for manufacturing industries like Jaguar, Land Rover, etc, and also has a burgeoning service sector.
- It is ranked as the 48th best student city in the world, and the 8th best city in the UK to live as per the QS Best Student Cities ranking 2025.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like University of Birmingham and Aston University
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Birmingham |
|
Unemployment Rate in Birmingham |
6.20% |
|
Average Annual Income in Birmingham |
GBP 28,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Birmingham |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,100 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,200 |
|
Current Indian Population in Birmingham |
112,251 |
|
Major Industries in Birmingham |
Manufacturing, Financial Services, Education |
Also Read: UK Student Visa Document Checklist in 2024: A Complete Guide on Requirements
9. Nottingham
Nottingham is one of the best cities to live in Britain, known for its historical heritage and innovation in life science and technology, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city has a vibrant Indian community, offers affordable living, and good job prospects that make it an attractive city for families and young professionals alike.
Hey Highlights of Nottingham
- Nottingham is well connected by public transport, including trams and buses, making it easy to navigate the city.
- QS best cities ranking 2025 ranks Nottingham as the 51st best country in the world.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like the University of Nottingham, and Nottingham Trent University.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Nottingham |
|
Unemployment Rate in Nottingham |
5.00% |
|
Average Income in Nottingham |
GBP 30,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Nottingham |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,000 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,000 |
|
Current Indian Population in Nottingham |
33,674 |
|
Major Industries in Nottingham |
Life Science and Technology |
10. Leeds
Leeds is a dynamic city with a strong economy driven by finance, law, and digital industries. Its affordable housing, excellent education system, and constantly growing Indian community make it a great place for Indians seeking a balance between career growth and quality of life.
Key Highlights of Leeds
- Leeds is a major city in West Yorkshire with a rapidly growing economy.
- QS Best Cities Ranking 2025 ranks Leeds as the 53rd best country in the world.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like the University of Leeds, and Leeds Beckett University.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Leeds |
|
Unemployment Rate in Leeds |
4.10% |
|
Average Income in Leeds |
GBP 31,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Leeds |
For 1 Person: GBP 1,150 For a Family of 4: GBP 3,200 |
|
Current Indian Population in Leeds |
45,908 |
|
Major Industries in Leeds |
Finance, Law, and Technology |
Also Read: Top 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in the UK in Various Industries
11. Leicester
Leicester boasts one of the largest Indian communities in the UK making it a culturally vibrant city to live in the UK for Indians. The city is known for its affordable living, strong sense of community, and for actively celebrating Indian festivals on a grand scale.
Key Highlights of Leicester
- Leicester is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK with 43% of the population belonging to Asia (majorly Indians).
- QS Best Cities Ranking 2025 ranks Leicester as the 94th best country in the world.
- Near proximity to various top universities in the UK like the University of Leicester, De Montfort University.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
City Name |
Leicester |
|
Unemployment Rate in Leicester |
5.10% |
|
Average Income in Leicester |
GBP 26,000 |
|
Average Cost of Living in Leicester |
For 1 Person: GBP 950 For a Family of 4: GBP 2,800 |
|
Current Indian Population in Leicester |
73,296 |
|
Major Industries in Leicester |
Retail and Manufacturing |
How to Identify Best Cities in the UK for Indian Students?
Choosing the right city can significantly enhance the students overall academic journey. Living in a student friendly city in the UK allows Indian students to immerse themselves in a global environment, attend international events, enjoy cultural activities and gain exposure to some of the world's top companies. Together, these aspects shape a truly enriching and holistic student experience. Some of the key factors that make a city favourable for students include
|
Factor |
Description |
|
Presence of Top-Ranked Universities |
Cities with a strong concentration of globally ranked institutions offer a dynamic academic environment. This not only enhances the learning experience but also opens doors to valuable professional and networking opportunities. |
|
Affordability |
Budget-friendly cities are often preferred by students, as they offer affordable housing, food, and daily living expenses, helping them maintain a decent standard of living without financial strain. |
|
Entertainment and Lifestyle |
A lively city with plenty of entertainment options—such as nightlife, music festivals, sporting events, shopping hubs, and cultural activities—adds excitement to student life beyond academics. |
|
Career and Employment Prospects |
Students seek cities that offer part-time jobs, internships, and strong post-study work opportunities. Cities with a thriving job market and access to top employers are especially attractive. |
|
Safety and Security |
A safe and welcoming environment is crucial for international students. Cities with low crime rates, secure neighbourhoods, and friendly communities are often considered the best for student life. |
|
Student Mix and Diversity |
A high ratio of students, particularly international students, reflects a city’s openness and readiness to cater to diverse student needs. This also allows for rich cultural exchange and global exposure. |
|
City Infrastructure |
Reliable public transport, good connectivity, affordable housing, and essential civic services play a significant role in making a city accessible and student-friendly. |
Also Read: Cost of Living in the UK for Indian Students & Immigrants
Need Help Choosing the Best City to Live in the UK? Seek GetGIS
While considering moving to the UK, one of the most important factors to consider is the city that offers not only abundant job opportunities, access to or in proximity to quality education institutions but also the welcoming community and safe environment.
Hope our comprehensive list of the 11 best cities in the UK for Indians students & working professionals could help you locate your right fit. For further details and personalized assistance for immigrating to the UK look no further than GetGIS. Our experts are here to ensure all your queries are answered to make you comfortable and confident about your UK immigration.
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