It’s hard to believe Britain consists of over 6,000 islands, just 80 of which are inhabited.

Most of us have heard of the Isle of Man, Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles, but what about the smaller, slightly more inaccessible islands? After all, there are over 800 British islands that we can access by road, sea or air!

Here, we explore some islands you may have heard of as well as lesser-known islands that are well worth a visit.

Isle of Wight

As one of Britain’s most accessible islands, the Isle of Wight welcomes a healthy influx of over two million visitors each year.

With an average of nine ferries leaving each day from Portsmouth and Southampton – the majority taking just 45 minutes – the Isle of Wight is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or spontaneous day trip.

The island is well known for its shingle beaches, annual sailing regattas and unique chalk stacks, but there is so much more to do here.

On a sunny day, why not explore the island by bike? Choose between the relatively flat paved trail that circumnavigates the island or one of the off-road trails if you fancy more of a challenge.

Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are another, relatively well-known collection of British Islands. Consisting of five inhabited islands (St Mary’s, Tresco, St Martin’s, Bryher and St Agnes), as well as many other uninhabited islands, there is plenty to explore here.

Each island is unique although they all share the same temperate climate all year round. Evidence of this very un-British weather can be found easily on Tresco, which is home to a tropical garden and pristine white sand beaches.

You can’t get to Tresco directly from the mainland, but it’s well worth the combination of plane and boat to experience the tranquillity of the island.

Isle of Skye

Part of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye stretches across the west coast of Scotland.

Reachable via a road bridge that connects it to mainland Scotland, the Isle of Skye is one of the most easily accessed islands in Britain. Despite this, it still manages to retain an air of remoteness and calm.

Known best for the Cuillin Mountains that are located at the heart of the island, it’s mostly frequented by walkers and rock climbers searching for their next challenge.

As well as plenty of natural landscapes to explore, the island has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to prehistoric times. Visit the mysterious stone circles or bygone castles to learn most about the island’s varied history.

The Orkneys

Another archipelago of islands, the Orkneys sit just off the northern coast of Scotland. The main island is accessible by ferries that leave from terminals along Scotland’s coast: Lerwick, Hatston and Aberdeen.

Once on the main island, it’s easy enough to explore the surrounding islands either as part of day trips or by staying overnight. Visit the stone villages, grand cathedrals and historical monuments to learn more about the islands’ Neolithic heritage.

The Orkneys northern location means that, even during the summer, temperatures can plummet below 10°C. So, pack your waterproofs and a warm jumper to make sure you can make the most of the sightseeing opportunities.

Being this far north does have its advantages though, as these islands provide some of the best opportunities in the UK to see the northern lights.

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Despite its rich historical heritage, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is not as well-known as others on this list.

The impressive Lindisfarne Castle, built as a 16^th century fortress for King Henry VIII, dominates the skyline here. Visitors can explore the historic castle as well as the nearby ruins of Lindisfarne Priory, which was built in AD365 and inhabited by monks for thousands of years.

If history isn’t your thing, the island has plenty of other recreational activities on offer. Spend a serene afternoon birdwatching or tackle one of the more challenging hikes on the islands.

Note that Lindisfarne is only accessible during low tide, so check the timetables and don’t get caught out!

Sark

Sark is one of the smallest British islands, but, arguably, one of the most beautiful.

With no cars allowed on the island and an absence of streetlights, visiting Sark will take you back to a time when life was a little simpler. Expect to see horse-drawn carts and plenty of old-school farming machinery.

Explore the island by bike, on foot or by horse-drawn cart for a truly unique experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to stargaze here. With close to zero light pollution, the skies are among the clearest in Britain.

The Cotswolds is often overlooked as a rural retreat, with people opting for the more popular Lake District and Peak District instead.

Located smack bang in the middle of the country, the Cotswolds is less than a few hours drive from both London and Birmingham, making it a perfect place to visit for students in either city.

It’s filled with quaint limestone villages, picturesque public footpaths and plenty of traditional pub grub, making The Cotswolds the perfect city break.

