A world-class city like London may have some of the best colleges and universities, but it can stretch the average student budget. Luckily, many cities in the United Kingdom are affordable and home to reputable schools. If you鈥檙e looking to save money during your time abroad, keep reading! Today, we鈥檒l spotlight the United Kingdom鈥檚 five most affordable cities, per data collected by , , and in 2021.聽
If you鈥檙e also considering studying in Australia, Canada or the United States, read our blogs on the five most affordable cities in these countries.
Courtesy of Visit Derby.
5. Derby, Derbyshire
Carving out the fifth spot on our list is Derby. This city is an excellent study abroad destination for all of you history lovers! Derby is the UK鈥檚 most central city and is renowned for stimulating Britain鈥檚 Industrial Revolution with some of the country鈥檚 first spinning mills and factories. Today, Derby is more than just a hub for industrialization. Here, international students can enjoy a variety of entertainment venues, museums, and sightseeing spots. You can escape the bustle of Derby and spend an afternoon walking along the . Or make your way to the , where you can roam around the upscale shopping and restaurant district, taking in architecture dating from the Industrial Revolution. International students can expect to pay an average of 拢500 a month in rent.聽聽
Fun Fact: The world’s second-largest aero-engine manufacturer, , is based in Derby.
Courtesy of Visit Britain.
4. Blackpool, Lancashire
Blackpool is a large seaside resort situated on the coast of England. With a population of 138,380, this mid-size city always has something fun and exciting to do! One of the city鈥檚 more famous spots is , the United Kingdom鈥檚 most ride intensive theme park and the perfect spot for all of you thrill-seekers! If rollercoasters aren鈥檛 your thing, don鈥檛 worry. You can spend a night out at the Vegas-style or a day lounging on one of the city鈥檚 . With the average cost of rent sitting at 拢481.25, students can spend less time worrying about their finances and more time enjoying their time abroad.
Fun Fact: network is over 130 years old.
Courtesy of Visit Scotland.
3. Dundee, Angus
Dundee is Scotland鈥檚 fourth-largest city and experiences more hours of sunshine than any other Scottish city. Here, students can spend their free time wandering around the , trekking up , or grabbing a pint at one of the city鈥檚 charming pubs. Students can anticipate paying an average of 拢462.50 in rent, 拢80 in transport, and 拢74 a month in food costs. So, if you鈥檙e considering studying in Scotland but its reputation of rain and grey clouds isn鈥檛 ideal, then Dundee should be on your radar.聽
Fun Fact: In 1832, the first radio broadcast was sent from Dundee.
Consider studying at the University of Dundee.
Courtesy of Visit Stoke.
2. Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Located in central England, Stoke-on-Trent is the home of the UK鈥檚 pottery industry and is often referred to as the Potteries. Stoke-on-Trent seamlessly blends technology, commerce, and art through craftsmanship, and prides itself on being a creative city that produces beautiful things. International students can visit , award-winning , and , where you can explore its woodlands alongside 140 free-roaming . With a cost of living that is 40% lower than London’s, students can expect to spend 拢459.38 a month on rent.聽
Fun Fact: Stoke-on-Trent residents are referred to as 鈥淧otters.鈥�
Courtesy of Welcome to Yorkshire.
1. Bradford, West Yorkshire
The most affordable city on our list is Bradford. It鈥檚 affectionately referred to as the United Kingdom鈥檚 鈥渃urry capital鈥� due to its reputation for having some of the finest curry restaurants in the nation. Beyond its delightful curry dishes, Bradford has something for everyone to enjoy. You can spend your downtime exploring its scenic and the city鈥檚 rich . Locals recommend making your way to the to view one of the many performances held there every year. International students can expect to pay an average of 拢443.12 a month in rent鈥攁n extremely affordable rate for the big city feel and benefits Bradford boasts.聽
Fun Fact: Almost a quarter of Bradford鈥檚 population is under sixteen, making it the youngest city in the UK.
Consider studying at the University of Bradford.
These five UK cities prove that you don鈥檛 need to choose between affordable living and a great education. Begin your study abroad journey in one of these cities to reap the benefits of both!
