
With all of these picturesque views, we don’t blame you for wanting to study in England.
Where should I study abroad in England?
Why ello there. It seems you’ve figured out that you want to study abroad in England, and for that—congratulations! It’s a brilliant idea to study abroad as an international student, and even more brilliant that you’ve chosen a country with so much to offer.
While you’ve chosen one of the best countries in the world to study abroad in, you’ve also landed on a country that has SO many good cities for students to flock to. You may think all of England is just charming accents and pubs full of pints, and while that’s not completely wrong, it’s important to note that each English city offers you something different than the rest.
What is like to study abroad in England you ask? Well there are countryside villages with idyllic landscapes that will no doubt swoon you, and have you thinking you’ve hopped on a time machine to the 16th century. There are also cities famous for their rich education, and universities that date back over 1000 years. Bloody hell is right! And of course you’ll find one of the biggest cities in the world, with energy so infectious, you’ll truly feel the spirit of England.
It’s a hard decision, but studying abroad in England can be perfect for anyone. Don’t worry lovelies, we’ve got you covered on your search for an English adventure. Check out our list of the best cities in England to study abroad.
The best student cities for study abroad in England
You: “I want to study abroad in England!” Us: “Awesome! Here’s where you’ll have the time of your life.”
1. Leeds
To start out with a bang, here’s a city that’s going to give you the most bang for your buck. Leeds is a northern gem that offers thriving nightlife, countryside cozy vibes, and most importantly-it’s cheap. Leeds is often referred to as the best student city in the UK, and if you’re looking to study abroad in England on a budget, this city is calling your name.
While you’re in the heart of Yorkshire, you may fancy yourself a proper cup of tea. Or maybe a pudding? Either one will probably comfort you on the sleepy Sunday mornings you’ll experience after a night on the town with your new classmates, and of course the local Northerners. There’s a lot of variety in Leeds, and that goes for what you can study while you’re there too! With so much to choose from, you may never want to leave.
Recommended programs for studying in Leeds:
- API at the University of Leeds
- IFSA at the University of Leeds
- See all study abroad programs in Leeds

Leeds holds its own as a popular destination for study abroad students in England
2. Cambridge
Ahh the classic Cambridge. If you’re a sucker for English history and find yourself daydreaming about walking along cobblestone roads that poets, prime ministers, and students like yourself have strolled down since medieval times, then your heart will find its way to Cambridge.
There’s just something about a city filled with history that you can see all around you. Not to mention it holds one of the top five universities in the world. Impress all your friends with the knowledge you’ll gain from a city with so much to offer. You may even find yourself on a punting boat in a canal and think you’re in Italy. Not to worry! There’s a pub with a pint waiting for you around the corner. You won’t ever have to wonder why it’s one of the best cities to study abroad in England.
Recommended study abroad programs in Cambridge:
3. London
We’re sure you’ve heard of London by now, and how could you not want to study here?! If you look up the word “cosmopolitan” in the dictionary, it wouldn’t be surprising if your eyes landed on a picture of the London city skyline, which is just as diverse as the people who live in it.
London has everything needed to make your experience authentic, memorable, and truly English. With people from all over the world, royalty that still resides in the city today, and a pub on almost every corner, (For real, we’re not taking the piss!) it’s no wonder London is one of the most popular spots for students wanting to study in England. London’s calling, and you’re going to fall in love! Don’t forget to hop on the London Eye and take in the birds eye view of a city that’s full of magic.
Recommended study abroad programs in London:
- Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS
- Semester in London - University of Westminster - CISabroad
- IES Abroad London
- See all study abroad programs in London
4. Oxford
If you’re dreaming of impressing your folks back home with all the worldly knowledge you plan to acquire when you study abroad in England, then Oxford is surely the right city (and uni) for you. If there’s a school that screams academic excellence-it’s Oxford. There will also be tons of other students studying in a city with so much to offer academically, so you’re not alone in this university friendly town.
One thing to note about Oxford is that studying here actually does mean you will study. With such a rich history of providing some of the most renowned educators in the world, your education is put on the highest pedestal when you’re in one of the oldest spots for learning. If you’re ready to become an intellectual badass, pack your bags to study in England. Oh, did we mention Oxford looks like real life Harry Potter? Cheers to that!
Recommended study abroad programs in Oxford:
- Tufts in Oxford, England
- Midsummer in Oxford
- ISA Study Abroad in Oxford, England
- See all study abroad programs in Oxford

Don’t mind us while we get easily distracted by how cute Oxford is
5. Bristol
Now a crazy big city like London may not be everyone’s style, and we get that. So if you’re searching for a city that’s still creative, has crazy fun nightlife, but is in a slightly different part of the country, you may want to study abroad in Bristol. Being one of England’s biggest media hubs outside of London, you’ll find all kinds of art and music venues that get your quirky juices flowing.
Apart from the amazing street art you’ll stumble upon between classes, Bristol also offers access to one of the most beautiful parts of England-the countryside. Travel to the Cotswolds for a weekend getaway in a charming English village that overlooks rolling hills. You’ll definitely feel like you’ve escaped the crowds, and your brain will need a break from all the books!
Recommended study abroad programs in Bristol:
6. Manchester
So you say that sports are your thing? You would’ve known that England is a hot spot for sporting events, especially football! We mean soccer of course, and this is one of the best sports cities to study abroad in. With the Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs at your fingertips, you can surely score some tickets to a fun match.
With such a lively atmosphere for sports, you’ll also find that atmosphere goes into the nightlife as well. Pub crawls are extremely common in this city. You’ll be cheering on your favorite football team and cheersing your mates with a pint at the same time! There’s a lot of culture to discover in Manchester, and when you study there you get to be apart of it in more ways than one.
Recommended study abroad programs in Manchester:
- University of Manchester
- Cambridge Exam Courses
- See all study abroad programs in Manchester
[Browse More Awesome Cities for Studying Abroad in England]
Find scholarships for Americans studying in England

If you’ve ever dreamed of going to a school that looked like Hogwarts, now’s your chance
We know you’re probably wondering, “what is it like to study abroad in England on a budget?” Don’t fret. What if we told you that you could be given money for FREE to go to one of these amazing cities in England? It’s true! Check out these great undergraduate scholarships for international students in the UK.
- GoTranscript Academic Scholarship Program. If you’re a curious college freshmen who wants to take on the world abroad, this one may be for you. This scholarship is offered year round for spring and fall semesters until 2022.
- Toptal Scholarships for Women. Hey now, ladies! These scholarships for Americans studying in England are open to anyone with a passion for changing the future—any academic background is welcomed!
- Video Contest Scholarship for Students Who Enjoy Writing. Do you think you’re more expressive on screen than with written word? This video contest lets you express yourself in any way you want in hopes of getting free money. Yes, please!
- GreenMatch Community Service Scholarship. If promoting sustainability is your thing, think about applying for this GreenMatch scholarship. You could be awarded for your efforts in creating a more green community.
[Click HERE for a Guide to Study Abroad Scholarships]
You’re ready to study abroad in the bloody best cities in England!

Grab your friends & choose one of the best cities in England to study abroad!
Whew! It can be quite a doozy to decide where you want to go when you study abroad. While there’s plenty of amazing cities to choose from, we feel passionate about these English cities, and hope you do too!
There’s so much culture to discover in England, and each city adds their own special flare to making you feel truly English. Whether you want to expand your education in a renowned institution, or follow in the footsteps of Shakespeare and put your heart into the arts, there are endless possibilities for studying abroad in England, and these are the cities where those dreams come true. You’re in for a treat. Cheers!
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