Where to stay

Covering an area of 800 square miles, organising a weekend getaway in the Cotswolds can be slightly overwhelming. Here are our top picks for where to stay.

Chipping Campden

Once a wool trading centre in medieval times, Chipping Campden is now a quaint village with plenty of historic charm.  Although it is less popular than other towns in the Cotswolds, this comes at no expense to its sightseeing opportunities.

Take a walk down photographic Hoo Lane, buy a sheepskin at the old market or visit the 12^th century St James’s Church.

Bourton-on-Water

It’s no surprise that this pleasant village, dissected by a tranquil river and full of distinctive bridges, is one of the most photographed towns in The Cotswolds.

As a result, it has aptly been named the ‘Little Venice of The Cotswolds’. Being one of the more popular towns to stay at, you will need to book well in advance to get a room here.

Stow-on-the-Wold

Known for its antique dealers, organic local produce and an antique doorway that inspired JRR Tolkien, Stow-on-the-Wold is an eclectic town well worth your time.

Much smaller than the other villages in the Cotswolds, the ambience here is much more laid back, ideal for those looking for a town that’s off the beaten track.

Moreton-on-Marsh

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’, Moreton-on-Marsh is one of the most accessible spots in the Cotswold thanks to its direct rail links with London Paddington.

However, it’s much more than just a convenient rail station. Take a wander around town to discover it’s impressive 16^th century architecture and the plethora of markets selling local produce.

Burford

Sitting on the top of a hill in the middle of the Cotswolds, Burford provides visitors with some of the best views of the surrounding countryside.

Abundant with honey-coloured stone cottages and a dominant 12^th century church, you can’t get more quintessentially British than this.

What to see

No matter where you stay in the Cotswolds, there is always plenty to see and do. Here are our top must-sees while you’re there.

Berkley Castle

Designated as an English Heritage Site, Berkley Castle gives visitors a chance to experience life as it was in the 11^th century.

With a huge garden full of historical monuments and an ancient castle to explore, this is one of the most popular attractions in the Cotswolds.

Westonbirt Arboretum

The most famous arboretum in the United Kingdom, the Westonbirt Arboretum is a must-visit for anyone visiting the Cotswolds.

Stretching across 600 acres, these gardens are filled with over 15,000 types of tree from all over the world. The grounds are beautiful year-round, however, the lush greenery in spring and golden haze in autumn are both truly spectacular. 

The Model Village

This impressive one-ninth scale replica of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water is much more fascinating than you might initially think.

The quirky model village is incredibly detailed. From intricate hanging flower baskets to a singing choir in the church, it truly captures the essence of this charming village.

Royal Gardens

Open on selected dates throughout the year only, it’s worth trying to coincide your visit with one of the guided tours at the Royal Gardens.

Owned by the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, these formal gardens have been cultivated and nurtured since 1980. Today they are considered to be some of the most impressive in the UK.

Cotswolds Distillery

The Cotswolds Distillery is arguably one of the most beautiful in England.  With a backdrop of the Cotswold Countryside, visitors can come here to enjoy some locally produced whisky or gin.

Go on a tour of the distillery and end it with several exciting and innovative tastings!

Where to eat

With an abundance of organic farms on their doorstep, it is no surprise the pubs and restaurants in The Cotswolds produce some of the tastiest food in the UK. Here’s where to find it!

The Wild Rabbit, Kingham

This charming 18^th century pub pioneered the farm to table movement in the Cotswolds. 

Serving modern pub grub, using seasonal ingredients from their own organic farm, this is arguably some of the best food in the Cotswolds.

Daylesford Cookery School, Daylesford

The Daylesford Cookery School is just down the road from The Wild Rabbit and run by the same group.

Known within the culinary world for providing some of the best cookery lessons in the UK, a class at Daylesford will have you picking ingredients fresh from the ground before transforming them into a delicious dish.

The Lamb Inn, Burford

Known for its fine dining atmosphere and spectacular Sunday lunches, it is worth popping into The Lamb Inn if you are happy to spend a little more money on dinner.

