To make your uni experience the best it can be, you want to live in a thriving location that suits your wants and needs. 

Whether it’s living by the coast or in a buzzing metropolis, finding the right city for your uni years takes some careful consideration and there are plenty of aspects to consider when comparing uni towns. Just like no two universities or courses are the same, different cities have their own unique vibe, culture, opportunities and student events. 

As a starting point to guide your research, we’ve done some of our own! Read on to learn the most popular cities students are flocking to in 2022.

Demand for student accommodation and short-term lets surges

At this time of year, demand for student lettings is high. Many students seek short-term lets for semesters away and short courses in an exciting new city. 

It’s important to start looking for accommodation quick, or you might miss out on your favourite option.

RANKED: The most desirable student locations in the UK in 2022

According to online searches, compared to last year, the top trending student accommodation locations are:

Edinburgh sees the biggest growth in student interest in 2022 

Student accommodation in Edinburgh has seen the biggest increase in interest in 2022 compared to the previous year, highlighting the city as a top spot for students. Over 40% more students are looking for student accommodation in Edinburgh compared to last year.

What is it about the Scottish capital that’s drawing students from near and far?

Not only is Edinburgh home to five of the world’s top universities, including The University of Edinburgh, but it’s also a thriving cultural epicentre with a rich offering of music, shops, sports events, nights out and more. And the affordable cost of living and accommodation doesn’t hurt, either!

Top 10 locations for student demand

Other locations stand out for their particularly big leaps in the number of students flocking to them. Here are the top 10 locations the most students are looking to move to this year:

Nearly 38,000 more students are looking for houses in Liverpool, making it top of the list in terms of the quantity of students seeking a new home away from home. 

Liverpool is the former European City of Culture, meaning it’s a hub for everything relating to music, arts and entertainment, and is packed with theatres, events, museums and more to keep you entertained between your studies. No wonder students are rushing to live there!

Are you looking for accommodation in one of the UK’s most popular student cities?

While student towns may be in high demand, you can still grab yourself a room in one of the most sought-after uni towns, including short-term let options for those not looking for a full academic year of accommodation.

‘Fresh offers student accommodation across the UK and Ireland for long-term stays as well as short-term lets for those looking for one academic term or even less. In doing so, we provide flexibility for both domestic and international students, whatever their situation: our mission is always to make student living easy, convenient and comfortable.

Perhaps you’re studying a year abroad or are doing a placement semester in a new town — whatever your needs are, feel assured that there’s accommodation out there for you, and with Fresh’s easy online booking system and attentive Residents’ Team, moving while studying is stress-free.’

• Tracy Stanton, Director of Customer Experience, Fresh

Complete your uni experience in one of the top student cities in the UK and Ireland by living in award-winning accommodation from Fresh.

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Search demand data sourced from MediaVision’s Digital Demand Tracker and Google Trends.