Where to Study in the UK?
We know, figuring out where to study in the UK can be overwhelming. But with solid preparation, you can turn this journey into an exciting adventure.
Studying in the UK has historic popularity thanks to its world-class academic standards. To pinpoint your unique study abroad journey in the UK, you need to consider additional aspects your university and all the factors around it. These may include programs/courses, location, cost of living, scholarship opportunities, and even the ins and outs of the application process. This blog is going to be your guiding compass in finding the ideal place to study in the UK!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Study Location in the UK
Starting your academic journey involves choosing a university. You’ll need to research elements like academic reputation, programs, location, living expenses, and campus atmosphere.
The academic reputation of universities
Academic reputation reflects the quality of the university’s education and research, the employability of its graduates, and so on. Look into factors like:
• research expertise
• faculty experience
• diversity in programs
• accreditations
• affiliations
• employability for graduates
• overall student satisfaction.
If you have a strong interest in a certain industry, concentrate on universities that are leaders in that field. For instance, the University of Sussex ranks #1 in the world for Development Studies!
Type of location and campus environment
Your university experience extends beyond the classroom, encompassing factors like location and campus environment. If you want the vibrant energy of city life, metropolitan areas in the UK may be appealing to you.
Meanwhile, if you prefer a tranquil and serene atmosphere, away from the hustle of city noise, universities in rural settings could be your ideal choice. Regardless of your preference, you can refine your search using location settings. Location can also influence your tuition fees and costs of living, as we’ll get into shortly.
Looking into the campus environment – and the environment of the city itself – is handy too. How big is the international student population at your university? And how student inclusive is the city where it resides? How many of the student population at that city are international students
The more multicultural a campus and its surrounding neighborhoods are, the more you can expect a smoother transition into student life. It is an indicator of the level of international student support services and facilities that can make adjusting in a foreign country easier.
Tuition fees & cost of living
Affordability is one of the biggest concerns driving study in the UK decisions. And yes, where to study in the UK does factor into your budget decisions. The location of your university often plays a role in overall tuition fees. Generally, cities with higher costs of living have higher tuition fees. More suburban or rural cities tend to have universities with lower tuition fees.
Note that there is also a difference in fees depending on whether the university is public or private. A public university will typically charge lower tuition fees than a private one.
Meanwhile, majority of living expenses – roughly 30-40% – goes into student accommodation, followed by:
• transportation
• food
• location
• miscellaneous expenses like:
• books & stationeries
• leisure activities
• mobile internet etc.
And yes, location can influence all of the above. Rent will vary depending on the cost of living in your chosen city and even where in the city you live. Your day-to-day expenses on food, shopping, and leisure activities will depend on the living costs of your student city.
For instance, London is relatively more expensive than other cities in the UK, with a minimum monthly expenditure budget of £1400-£1500. Fortunately, there are some handy resources to help you estimate your costs of living to help you decide where to study in the UK. The UCAS Budget Calculator, for instance, breaks down your average living costs depending on your chosen university.
Top Universities to Study in Across the UK
| University | Location | Top Courses/Programs | QS World University Rankings 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loughborough University | East Midlands | Engineering, Sports Science, Business | #212 |
| University of Surrey | Guildford, SE England | Technology, Science, Business Studies | #244 |
| University of East Anglia | Norwich, East England | Environmental Sciences, Creative Writing, International Relations | #295 |
| University of Kent | Canterbury, SE England | Humanities, Social Sciences, Business | #336 |
| Brunel University London | Uxbridge, West London | Engineering, Design, Health Sciences | #343 |
| Royal Holloway | Egham, Surrey | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | #413 |
| University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland | Life Sciences, Medicine, Art and Design | #441 |
| Bangor University | Bangor, North Wales | Environmental Science, Psychology, Business | #481 |
| University of Hull | Hull, East Yorkshire | Arts, Sciences, Business | #523 |
| University of Plymouth | Plymouth, Devon | Marine Science, Health Sciences, Engineering | #561 |
Loughborough University
Renowned for sports and engineering, Loughborough University provides a dynamic and vibrant campus environment. It boasts an impressive 92% student satisfaction rate in engineering. According to the QS World Rankings, the university consistently secures a position in the top 10 globally for sports-related disciplines. Graduates enjoy a high employability rate, with 94% securing employment or pursuing further study within six months of graduation.