Alternatively, cosy up on an armchair next to the open fire with a drink from their extensive English beer menu.

The Fox, Lower Oddington

If you’re looking for traditional pub grub, The Fox in Lower Oddington is the place for you.

Serving classic English food in a quaint 16^th century stone cottage, complete with original wooden beams, this is what The Cotswolds is all about.

Over Farm Market, Gloucester

For a chance to meet the farmers and buy the freshest produce, head to the Over Farm Market.

Originally just a small outlet, this award-winning farm now sells a wide range of fresh produce as well as jams, home-distilled beers, chutneys and pickles.

Sponsored by University of Northampton

With its perfect blend of bustling urban life and peaceful countryside, the quintessentially English town of Northampton is considered to be 'Britain’s best surprise' for locals and tourists alike.

From its flourishing homegrown business startup community and blissful gardens where you can explore and relax, to its shoe and leather industry that dates back almost 900 years, Northampton is a thriving town capable of rivalling the UK’s biggest cities, especially when it comes to higher education.

Read on to find out what else you’ll discover when you live and study in the bustling town of Northampton.

You’ll experience the ‘Best of British’

Credit: University of Northampton

The county of Northampton is often referred to as ‘The Rose of the Shires’ and is recognized as a center of excellence for traditional and innovative artisanal food and drink. From bakeries to breweries, distilleries to farm shops, every business has its own unique offering in the town.

And it’s not just the food that’s at the cutting-edge of British innovation. Northampton’s rejuvenation as a thriving business community sees it bursting with home-grown business talent. Students can enjoy all the independent businesses that line the high street and market square, including independent gig venues, theatres, cinemas, bars, shops, and cafés.

Northampton is a standard-bearer for the ‘Best of British’ in other ways too, with the British Formula One Grand Prix held at the nearby Silverstone circuit.

If you’re looking for a more quintessentially British (and quieter) way to spend the weekend, the town is also ideally located for visits to plenty of green parks and gardens to explore, including Sywell Country Park, Coton Manor Gardens and Haddonstone Show Gardens.

It’s great for business start-ups

Credit: University of Northampton

As we mentioned earlier, Northampton’s independent businesses are thriving, so it’s no surprise Northampton featured in The 21 Best Towns and Cities in Britain for Business 2019. Informi, a business advice service, also ranked the town as the third best place to start a small business in the UK in 2018.

Businesses are boosted by the fact Northampton is home to the largest urban enterprise zone in the UK. The Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone is where the University of Northampton opened its brand new £330 million Waterside Campus in 2018, with the aim of improving links between higher education and the local business community.  

Former University of Northampton student, Tom Anastasiou, who studied BA Business Entrepreneurship, set up his very first business venture in the town. Having noticed the difficulty in getting both nutritious and delicious meals for lunch or after hitting the gym, Tom launched Green & Lean, a fitness food business which sells healthy and tasty sports nutrition meals on the go.

“I think the grants made available at the University of Northampton really helped my business idea and assisted a lot with funding,” said Tom.

“The marketing and accounting modules gave me a good understanding of some basic principles which I have applied in my business and still use to this day. Being able to launch my food truck on campus to test my idea is something I will be forever grateful for and I have so much gratitude for the lecturers that made this possible.

“Allowing business students to make their idea a reality surpasses the requirements of a university. The real-world learning experiences that University of Northampton give students is priceless. If you want to start a business this is the course for you.”

The University of Northampton’s Enterprise Boost offers one-to-one business advice sessions and the Changemaker Hub works with students before, during and after their studies to develop and enhance employability prospects. If you’re considering setting up your own business venture after graduation, you’ll be in very good hands here.

Northampton is the shoe-making capital of the world

Northampton’s shoe and leather industry dates back almost 900 years and it’s widely considered the shoe-making capital of the world. Not impressed? What if we told you the town has created shoes for some very famous clients, including James Bond, The Beatles, Prince Charles and even Darth Vader!

