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The UK has a fantastic choice of student cities that offer a great selection of nightlife, culture and world class higher-education institutions. As a student accommodation agency, we see a dynamic variance in popularity for cities each year. Most recently Liverpool has shown a significant spike in student interest. In addition, Newcastle and Manchester consistently perform well for excellently located student residences. These cities have now become a marketable platform for student accommodation and further discussion will explain why.
Liverpool
Liverpool is rightfully declared as one of the most loved student cities in the UK. It has a student population of 70,000 according to topuniversities.com. Consequently, it is praised for its affordable housing, reasonable cost of living and cheap entertainment. Therefore it’s no wonder that the student population in Liverpool has grown considerably. As a result, Edge Hill University has increased in size from 2000 students in 1993 to around 15,000 in 2018, according to citymetric.com. Some reasons include cafes, accommodation and nightlife which have all helped drive the cities popularity. Liverpool also offers inexpensive university accommodation with the average cost between £80-£120 per week, truly one of the most affordable student cities in the UK.
Entertainment:
When taking a break from your studies students can enjoy a variety of cultural institutions. For instance, The Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, The Walker Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool. Moreover, Liverpool is home to one of the most beautiful parks in the UK, Sefton Park. If you enjoy gorgeous scenery grab a library book and explore the cities parks.
Nightlife
Liverpool students say the city’s nightlife is an exceptional feature. For Instance, Concert Square was rated the best nightlife venue in the UK by Student Hut users. This area is occupied by several venues, which often run huge drink offers, so the appeal is understandable. In addition, the centre of town, Lark Lane and the Baltic Triangle are the three hot spots for a lively night out. Students will find some of the best cocktails and live music and can take advantage of the student discounts offered in most bars and clubs. Other suggestions include:
The Krazyhouse – An alternative club with three floors, drink offers, themed nights and occasional live music.
Level – Multi-floor nightclub with some of the biggest DJs Liverpool has to offer.
Heebie Jeebies – Trendy cocktail hangout, underground bar, live music venue and nightclub, all rolled into one building.
Mansion – Liverpool’s premier nightclub, caters for house music fans.
“Liverpool is a fantastic location for any student. The nightlife is superb and while Liverpool is a small, compact city, there’s no shortage of pubs and clubs to head to. The cost of living is extremely cheap as well, especially compared to down south.” Student Hut 2018.
Newcastle
Newcastle is praised for its affordable cost of living and outstanding nightlife. As a result, it has been named the best university city in the UK, not once, but twice. Therefore, the city’s universities come highly recommended. Newcastle University ranks 26th in the country university league table for 2018. Northumbria University also ranks consistently according to recent publications.
Entertainment:
The vastness of the city means there’s an enviable choice of restaurants ranging from casual to fancy. Zapatista Burrito Bar serves traditional Mexican street food at a reasonable price for students. Ernest is great for an afternoon lunch. It is set in an industrial-chic space with live entertainment and praised for its quirkiness and delicious food. Additionally, some of the largest shopping centres in Europe reside in Newcastle, offering students and visitors alike a great retail experience.
Nightlife:
The nightlife in Newcastle is vibrant and diverse with something to suit everyone. Students enjoy independent music venues and a plethora of eating establishments. The Quayside is a bustling location with a range of excellent bars and pubs situated on both sides of the River Tyne with Riverside one of Quayside’s most famous clubs. However, there are plenty more options in the cities clubbing scene. Some suggestions include:
Tiger Tiger – Dance to cheesy retro tunes in an illuminated exterior in seven eclectic rooms. Not the cheapest but an experience.
Florita’s & Madame Koo – Interlinked clubs. Madame Koo has a dark, sultry vibe and Florita’s is Miami-inspired with tropical interiors.
Digital – Ranked the 11th best club in the world, for a Saturday night in Newcastle this is the place to go.
“Newcastle is the ultimate student experience, with student club nights held every night and weeknights being incredibly affordable. Student accommodation is amazing, offering comfortable flats for every budget.”Student Hut 2018
Manchester
An estimated 99,000 students reside in Manchester according to Student Hut 2018. Belkis Megraoui – Content Writer of TopUniverstities.com states “Manchester is the UK’s second-biggest city and is also ranked as the second most affordable UK city for students.” This is because the average rent for student housing is between £75 to over £150 a week. However, this will vary depending on the location and quality according to Save the Student 2018.
The University of Manchester is ranked 29th in the world. This highly ranked institution, as well as the outstanding entertainment and facilities on offer, is responsible for the city’s growth. ‘Recent data from the University of Manchester show that 94% of its UK first degree graduates were working or studying after six months and that 82% were in graduate-level jobs and/or study.’ (IEC Abroad 2017). Hence, the city also has fantastic Graduate employment opportunities.
Entertainment:
As it is one of the biggest cities in the UK, Manchester offers an abundant choice for eating out. From big restaurant chains to unique hidden gems. Sweet Mandarin was recently voted the best Chinese Restaurant in the UK by Gordon Ramsey. It serves fantastic dishes from a modern menu. Luck Lust Liquor and Burn serves food that is just as quirky as its name. From burritos to cheeseburger fries. Plus there is a happy hour from 5-8 so this contemporary Mexican is worth a visit. There’s also a considerable selection of theatres, cinemas and shopping outlets to cater for all tastes.
Nightlife:
The nightlife in Manchester is an attraction in its own right. There are over 400 pubs and café bars, as well as major club establishments and live music venues. Here are just a few:
Tiger Tiger – The biggest city-centre club in Manchester, with 8 different rooms covering a vast selection of music genres.
Revolution – One of the best affordable clubs in town, well catered for pop and cheese fans.
Gorilla – One of the most popular clubs to hit the Oxford Road area. A top 10 Manchester club with reasonably priced drinks and an eclectic mix of genres.
“Something about Manchester is truly magical and makes you never want to leave! Home to both a red brick and a met uni as well as music collages and other universities in surrounding areas such as Salford, Manchester is full of students.”Student Hut 2018.
These three cities illustrate why there is a growing desire for city centre living in fast-paced cities. A high volume of students’ flock to these popular student cities to live their best life and it is easy to understand the appeal. Our next blog post will discuss three more UK cities that are making an impact on the student property industry. Stay tuned for Part 2…
