The United Kingdom (UK) quilts together the storied setting of Scotland, the rolling hills of Wales, the royally renowned England, and the legendary land of Northern Ireland. This diverse quartet of countries also boasts top-notch universities with state-of-the-art facilities, iconic landmarks, high standards of living, and a strong economic and global prowess. The question isn’t so much why study abroad in the UK, but why not study abroad in the UK?!
While English is often the de facto language for most programs, you can still choose to learn Celtic languages or practice international languages. You’re also just a hop, jump, and skip away to neighboring countries in the UK and Europe thanks to the vast network of transportation options.
Plus, a plethora of programs are available for a fall, spring, or summer term, or even an academic year. Keep reading for all the reasons to study abroad in the UK!
14 reasons to study abroad in the UK
Whether you’re drawn to the bustle of London or the calm of the countryside, the perfect study abroad destination is waiting for you in the UK.
Are you wondering, “Should I study abroad in the UK?” and “Is it safe to study abroad in the UK?” Let’s find out these answers and the amazing wonders awaiting you across the pond!
1. Study whatever you fancy at world-class institutions.
Whether you’re looking to study classical literature or quantum physics, the UK is your educational oyster. The UK is home to many of the world’s best universities, such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh, and Glasgow University, to name a few. Diversifying your student portfolio will impress future employers too.
2. You can make money while you study!
Did you know that international students can work up to 20 hours a week in the UK with a student visa? And since the UK is a huge global and economic hub for many industries, you’re bound to find a job.
Many study abroad programs offer paid internship opportunities too. Plus, if you’re a graduate of a UK university, you can stay and work in the UK for up to two years with a post-study work visa.
3. You’re practically a “stone’s throw” to many neighboring countries.
The United States is thousands of miles from the UK, but when you’re in the UK, dozens of other countries are just a jaunt away! You could take a ferry to Ireland, the “chunnel” (train) from London to Paris or Amsterdam, or a cheap flight to almost any major city in Europe.
So, another great answer to “Why study in the United Kingdom?” Get ready to cross off lots of bucket-list destinations off your list while you study abroad in the UK!
4. Study abroad in one of the safest destinations in the world.
You may be wondering: Is it safe to study abroad in the UK? Yes!
While you should still exercise common sense and take precautions to keep safe and avoid petty theft, the UK is one of the top 50 safest countries in the world. In addition, many universities in the UK take safety measures, such as having on-campus security guards, security gates, and CCTV.
5. Save a few bucks with a lower cost of living in the UK.
Use the money you save to explore even more landscapes like this.
Overall, the cost of living in the UK is 18% less expensive than the United States. While it depends on where you live and your purchase habits, you can save a few hundred bucks a month on rent and groceries in the UK. Also, the average cost of tuition in the UK for international students is slightly lower at $12,700 to $48,000 compared to $26,000 at public schools to $56,000 at private schools in the U.S.
6. Enjoy plenty of university activities to round out your education.
Curious about student life in the UK? UK universities offer oodles of extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, drama clubs, music societies, volunteer opportunities, media organizations, political groups, and so much more! Plus, you’ll discover new interests, make new friends, expand your skill set, and possibly earn some leadership experience!
7. Get plenty of international student support.
Most universities offer dedicated student advisors for international students to help improve student life in the UK. They’re more than happy to welcome students, provide orientation, offer resources, and navigate any visa and immigration requirements. You can rest assured that you’re not alone!
8. Travel back in time with historical relics and castles.
Get ready to discover architectural wonders no matter where you choose to study abroad in the UK. Snap shots of Stonehenge, tour the Tower of London, marvel at the Roman remnants in Bath, explore Stirling Castle in Scotland, and more. Any Harry Potter fans out there ready to represent their house? Visit Alnwick Castle and take part in broomstick flying lessons!
9. You’ll have free health care.
One of the best reasons to study abroad in the UK? The UK’s National Health Service provides coverage to students from abroad (some low fees may apply to prescriptions). So you don’t have to worry about having a health insurance plan—the UK has you covered from common sniffles to more serious medical needs.