The shoe and leather industry is still thriving in Northampton, which is good news for anyone studying leather technology or fashion. As the UK’s only university to integrate leather technology with fashion, marketing, business and environmental issues, the University of Northampton boasts an on-campus working tannery for practical leather making as well as laboratories for leather testing.

You’ll be able to make your money go further

Not every university town or city has to be a budget breaker. Studying outside of London means Northampton is significantly cheaper, yet you won’t have to compromise on the quality of your education or your lifestyle.

Plus, the larger cities of London and Birmingham are just a short commute away, and there are five international airports all within an hour’s commute. In short, Northampton’s location in the heart of England makes travelling in, out and around the city both cheap and easy.

Lead image credit: University of Northampton

Given the high tuition fees and costs of living in many of the cities containing the world’s best universities, you may not be alone in thinking that you can’t possibly obtain a top rate degree in a prestigious university for an affordable cost. Let us prove you wrong!

In this article we’ll be counting down to reveal the world’s most affordable cities for students in 2019, based on the affordability indicator – one of the six used to compile the QS Best Student Cities index. Each of these cities contain at least two world renowned universities featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

The affordability indicator takes into account the average tuition fees in the city’s ranked universities, as well the cost of living (using the Mercer Cost of Living Survey). It also considers the Big Mac Index and the iPad Index – giving further insight into the cost of living in each city.

10. Hsinchu

Perhaps those of you looking for a great place to study abroad will be blown away by Hsinchu, the second city laying claim to the title, ‘The Windy City’ (the first, of course, being Chicago). Coming 10^th for affordability this year and joint 68^th overall in the QS Best Student Cities index, Hsinchu is an excellent option for those who want to study in Taiwan without all the hustle and bustle of a big city.

Hsinchu is one of Taiwan’s lesser known, smaller cities – with a population of 435,000 (as opposed to its capital, Taipei, which has over 8.6 million inhabitants).

With tuition fees for international students equivalent to US$2,900 per year, Hsinchu is definitely one of the cheaper options in the Best Student Cities index in 2019. For those thinking about studying abroad in Hsinchu, the city has two top rated universities, both featured in the top 250 of the QS World University Rankings® 2020: National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University.

9. Johannesburg

This sunny South African city is ranked 78^th overall in the Best Student Cities and climbed six places this year in the affordability indicator. The city is home to two institutions featured among the world’s top 550 in the world university rankings – the University of Witwatersrand and the University of Johannesburg.

Coming in at ninth worldwide for affordability in 2019, individuals in Johannesburg’s city center can expect to pay an average of US$471 in rent per month for a one bedroom apartment, excluding bills (according to Numbeo) and annual tuition fees of around US$2,300. The city also ranks 185^th out of 209 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey (where first place is the most expensive).

8. Manila

The capital city of the Philippines and one of the oldest cities in the world, Manila is ranked eighth in the world for affordability this year, as well as joint 85^th overall in the Best Student Cities index. Manila contains four excellent universities, led by the University of the Philippines, which places joint 356^th in the world.

With tuition fees averaging out at around US$2,400, and the city ranking 109^th out of 209 in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, Manila is a great place to get a top-quality education without breaking the bank. On top of this, Manila earns its best score in Student View this year, based on student’s experiences whilst studying in the city, and their perceptions of the availability and quantity of graduate employment.

7. Bangalore

With the exception of Wroclaw (where tuition is free), the Indian city of Bangalore, a new entry in this year’s Best Student Cities index at 81^st, has the lowest tuition fees of all the cities on this list (only costing US$100 per year on average.) The city also has extremely low living costs – according to Numbeo, a one bedroom apartment in the city center, for example, will cost you an average of US$250 -- this is extremely low compared to cities such as London, where you’d be paying a monthly average of US$2,132.

Bangalore has two universities currently featuring in the world university rankings; the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Bangalore Thapar University, with the former being ranked 184^th in the world. It also ranks highly in both the student view indicator and the employer activity indicator, suggesting that Bangalore’s graduates are viewed highly amongst graduate employers.

