Student Life in the UK: Cities & Activities to Explore
The UK is the second most preferred country after the USA among Indian students for pursuing higher degree courses and experiencing a unique life there. With the home to almost 1.42 Lakh Indian students, the UK provides an enriching and dynamic socio-cultural environment.
In this blog, we have discussed the Indian student life in the UK to help you understand the academic, cultural, and social experiences in this vibrant and diverse country.
Life in the UK: Key Highlights
Some UK cities, such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, etc., are world-renowned as the ‘second home’ of Indian students because they offer excellent academic and career opportunities and strong neighbourhoods of fellow South Asian communities.
| Total Population | 6.84 Crore |
| Number of Public Universities | 130 |
| Number of Private Universities | 6 |
| Number of Indian Students | 1.42 Lakhs |
| Popular Cities Among Indian Students | London Edinburgh Manchester Glasgow Birmingham Coventry Newcastle Upon Tyne Bristol Oxford Nottingham |
Academic Life in the UK
Academic life in the UK emphasises independent learning, where students are encouraged to take on challenges and solve them by using skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and collaborative teamwork.
Classroom lectures are complemented by seminars, debates, and research work, which vary depending on the study level and course. Student life in the UK is full of challenges and opportunities that help students grow personally and professionally.
Popular Cities in the UK for Indian Students
Exploring Indian student life in the UK city-wise can help you better understand the unique experiences they offer. Living in the UK is all about experiencing the diverse culture, vibrant lifestyle, and historical significance of the different places. The top 5 popular cities in the UK for Indian students are listed below.
- London
- Edinburgh
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- Birmingham
Let’s discuss them one by one.
London
London is the capital of the UK and is known as a leading hub for research and innovation, a vibrant Indian community, and a world-class shopping and nightlife destination. The city is also a hub for finance, tech, media, and healthcare industries.
| Popular Institutes | London Business School Imperial College London City University London King’s College London University College London |
| Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 31 Lakh-51 Lakh |
| Popular Attractions | The London Eye Big Ben Buckingham Palace Westminster Abbey The Tower of London |
| Famous Cuisines | Sausage Roll Jelleid Eals Chicken Tikka Masala Bangers and Mash Sunday Roast |
| Popular For | Historical Landmarks Museums and Galleries Theatre and Entertainment |
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. It is popular for its marvellous architectural design, rich history, and multicultural mix of students from different parts of South Asia. It has become the most captivating city in the world.
| Popular Institutes | University of Edinburgh Heriot-Watt University Queen Margaret University Edinburgh Napier University Scotland Rural College |
| Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 12 Lakh-21 Lakh |
| Popular Attractions | The Royal Mile Edinburgh Castle Arthur’s Seat National Museum of Scotland Princes Street Garden |
| Famous Cuisines | Black Pudding Scottish Porridge Haggis Shortbread Pizza |
| Popular For | World’s First UNESCO City of Literature Edinburgh Festival Fringe Skyline and Architecture |
Manchester
Manchester is one of the most popular cities in the UK for Indian students. It offers a blend of academic excellence, affordable living options, and cultural diversity.
Manchester is among the UK’s friendly cities because of its high quality of life, friendly community engagements, and good law and order.
| Popular Institutes | University of Manchester Manchester Metropolitan University University of Salford Royal Northern College of Music |
| Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 15 Lakh-25 Lakh |
| Popular Attractions | Manchester Arts Gallery Science and Industry Museum John Rylands Library Manchester Museum Old Trafford |
| Famous Cuisines | Bury Black Pudding Cheshire Cheese Manchester Turt Fish and Chips |
| Popular For | Music Scene Football Stadiums Architectural Designs |
Glasgow
Glasgow is one of the largest cities in Scotland and a popular destination for Indian students who want to pursue higher education and explore beautiful natural landscapes.
Due to its friendly atmosphere, thriving job opportunities, and developing hubs for creativity and innovation, Glasgow offers the most vibrant life in the UK to international students.
| Popular Institutes | University of Glasgow University of Strathclyde Glasgow School of Arts University of the West of Scotland |
| Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 11 Lakh-17 Lakh |
| Popular Attractions | The Riverside Museum Buchanan Street The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre The Tenement House The Glasgow Necropolis |
| Famous Cuisines | Haggis Cullen Skink Stovies Rolls and Sausages Cranachan |
| Popular For | Architectural Landscapes Shopping and Fashion Music Scene and Festivals |
Birmingham
Birmingham is one of the UK’s metropolises and is home to the largest Asian communities from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The city witnesses strong enthusiasm from international students from these countries for celebrating festivals and each other’s cultures together. Birmingham is also called a ‘shopper’s paradise.’
| Popular Institutes | University of Birmingham Aston University Birmingham City University University of Warwick University College Birmingham |
| Cost of Living (Per Year) | INR 12 Lakh-15 Lakh |
| Popular Attractions | Bullring Shopping Centre Cadbury World Birmingham’s Canals National Sea Life Centre Villa Park |
| Famous Cuisines | Black Country Beverages Chippy Chips Balti Jerk Chicken and Caribbean Food Brummie Bacon Sandwich |
| Popular For | Home of Cadbury Chocolate Diverse Cultural Heritage of the South Asian Community Arts and Theatre |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The UK is the second most preferred country by Indian students, after the USA. Indian students in the UK are encouraged to focus on developing independent research skills, inquisitiveness, and problem-solving abilities, which will help them in the long run.
With a multicultural environment and a robust support system from local communities, Indian students can quickly adapt, participate in cultural activities, and make lifelong connections.
FAQs
How is the life of Indian students in the UK?
Indian student life in the UK involves fulfilling academic commitments, sharing cultural experiences and customs with peers, and engaging in local fun activities throughout the year. These activities foster personal growth and strengthen connections.
How much is the rent in the UK?
Depending on the city and accommodation type, the average rent in the UK for Indian students ranges between GBP 250-600 or INR 26,000-60,000 per month.
Is the UK costly for Indian students?
The UK can be considered costly compared to other European countries due to its high quality of life and other factors such as inflation and government policies.
However, with proper budgeting and prioritising essential needs over wants, students can save money and invest wisely to sustain themselves.
What is the cost of studying in the UK?
The average cost of study in the UK is around GBP 10,000-30,000 or INR 11 Lakh-32 Lakh per year, depending on the course level, study program, and university.
What is the cost of living in London for Indian students?
The average living expenses in London for Indian students is around GBP 30,000-48,000 or INR 31 Lakh-51 Lakh per annum, depending on the locations and lifestyle adopted by the students.
