The cheapest and most expensive UK cities for students revealed

Middlesbrough emerges as the most affordable city for students, with Sunderland and Hull following closely behind. London remains the most expensive. 

With student numbers on the rise and competition for quality accommodation fierce, the UK's most expensive and cheapest cities for students have been revealed. 

The insight can help students applying for university - and landlords identify areas with strong rental demand and potential for higher returns.  

The research from L&C Mortgages found that Middlesbrough is the cheapest city for students where the average monthly student expenditure of just £758.58. 

Sunderland follows closely behind, with a monthly cost of £775.77, making it the second most affordable university town.  

Hull takes the third spot with a monthly expenditure of £782.82. 

Choosing a UK university 

A spokesperson for L&C Mortgages said: "Choosing which universities to apply for is always a huge decision, and the town or city that a university is in will certainly inform someone's choice.  

"Not only does location greatly affect a student's experience, but it also influences how comfortably and affordably they are able to live in their new home." 

They added: "As the data shows, towns and cities in the North of England and in Wales tend to be on the more affordable side.  

"By contrast, places in London and the South East of England tend to be more expensive." 

Research analysed various factors 

The lender's research analysed various factors, including rent prices both inside and outside city centres. 

Researchers also looked at essential expenses like utilities, groceries and transport costs. 

According to L&C Mortgages, the top 10 cheapest student cities: 

Middlesbrough (£758.58) 

Sunderland (£775.77) 

Hull (£782.82) 

Carmarthen (£786.69) 

Pontypridd (£800.69) 

Bangor (£802.27) 

Bradford (£805.54) 

Wrexham (£808.71) 

Huddersfield (£809.94) 

Preston (£848.24). 

Study reinforces the North-South divide 

The spokesperson added: "While this study does reinforce the North-South divide, there are some places that don't follow the pattern – Manchester is the most expensive city for students in the North, ranking as the 46th most affordable. 

"Of course, there are more things to consider than affordability when selecting a university and rent prices can vary according to many factors, such as the number of bedrooms – so if you plan to attend university in one of the more expensive towns or cities, don't be disheartened, as there may be cheaper options to consider. 

They added: "The cost of study is significant, and location can play a big part in that, so researching respective costs for different locations could help in the decision making. "Hopefully, these figures help to give a feel for the impact of living costs, which could be food for thought for those looking ahead and mulling over where to go." 

Most expensive student cities 

The UK's top 10 most expensive student cities, according to the research are: 

London (£1,542.44) 

Brighton (£1,410.33) 

Oxford (£1,291.13) 

Bristol (£1,286.31) 

Guildford (£1,271.15) 

Buckingham (£1,257.03) 

High Wycombe (£1,250.22) 

Cambridge (£1,246.50) 

Reading (£1,227.43) 

Edinburgh (£1,217.68). 

'Location can greatly impact a student's experience' 

The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "Choosing a university is a significant decision, and the location can greatly impact a student's experience and budget. 

"While the North-South divide is evident in these findings, it's important to note that not all cities follow this pattern - it won't come as a surprise to learn that Manchester is the most expensive city in the North." 

Mr Thompson added: "While affordability is crucial, students should also consider factors like course offerings and entry requirements so they undertake a course they will enjoy. 

"Ultimately, the choice of university will depend on individual priorities and circumstances - and making friends so that when you come to search for student accommodation in your second and third years, you will live with people you like."