Choosing the right university city

Don't know where to begin your university search? Or struggling to choose between offers from two very similar universities?

While modules, league table position and graduate prospects are important when picking the right university course for you, the uni's location can have a big impact on your overall university experience.

It's definitely worth considering what there is to do for fun, how expensive it is to live there and even just the vibe you get when wandering around.

Choosing a city to study in: key factors

Mull these over to help you decide the sort of city you'd like to spend your university years in:

Close to home vs further away

If you plan to visit home a few times each term, consider somewhere with good transport links to and from home.

Alternatively, if you're the adventurous sort – or simply don't want mum and dad popping up at short notice – you might want to think further afield.

Big city vs big town

While a big city like London or Birmingham might sound amazing, offering endless things to do, in reality it can have its disadvantages. Are you really going to have the time (and money) to relish every student night and edgy pop-up restaurant on offer?

A smaller alternative you can get around by foot or bike – like Edinburgh, Nottingham or Leeds – might make getting to those 9am lectures a lot easier.

Living costs

Rent and living costs – whether your weekly shop or the price of a pint – can vary wildly depending on where you are in the country.

London's choice of universities, long list of (free) things to do, and status as one of the world's most famous cities, might not mean as much when your rent leaves your account each month – there's a reason why students studying in the capital are eligible for a higher maintenance loan.

Your interests and hobbies

Whether you're a history buff or a sports nut, one city might lend itself to your favourite leisure activities more than another. For instance, if you're an avid surfer, you'll find yourself short of options and without a paddle in Sheffield, compared to coastal favourite Brighton.

Of course, it's not like the social scene will be the only thing you consider when picking your uni. But adding this into your thinking - alongside the more serious concerns of course modules and uni league table positions - can help you visualise what your life will be like in a new city.

And once you've got some ideas, try to make some time to visit on an open day. It's an unbeatable way of starting to see what a place is really like.

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