University Insights
February 23
Choosing a University City as an International Student
Summary
Making the decision of what university to attend is a huge life choice for all international students, but the city's location is usually a major factor in determining that decision. The city you choose can shape your academic routine, overall budget, mental wellbeing and all the opportunities you can access during and after your degree. Students and parents should think broader than “What the highest-ranked university is?” but also consider “What city will support my academic aspirations, lifestyle, and long-term career goals?” In this guide, we will outline a practical, data-informed approach to compare university cities across costs, careers, liveability, and student support.
Total Cost of Living Is Often More Important Than Tuition Alone
Students should consider the total cost of living in a city rather than just the tuition alone. A university with lower tuition costs can still be more expensive overall especially when you add up rent, transport and everyday costs which may be higher in certain cities.
When estimating total costs of living, consider:
— Average monthly rent
— Food & Groceries
— Public transport costs
— Average utilities costs
— Health insurance
— Exchange rate and inflation (especially if you rely on family support)
The table below highlights how rent and total monthly costs vary by city.
City | Rent | Total Monthly Cost |
London | £700–£900 | £1,300–£1,600 |
Manchester | £450–£650 | £900–£1,100 |
Toronto | CAD 800–1,100 | CAD 1,400–1,700 |
Melbourne | AUD 1,000–1,300 | AUD 1,800–2,200 |
A Practical Approach
Convert costs into a monthly and semester budget, factor in exchange rates, and check whether part-time work (if permitted) would realistically cover day-to-day expenses.
Return on Investment (ROI): Educating Yourself for Future Returns
It’s quite common for many international students to think of education as an investment of time and money with the ROI shaped by both the university and city you study in. So when you’re comparing cities, you should consider how realistic access to internships, entry-level roles, and industry networks are during your degree and after graduation.
Common indicators of a strong ROI include:
— Graduate employment opportunities
— Starting salary ranges for new graduate
— Availability of internships and placements
— Strength of employer links and industry presence around the university
How to think about ROI across cities:
— Lower-cost cities can deliver strong ROI if they still offer good internship access and graduate hiring
— Higher-cost cities can still be worth it in fields where the local market offers strong career opportunities (for example in industries like finance, law, consulting, or certain tech hubs)
A Practical Note
ROI can vary by degree, career path, visa/work rules, and the economic environment. Hence it's quite important to do your research prior to making a decision. A well-connected programme in a healthy job market can outperform a higher-ranked option if the local hiring environment is weaker.
Industry Presence and Career Ecosystem
Many international students evaluate cities as career ecosystems, not only as locations to study.
Criteria students often consider:
— Presence of multinational companies
— Start-up culture and innovation hubs
— Availability of paid internships and placement opportunities
— Industry-related networking events, and career fairs
Example City Strengths by Sector
— Technology and Artificial Intelligence (Toronto, San Francisco and Berlin)
— Finance and Economics (London, New York and Singapore)
— Healthcare and Life Sciences (Boston and Melbourne)
— Creative and Media (Los Angeles and London)
Studying in a city with a strong ecosystem can provide:
— Earlier exposure to professional environments
— More opportunities to build experience during your degree
— A stronger CV at graduation
— Access to roles with sponsorship or post study work visas where relevant
Safety, Liveability & Student Well-Being
When moving abroad many international students should also consider and prioritise mental health and lifestyle alongside their academics. A city’s liveability factors such as commute time, safety index, and healthcare access can help with daily stress levels if you want to be successful in your course work.
Useful sources to check
— Global Liveability Index
— Crime and safety statistics
— Public transport coverage and reliability
— Healthcare accessibility and student support services
Liveability Snapshot
| Safety | Transport | Student Lifestyle |
Melbourne | Very High | Excellent | Balanced |
Vancouver | High | Very Good | Calm |
New York | Medium | Excellent | Fast-Paced |
Berlin | High | Excellent | Affordable & social |
Cultural Diversity & International Student Support
Feeling included matters. It shapes confidence, wellbeing, and how quickly you settle into academic and social life at university.
Students typically consider:
— Size of the international student community
— Availability of cultural societies and clubs
— Language inclusivity in day-to-day life
— City-wide diversity and openness to newcomers
Cities such as London, Toronto, Sydney, and Amsterdam are often popular with international students because they can:
— Offer global exposure and diverse peer groups
— Reduce cultural isolation for newcomers
— Support smoother social integration through communities and student networks
A diverse city often means better peer networks, broader perspectives, and stronger personal growth.
Accommodation Availability: A Critical Yet Underrated Factor
Housing is one of the biggest challenges international students face, and one of the most common causes of stress especially in cities with tight rental markets.
Before committing to a city, many students check:
— Availability of student housing near campus
— Typical commute times
— Contract length and flexibility
— Upfront costs and basic tenant protections
— Safety of neighbourhoods where students commonly live
Cities with strong student housing supply and clear rental processes can make it easier to focus on academics instead of logistics. Some students compare options using student housing platforms such as AmberStudent, alongside university housing offices and official partner lists, to review locations, price ranges, and contract terms before arriving.
A Simple City Comparison Scorecard
A weighted scorecard can help you compare cities consistently, especially if you are choosing between places with different trade-offs. Here is an example you can adjust based on your priorities:
Factor | Weight |
Academic Reputation | 25% |
Cost of Living | 20% |
Employability | 20% |
Safety & Liveability | 15% |
Housing Availability | 10% |
Cultural Exposure | 10% |
Cities that perform well across categories tend to produce better academic retention and graduate outcomes, even if they are not globally famous.
Common Mistakes Unsuccessful Applicants Make
— Choosing a city based only on university rankings
— Underestimating housing constraints and how early you need to secure accommodation
— Miscalculating cost of living by focusing on tuition alone
— Assuming part-time work will cover expenses without checking visa rules, wage levels, and realistic hours
— Not thinking through career outcomes after graduation, including local hiring strength in your field
— Doing the same level of research on the city as you do on the university helps you avoid expensive surprises and choose a place that supports both academic success and quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a university city is easier when you focus on practical fit rather than hype. Once you compare total cost of living, career access, safety, culture, and housing logistics, the trade-offs usually become clear.
If you plan to study abroad, use a simple, structured framework to shortlist cities and pressure-test your choice. The city you choose will shape your day-to-day experience, your support systems, and the opportunities you can access during and after your degree.