University of Surrey
Based in Guildford in the Southeast of England, the University of Surrey is popular for its programs in technology, science, and business studies. It has a dedicated ‘Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory’, showing strong commitment to innovation. Additionally, the university holds a global reputation for high employability.
The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, providing students with a conducive environment for practical learning. With a strong emphasis on research, the University of Surrey ranks 244th in the UK.
University of East Anglia (UEA)
The University of East Anglia in the UK stands out for its strong focus on environmental sciences, creative writing, and international relations, achieving an impressive 89% overall student satisfaction rate. According to the QS World Rankings, the UEA ranks in the world’s top 300 best universities.
Set against a stunning campus backdrop, alongside a picturesque lake, the UEA features the famous Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. The university places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and offers robust support for creativity. Graduates of UEA commonly secure positions in fields such as environmental organizations, media, and international development.
University of Kent
Just an hour away from Central London, the University of Kent emerges as an excellent choice for higher education. The university offers programs in humanities, social sciences, and business. Its international community, coupled with extensive study abroad opportunities, adds to its allure. Employers have a positive preference for University of Kent’s graduates across various sectors, capitalizing on the university’s emphasis on developing transferable skills. The University of Kent is one of the world’s top 350 universities according to QS WUR 2024.
Brunel University London
The next contender in our recommendations of where to study in the UK has a great location in the world’s best student city. Ranking 40th in the UK, Brunel University London excels in engineering, design, and health-related disciplines, with a particular emphasis on contributions to engineering research. The university has a modern campus with cutting-edge facilities and strong industry connections.
Royal Holloway University of London
The Royal Holloway University of London has a popularity for its arts, humanities and social sciences programs with high regard for its research output and academic excellence. It possesses a strong emphasis on research-led teaching, and a vibrant arts community. Graduates find success in various sectors, particularly in arts, media, and social services.
University of Dundee
The University of Dundee is one of the top universities in the UK that excels in life sciences and medicine, particularly known for its significant contributions to medical research. It possesses modern facilities, maintains strong connections with the industry, and emphasizes interdisciplinary studies. Graduates from the university often excel in healthcare, life sciences, and the creative industries, contributing to a high employability rate.
Bangor University
This university finds itself in a beautiful location in North Wales. Bangor University has a great reputation for environmental science and psychology. It maintains an 88% overall student satisfaction rate with a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental research. Graduates often find opportunities in environmental organizations, psychology, and business sectors.
The University of Hull
In its East Yorkshire port city location, the University of Hull is the 14th oldest university in the UK with a history of academic excellence, cutting edge research and a commitment to social justice and sustainability. The university is prominent for its supportive learning environment, international curriculum, and work placements.
University of Plymouth
With its coastal location, the University of Plymouth in Devon places a significant focus on marine and ocean science studies. It has a prominent research hub that specializes in this particular domain. With an impressive 87% of employability status, the university’s research-informed teaching and engagement in environmental research and initiative showcases its dedication to sustainability.
How to Apply to Study in the UK
The application process for studying in the UK can look a bit different depending on which university and program you apply to. As a bachelor’s degree candidate, for example, you will likely apply through the UCAS platform. For postgraduate applications, you would typically apply directly to the university.
| Process | Details |
|---|---|
| Research university, courses & professors and intakes | ● Short list options based on academic goals |
| Prepare Necessary Documents | ● Academic Transcripts ● Recommendation Letters ● English Proficiency Test Scores (e.g., IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic) |
| Application/Submission Portal | ● Register on UCAS for undergraduate programs ● Apply directly to institutions for postgraduate programs |
| Fill in Applicational Details | ● Academic History ● Professional Qualifications ● ECAs and Volunteer work ● Personal Statement/Motivation Letter |
| Submit Application | ● Apply through UCAS for undergraduate programs or directly to institutions for postgraduate programs |
| Make Payment | ● Pay applicable fees; check university-specific information. |
| Await Responses | ● Receive offer letters |
| Get Student Visa | ● Apply for the UK Student visa once you have your CAS |
| Prepare for Departure | ● Plan for arrival, accommodation, logistics, etc. |
Rounding Up
To sum up, while deciding where to study in the UK, you need to keep various factors in mind. From academic reputation to living costs, each element contributes to shaping your unique educational experience. Top universities in the UK offering diverse programs, exciting opportunities, unique features coupling with accessible scholarships and a streamlined application process. Studying in the UK can truly set you on a transformative academic journey.
