While it’s important to choose a university based on its academic credentials, we at Red Pen recommend you take into account the city you’ll be living in. After all, you’re not just going to study; you’re going to be part of a culture that’s different from your own!

We’ve compiled a list of what we think are the top five destinations for international students.

1.     London. Of course, the capital has to be on the list. The UK’s biggest city is home to almost 9 million people and a number of world-class universities. Over 300 languages are spoken in the city, making it the perfect home for students from all over the world!

2.     Bristol. Coined as “the home of the Good Samaritan”, Bristol is a diverse, welcoming city for students from all over the world. The city is famed for its rich culture and incredible nightlife, so you’ll never be lost for something to do when you’ve not got any studying to do.

3.     Birmingham. Home to over 1 million people, this former industrial city is one of the UK’s most multicultural cities and a growing commercial hotspot. There are countless universities dotted in and around Birmingham, and there’s no doubt that you can find one right for you.

4.     Glasgow. As the biggest city in Scotland, Glasgow is as diverse and multicultural as its English counterparts! One of the city’s main universities, the University of Strathclyde, is over 500 years old, so you can on the city’s rich history. Strathclyde is a popular choice for students from all over the world and offers countless opportunities for students to mix with people from other cultures.

5.     Coventry. Though smaller than the other cities on the list, Coventry should not be underestimated. Home to two huge universities (Coventry University and the University of Warwick), the city has a huge student population, of which 40% come from outside the UK.