=4. Novosibirsk

Russia’s third largest city, Novosibirsk is packed full of parks and tree lined avenues, as well as being a major manufacturing and administrative center. It climbed six places to rank 92^nd in the Best Student Cities ranking this year and is rated joint fourth for affordability, with tuition fees averaging at US$2,600 per year for international students. Living costs are lower here than in Moscow, with a single metro ticket for example only costing 22 rubles (the equivalent to only 35 US cents).

=4. Tomsk

Ranking 73^rd overall in the Best Student Cities index, Tomsk places joint fourth for affordability in 2019 along with fellow Russian cities Novosibirsk and St Petersburg. Tomsk gained the title of the ‘cultural capital of Siberia’ from the 1960s, when it was fill of artists, writers and film directors, and is still known today as a major educational, scientific and innovation center in Siberia. The city is home to two world-renowned universities, Tomsk State University and Tomsk Polytechnic University, which both feature well within the top 400 universities in the world. If you’re interested in studying at one of Tomsk’s leading institutions, international undergraduate tuition fees cost an average of US$2,600 per year.

=4. St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city (after Moscow, of course) and home to over five million people. Ranked 66^th in the city ranking in 2019, it’s climbed four places in the affordability indicator to claim joint fourth place, with tuition fees at its three leading universities costing an average of US$2,600 per year. Students looking to study in this awe-inspiring city will be pleased to find out that the city’s cost of living is 28.2 percent cheaper than in Russia’s capital, Moscow, according to Numbeo. And although St Petersburg’s best score overall is for its affordability, its biggest improvement this year is in the student view indicator, rising 16 places in 2019, reflecting its popularity amongst students.

3. Wroclaw

With sensational architecture and a plethora of diverse cafés and restaurants, Wroclaw, the fourth-largest city in Poland, comes third in the affordability indicator and is a new entry in the QS Best Student Cities index in 2019 at 108^th. Students looking to study in Wroclaw will be pleased to hear that higher education is free for Polish students, and for international students willing to take the same entrance exams and to study a course taught in Polish. However, if you’d prefer to study in English, tuition fees are still much lower than you’ll find elsewhere. The cost of living in Wroclaw is also relatively low, with Numbeo estimating that the monthly rent for a single person living in the center will cost on average around US$597.

2. Kuala Lumpur

For the second year running, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital and largest city, ranks second in the world for affordability. Also featuring in joint 29^th place overall in the best student cities this year, tuition fees at one of Kuala Lumpur’s five ranked universities will cost an average of only US$2,500 per year for international students. For those looking to live in the city center, a one-bedroom apartment will cost an average of US$568 per month (according to Numbeo). Kuala Lumpur also ranks well for affordability in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey, coming 141^st of 209 countries in terms of expense.

1.Budapest

Boasting three world leading universities, and home to over three million people, Hungary’s capital ranks first once again for the affordability category in 2019. Budapest also comes 43^rd overall in the QS Best Student Cities, rising six places his year due to its improved scores in the desirability and student mix indicators (appearing in the global top 60 for both).

Budapest will cost international students an average of US$1,400 in tuition fees per year (much lower than many other study destinations). The city also ranks 164^th out of 209 countries in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. To get an estimate of the monthly expenses you can expect whilst studying in Budapest, you can use StudyinHungary.hu’s cost of living calculator, which also includes information on costs in other Hungarian cities.

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London has been named the best city for students for a second year running in the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

Despite ongoing concerns about Brexit and anti-immigration rhetoric, London continues to be an attractive destination for students from around the world, beating second-placed Tokyo and third-placed Melbourne once again.

London mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed London’s status as the world’s best student city, saying: “The fact that London has again been ranked the best city in the world in which to be a student is fantastic news – and is no surprise given that London is home to world-leading higher education institutions and a vibrant cultural life.

"This is further evidence that London is open to students and talent from around the world.”

Interested in studying in London? You’ll find everything you need to know about student life in the UK in our guide.

A ranking that’s bigger than ever

Now featuring 120 cities from around the world, the Best Student Cities table reveals which cities offer the best student experience, from affordable cost of living and tuition to the level of diversity within the student population.