10. Meet people from all over the world.
One thing is for sure—you won’t be the only foreigner in the UK. In fact, nearly 680,000 international students studied in the UK in 2021-2022, and more than 550,000 of those students were from outside of the EU! So you can rest assured you’ll be studying in a culturally diverse environment and gain new perspectives from the world over.
11. Explore cosmopolitan cities and craggy countrysides.
Seriously, you can’t beat these landscapes.
Sprawling with a range of everything from wee villages to bustling cities, the UK lets you get the best of both worlds! Enjoy the fresh air of natural parks, such as Lake District in England, Cairngorms in Scotland, or Snowdonia in Wales, or get lost in the hubbub of alleyways in London, Glasgow, or Cardiff. You can get your fix of scenic landscapes and concrete jungles throughout the United Kingdom!
12. Enjoy plenty of events from plays to games.
You’ll find no shortage of events to attend in the UK whether you’re into arts or athletics. You could view a game in Windsor Park in Northern Ireland or watch a musical at the Piccadilly Theatre in London. You could attend Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival hosted every August, or enjoy the National Eisteddfod of Wales, which is the largest musical and poetry festival in Wales.
13. Sample both classic English cuisines and international dishes.
From fish and chips to bangers and mash, discover a plethora of hearty dishes to satiate your cravings. Not to mention quenching libations—scotch, mead, and cider, oh my! And because many international visitors have made the UK their home, you can delight in delicious curry, pad thai, jerk chicken, and lots of global dishes.
14. Surround yourself with British accents.
Last but not least, a good answer to “Should I study abroad in the UK?” Who doesn’t love listening to a British accent?
Every country in the United Kingdom has its own dialect and slang. From “bout ye?” to “haste ye back!” you’ll learn new phrases all the time while you’re studying abroad that you’ll probably end up adding to your own vocabulary.
Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 study abroad programs in the United Kingdom
3 study abroad programs in the UK to consider
Ready to give uni in the UK a whirl but not sure where to start? Check out these programs!
1. Study in Scotland with World Endeavors
- Why? Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh offers students a wide range of available courses with plenty of hands-on opportunities anywhere from two to four weeks to a full academic year. The combination of castles and Celtic music will liven your soul. From hiking the Highlands to lollygagging at Loch Ness, outdoor lovers will also rejoice at soaking in spectacular vistas.
- Where? Edinburgh, Scotland
- Read World Endeavors reviews
2. CIEE Open Campus Block Programs
- Why? You get to design your UK study abroad experience with up to three consecutive six-week blocks in locations in the UK and beyond. In London, you’ll get to marvel at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, boat along the Cam, and travel to see Roman remains in Bath. Then, if you’d like, continue your adventure in Dublin and tour castles, cathedrals, and more! You can choose one, two, or three locations for six, 12, or 18 weeks, spending all your time in the UK or adding another city you want to explore.
- Where? London, United Kingdom; Dublin, Ireland; and 15 more cities around the world!
- Read CIEE Study Abroad reviews
3. Future-Focused Study Abroad: IFSA in Wales
- Why? Choose from several excellent classes at Cardiff University, a member of Britain’s Russell Group of universities (counterpart to the Ivy League). Located in the heart of Cardiff, you’ll be near parks, venues, and the River Taff. Outside of class, explore Cardiff Roman Fort, take a studio tour of “Doctor Who” film locations, and meander through the medieval Cardiff Castle.
- Where? Cardiff, Wales
- Read IFSA, Institute for Study Abroad reviews
Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE
There’s so much more to the UK than just London—discover it through study abroad!
Why study abroad in the UK? Because there’s no better way to explore this amazing place!
So why study abroad in the UK? Quality uni education? Check. Culturally diverse? Check. Excellent excursion options? Check.
Like the British say—Bob’s your uncle! You’re sure to have a proper top-notch experience. So, what are you waiting for? Pop off to the land of unicorns, dragons, and griffins, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure to remember!
Explore ALL Study Abroad Programs in the United Kingdom on GoAbroad.com!
Look for the Perfect Study Abroad Program Now
Start Your Search
