Starting your UK university student life is a very exciting experience. The place in the UK you choose will be your new home, the place where you study, and the location of some of the most memorable years of your life. But with so many options, how do you choose the best student areas in the UK?

Whether you're interested in Manchester and its arts, London and how busy and exciting it is, or Birmingham's atmosphere, this will guide you to the best options. This will help you find a spot that not only fits your budget but also matches what you want, making your university experience everything you've dreamed of and more.

Manchester: A Modern City of Opportunities

Manchester is a great city with a lot to see and do. It’s known for its legendary music scene, rich industrial heritage, and its big student population. Manchester is also a city that loves creativity and innovation, making it a lovely place to learn and study. Finding the right student accommodation in Manchester is very important to unlock everything this city has to offer.

Fallowfield

If you're looking for a great student experience, Fallowfield is where you'll definitely find it. This south Manchester suburb is practically a town in its own right, buzzing with a lively social scene that revolves around its many restaurants, and cafes. Fallowfield is a melting pot of students from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, giving them a real sense of community.

With excellent bus links to the city centre and university campuses, you're never far from the action. While it has a reputation for being a party central, Fallowfield also offers quieter pockets and beautiful green spaces like Platt Fields Park, perfect for a sunny day study session or a kickabout with friends.

Student accommodation options in Fallowfield include:

• House of Social - A nine-minute walk to the University of Manchester.

• iQ Fletcher House - An 11-minute walk to the University of Manchester.
  
  

Rusholme

Just a stone's throw from the University of Manchester's main campus, Rusholme is a vibrant and diverse area best known for its famous "Curry Mile." This bustling stretch of Wilmslow Road is lined with an incredible array of South Asian restaurants, takeaways, and shops, offering a feast for the senses.

But Rusholme is more than just amazing food. Its close proximity to the university makes it an incredibly convenient place to live, and it's generally more affordable than some of the more central areas. It has a lively, multicultural atmosphere and is a great option for those who want to be close to both the university and the vibrant energy of Fallowfield.

Student accommodation options in Rusholme include:

• iQ Kerria Apartments - A seven-minute walk to the University of Manchester.

• iQ Wilmslow Park - A five-minute drive to Manchester Metropolitan University.
  
  

Oxford Road

For international students, Manchester’s Oxford Road is ideal thanks to its close proximity to the University of Manchester and lively atmosphere. This place is, basically, the academic and cultural heart of Manchester. It’s also home to Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a host of theatres, music venues, and art galleries.

Living here means you can roll out of bed and be in a lecture hall in minutes. The area is brimming with student-friendly amenities, from quirky coffee shops to cheap and cheerful lunch spots.

While accommodation here can be a bit pricier, the convenience and the constant buzz of being in the city's student epicentre are hard to beat. This is one of the best student areas the UK has for those who want a truly urban university experience.

Student accommodation options in Oxford Road include:

• Circle Square - A 10-minute walk to the University of Manchester.

• Daisybank Villas - An 11-minute walk to the University of Manchester.

London: The Global Metropolis

London is a big city with endless possibilities. It's a global place filled with finance, fashion, and culture, and home to some of the world's greatest and biggest universities. While the prospect of living in such a vast and vibrant city can be daunting, finding the right student accommodation in London can make all the difference. Because of its diversity, the city has a place to suit every student and their interests.

Camden

Camden is famous for its iconic market, eclectic street style, and legendary music scene. It's also a place that loves individuality, which is great for students. Camden also offers a vibrant and exciting place to live, with a lot of places to relax and live music venues.

It's well-connected to the rest of London via the Northern Line, making it a convenient base for students at UCL, King's College London, and other places. While it can be a bit more expensive, its uniqueness and all the entertainment it provides make it a popular choice. If you're looking for cheap student accommodation in London per month, you might have to venture a little further out, but the transport links make it manageable.

Student accommodation options in Camden include:

• AXO Camden - An eight-minute drive to London Metropolitan University.

• Camden Canal Side - A nine-minute drive to the University of London.
  
  

Shoreditch

Shoreditch was once a gritty industrial area, but has recently transformed into one of London's trendiest neighbourhoods. Known for all the gorgeous street art, lovely boutiques, and the relaxing nightlife, it's a great spot for creative people and those with an interest in fashion.

