9 Most Beautiful Cities to Study in the UK

The UK has no shortage of stunning cities that are also great for studying, each with its own unique vibe.

Here are nine of the most beautiful cities to study in — combining aesthetics, student life, and culture:

Let’s see a little more why:

Edinburgh, Scotland

Why it's beautiful: Historic architecture, cobbled streets, dramatic hills, and a castle on a volcano. Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns were named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Student vibe: Home to the University of Edinburgh and others, it’s full of culture, festivals, and a strong intellectual scene.

Bonus: Arthur’s Seat is basically your backyard.

Universities in Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh,  Heriot-Watt University,  Edinburgh Napier University,  Queen Margaret University, 

Oxford, England

• Why it's beautiful: Iconic medieval buildings, colleges with centuries of history, riverside charm.The city is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

• Student vibe: Academic excellence, tradition, and lots of dreamy libraries.

• Bonus: Punting on the river with tea and scones afterward.
  
  

Universities in Oxford: University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University, SAE Institute, Ruskin College Oxford

Bath, England

• Why it's beautiful: Georgian architecture, Roman baths, honey-colored stone buildings everywhere. Feels like walking through a period drama.

• Student vibe: Smaller student scene but very high quality.

• Bonus: Feels like walking through a period drama.
  
  

Universities in Bath: University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath College, Norland College

St Andrews, Scotland

Why it's beautiful: Seaside charm, ruins of a cathedral, quaint streets, and beautiful beaches.

Student vibe: Cozy but elite, with a strong academic reputation and tight-knit student community.

Bonus: It’s where Prince William met Kate Middleton.

Universities in St Andrews: University of St Andrews

Cambridge, England

Why it's beautiful: Stunning college architecture, punting on the River Cam, and immaculate gardens.

Student vibe: Globally top-tier university city with loads of tradition and brainy energy.

Bonus: It's like Oxford, but with more bikes.

Universities in Cambridge: University of Cambridge, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts, The Cambridge Theological Federation

York, England

• Why it's beautiful: Medieval city walls, cobbled lanes like the Shambles, and the stunning York Minster.
  
  

• Student vibe: Warm, friendly, and historic — University of York has a great academic reputation.
  
  

• Bonus: Feels like living in a fantasy novel, but with great cafés and pubs.
  
  

Universities in York: University of York, York St John University, Askham Bryan College, Northern College of Acupuncture, York College

Durham, England

• Why it's beautiful: UNESCO-listed castle and cathedral overlooking a river gorge.
  
  

• Student vibe: Small but vibrant student community centered around Durham University (one of the best in the UK).
  
  

• Bonus: You literally get to study in a castle — no big deal.

Universities in Durham: University of Durham, New College Durham

Belfast, Northern Ireland

• Why it's beautiful: A mix of Victorian architecture, modern waterfront, and green hills just outside the city.
  
  

• Student vibe: Affordable, diverse, and up-and-coming, especially with Queen’s University Belfast drawing international students.
  
  

• Bonus: Quick access to epic nature like the Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones filming locations.
  
  

Universities in Belfast: Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University, St Mary’s University College Belfast, Stranmillis University College

Canterbury, England

• Why it's beautiful: A picturesque cathedral city full of medieval charm, timber-framed houses, quaint streets, and riverside walks.
  
  

• Student vibe: Historic yet lively, with the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University bringing in a solid student crowd.
  
  

• Bonus: Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most iconic in Europe — and the whole city feels like a living storybook.

Universities in Canterbury: University of Kent, University of Canterbury Christ Church University, University for the Creative Arts (UCA),

Let us know which cities you love and which ones we missed!