Cities are given scores in six different indicators: affordability, desirability, employer activity, student mix, student view and the performance of the universities within that city in university rankings. More information about how these work can be found in our methodology.

The expansion of this year’s ranking has allowed several cities to be included for the very first time. Bangalore, Abu Dhabi, Bristol, Beirut, Sheffield, Krakow, Liverpool, Wroclaw, Jakarta, Riga, Islamabad, Almaty, Dallas, Chennai, Lahore, Leicester and Minsk can now all proudly boast of being one of the world’s top destinations for students.

You can find this year’s top 10 in a table below, or click here to discover which 10 cities were the most popular with students we spoke to around the world.

Whether you’re studying at the University of Wolverhampton or in one of the nearby Midlands cities (e.g. Birmingham), you’re likely to spend at least a couple of nights out in the bars and clubs of Wolverhampton.

The city has undergone a renaissance in recent years, and finding the perfect night out has never been easier for students. Here are some of our favorite pubs, clubs and bars in the city, all of which are within a 10-minute walk of each other.

The Giffard Arms

As one of the oldest pubs in Wolverhampton, The Giffard Arms has cemented its place in local folklore and is a treasured institution.

Located on Victoria Street, this mock Tudor building, complete with stained glass and oak carving, is dripping in character and charm. Don’t be fooled by its small-looking exterior, The Giffard Arms proudly boasts a spacious ground floor bar area, and an equally large second-floor space, known as the “darkroom”.

Each floor focuses on a different genre of music, with the main room within the Giffard playing classic ‘dad rock’, while the second floor is more tailored for modern tastes.

This pub has built its reputation on an inclusive “everyone’s welcome” ethos, and so a night at The Giffard Arms is something you must experience while living here.

The Grain Store Gin Emporium & Kitchen

During the day you can book an “Afternoon G & Tea”, a traditional afternoon tea – with a twist. A selection of sandwiches, cakes, nibbles and their signature gin make for a perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends.

Throughout the day the Grain Store serves an extensive menu of small plates, custom burgers, and classic pub favorites.

During the evenings the Grain Store transforms itself into the perfect bar for students, with a wide range of awesome cocktails, beers and spirits on offer. Expect a welcoming, sociable party atmosphere with people spilling out into the quirkily decorated beer garden.

Popworld

Anyone looking for the perfect feel-good night out in Wolverhampton will find Popworld satisfies every need. Playing all the floor-filling favorites from the ‘90s and ’00s, this spacious colorful venue will have you dancing your troubles away until the early hours.

Popworld specializes in cocktails, from classics (sex on the beach, woo woo) to house specials (bubble gum martini, funfair flaska – which is topped with candy floss!)

Grab yourself a huge sharing cocktail that comes with pixel shades, Hawaiian leis, and sun visors to really capture the party atmosphere.

The Parisian

Set in the heart of Wolverhampton's Queens Square, The Parisian is a French-themed cocktail bar that brings all the flair and vitality of a Paris night straight to the Midlands.

Surrounded by genuine French antiquities and decor, drinking in The Parisian can feel like being transported to another time and place.

Available drinks include an array of continental beers, ales and flamboyant cocktails - all with a Parisian twist. This is a perfect place to sit and relax in the evening after a tough day at university.

The Planet Nightclub

One of the best alternative and rock clubs in the West Midlands, The Planet Nightclub is spread across two floors of a building as large as a warehouse. This size ensures an atmosphere and energy on busy nights that can’t be beaten.

Playing the best in alternative music, this famous club is one of the best venues for music lovers to spend their Friday and Saturday nights.

Blossoms: Liquor and Grind

The newest arrival on Wolverhampton’s nightlife scene, Blossoms only opened its doors late last year. However, it’s already gained popularity among the city’s students thanks to its striking floral artwork and stylish interior.

Blossoms has become particularly popular for its Friday classic RnB nights, but also draws a big crowd on Saturday nights too. Local and national DJs have all played here, and the club is consistently announcing new events, street parties and promotions.