Studying in London, the capital city of England and the UK is a dream for many students from across the globe. This is a city that has a history of more than a century of hosting international students. Besides, it is one of the top two global cities and financial hubs in the world, which is also one of the reasons for students’ interest in studying in London. Interestingly, the number one university in the UK and the number two university in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2025, Imperial College London, is also located in London.
But, what if you don’t get admission in London or you want a different city, which is a perfect alternative to London? There are some more cities in the United Kingdom, which can be considered ideal alternatives to London. Here, we will mention some of the cities, which you can consider studying.
Manchester
It will definitely be a great idea to study in Manchester instead of London. Manchester is a city with sports, recreational activities, and more, and is one of the cities in the United Kingdom providing quality education to worldwide students. The University of Manchester is a major university here, which ranks 34th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Manchester Metropolitan University and Royal Northern College of Music are the other two universities in this city.
The cost of living in Manchester is cheap and is very low compared to that in London. According to some reports, Manchester was one of the cheapest cities in the UK in Spring 2022. Besides, there are excellent accommodations in Manchester in different price ranges where you can find basic as well as high-end amenities.
Reading
Reading is a city located in the west of London and is a place where just over 300,000 inhabitants live in its urban area. Reading can be reached from London’s Paddington station within about 25 minutes by train. So, many students studying in London also like to book accommodation in Reading. There are several good accommodation options in Reading, which are cheaper than the average rent of housing in London.
Besides, Reading is also a good city to get higher education and can be considered a perfect alternative to London. The University of Reading is a major university in this city, which ranks #172 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The cost of living in Reading is cheaper than in London.
Oxford
Oxford is the city that is home to the oldest university in continuous operations in the English-speaking world, which is the University of Oxford. The University of Oxford was established in 1096, and today also, it is one of the top 3 universities in the world. It has been ranked 3rd in the QS World University Rankings 2025. So, Oxford can also be considered as an alternative city of London for international students to study. Oxford Brookes University is another university in Oxford and ranks #416 in QS rankings.
Being a historic city, there is a lot to explore in Oxford for students. The cost of living in Oxford is high but is low compared to the cost of living in London.
Cambridge
Cambridge is another city in the UK with a historic university in continuous operation. The University of Cambridge in Cambridge is the second-oldest university in continuous operation in the English-speaking world. It was established in 1209, and today also, it is one of the top 5 universities in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, it has been ranked 5th. Apart from the University of Cambridge, the local campus of Anglia Ruskin University is also located in Cambridge.
Cambridge is no doubt one of the perfect alternatives to London.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is unquestionably a perfect alternative to London to study. The University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, and Edinburgh Napier University are the three universities in Edinburgh. The University of Edinburgh is among the top 30 universities in the world and has been ranked 27th in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
In Edinburgh, you find historic charm, top-notch education, medieval architecture, modern facilities, great festivals like Edinburgh Fringe, and more.
Conclusion
There are numerous cities in the United Kingdom, which can be considered the perfect alternatives to London such as Manchester, Reading, Oxford, Cambridge, and Edinburgh. These cities provide excellent facilities and world-class education to worldwide students. Some of the top-ranked and oldest universities in the world are also available in these cities. The cost of living in these cities may either be low or high but is cheaper compared to London.