Top 5 Alternative Student Cities
It takes great nightlife, excellent transport links, friendly communities and fantastic food to make a great student city. We’ve previously discussed what we think are the top 5 student cities, but it’s often the lesser known places that people really fall in love with when studying. In this article we take a look at what we think are the best alternative cities for studying in the UK.
1. York
Top of our list of alternative student cities is York. It’s friendly atmosphere and architectural beauty makes it our favourite alternative place to study. It’s a big enough city to have a buzz about it, yet it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Close to Leeds and Sheffield, York offers itself perfectly as a base to discover the best the North of England has to offer too. Perhaps the reason York tops our list though, is it’s great city life. From shopping in the specialist stores and boutiques that line the medieval streets, to relaxing in the chic bistros and quirky bars, York has something for everyone.
Read more about studying in York.
2. Loughborough
Loughborough is fast becoming a favourite study destination for many. Its wide range of extracurricular activities mean there is something for everyone once you are out of the lecture halls and its excellent campus environment makes Loughborough one of the best places to study in the UK. In 2011, Loughborough came top of the Times Higher Education’s Best Student Experience poll for the fifth year in succession, proving just how great it really is.
3. Dundee
Dundee is the sunniest city in Scotland, but it’s the nightlife that we love. The city has an excellent theatre scene and film lovers will love the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre. Opened in 1999, it has already shown a variety of works from blockbusters such as The Da Vinci Code to Andy Warhol’s rarely seen “Screen Tests” series. Dundee’s restaurants and pubs are just as diverse, many of which are affordable on a student budget and once the Scottish sun has set, there are plenty of mainstream and alternative clubs to explore.
Read more about studying in Dundee.
4. Derby
A compact city, set in the heart of the midlands, Derby is a great place to study in England. Just a short distance from the beautiful Peak District, it’s perfect for the adventurous type who want to explore the local area. There is plenty to do in the city too for those who prefer to keep the mud off their boots. The city centre has a massive Intu Shopping Centre, along with smaller boutiques and hidden restaurants just waiting to be found.
5. Portsmouth
Finishing off our list of alternative student cities is Portsmouth. Situated on England’s southern coast, it has a lot to offer. The University is only a short walk from four miles of beach and there is plenty of green spaces too which are great for meeting friends and picnics in the summer.