For students at places like the University of the Arts London or City, University of London, Shoreditch offers a dynamic and inspiring place to live. The area is packed with comfy cafes and innovative restaurants, so you'll never be short of places to explore. While it's not the cheapest area, the creative energy and proximity to the city centre make it an attractive option.

Student accommodation options in Shoreditch include:

• AES Shoreditch - A 28-minute walk to City, University of London.

• iQ Shoreditch - An eight-minute drive to City, University of London.
  
  

Brixton

Brixton is a neighbourhood with a rich history and a vibrant, multicultural soul. It's a place where you'll find a thriving market, a lovely music scene, and a very unique and strong sense of community. For students at universities in South London, Brixton offers a lively and affordable place to live. The area is a food lover's biggest dream, with Brixton Village and Market Row offering a huge variety of international cuisines that will give you a nice and unforgettable experience. 

It's also a great place for a night out, with iconic venues like the O2 Academy Brixton and Hootananny. Brixton's excellent transport links, including the Victoria Line, make it easy to get to the rest of London. For those looking for the cheapest accommodation in London for international students, exploring areas around Brixton and further south is a good idea. 

Student accommodation options in Brixton include:

• Glassyard Building - A 10-minute walk to the University of Arts.

• Therese House - A 14-minute walk to City, University of London.
  
  

Birmingham: The Rising Star

Birmingham is a city on the rise. It's a young, changing, and diverse city with a rich industrial heritage and a thriving student population. With three major universities, Birmingham is a true student city, offering a fantastic quality of life at a more affordable price than many other major UK cities. Finding the right student accommodation in Birmingham is your first step to discovering everything this exciting city has to offer.

Selly Oak

Selly Oak is to the University of Birmingham what Fallowfield is to the University of Manchester. It's the city's main student suburb, and it's where you'll find a huge concentration of students. This means a lively social scene with plenty of pubs, restaurants, and takeaways catering to a student budget.

The area is just a short walk from the University of Birmingham's main campus and has excellent transport links to the city centre, including its own train station. While it's known for its buzzing atmosphere, Selly Oak also has quieter residential streets and is close to green spaces like Cannon Hill Park.

Student accommodation options in Selly Oak include:

• Selly Oak Court - Around a 15-minute walk to the University of Birmingham campus.

• Candam Hall - A seven-minute drive to the University of Birmingham.

Edgbaston

For those who prefer a quieter and more picturesque setting, Edgbaston is an excellent choice. This nice suburb is home to the University of Birmingham's beautiful campus, as well as the Edgbaston cricket ground and the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. It's a more peaceful area than Selly Oak, but it's still within easy reach of the university and the city centre.

Edgbaston has a very residential feel, with a comfy mix of big Victorian houses with lots of history and modern apartments. It's a lovely option for those who want a tranquil study environment while still being close to all the things they may need. This is one of the best student areas the UK offers for those who value a balance between city life and green spaces.

Student accommodation options in Edgbaston include:

• Collegiate Bagot Street - A five-minute walk to Birmingham City University.

• iQ Penworks House - A six-minute drive to Ulster University - Birmingham Campus.

Birmingham City Centre

For students at Aston University and Birmingham City University, living in the city centre is a popular and convenient option. Birmingham's city centre has undergone a huge transformation in recent years and is now a vibrant and exciting place to live. You'll have everything on your doorstep, from world-class shopping at the Bullring to the vibrant nightlife of Broad Street and the creative quarter of Digbeth.

While city centre living is generally more expensive, the convenience and the buzz of being in the heart of the action are a major draw for many students. For those studying in the city, this is arguably one of the best student areas the UK provides.

Student accommodation options in the Birmingham City Centre include:

• Harriet Martineau Unite - A two-minute walk to Aston University.

• Onyx - An 11-minute walk to Aston University. 

Choosing where to live is a huge decision, but hopefully, this guide has given you a flavour of what each of these amazing cities has to offer. The best student areas in the UK are waiting for you to explore. Whether you're looking for a lively social scene, a quiet study haven, or a creative and inspiring neighbourhood, there's a perfect spot out there for you. Do your research, visit if you can, and most importantly, choose a place that feels like home. If you ever need help finding the perfect place, remember that we are always here to help you at Casita.