New research by Mystudenthalls.com has revealed the best cities for graduates to move to after university based on factors such as cost of rent against average salary, monthly utility bills, quality of life and dining out.
Newcastle leads the way with a low % of salary spent on rent and a high quality of life score
Coventry and Sunderland also make up the top three, with Leeds and Reading rounding off the top five
With University graduates finishing off their degrees and eagerly awaiting the results of years of studying, come June, many graduates will be wondering where they might move to, to soak up the culture and experience of a different city.
To help students who are finishing university this summer, Mystudenthalls.com has analysed five social, financial and cultural factors which are important to graduates moving to a new city including the % of salary that would go on rent, utility costs, quality of life, culture rank and the average price of dining out.
Top 10 UK cities to move to after University
Newcastle comes out on top as the best UK city to move to after University with only 27% of the Av salary needed for rent and one of the highest quality of life scores. The cities renowned for its friendly atmosphere and lively social scene make it an ideal location to move to post studies.
|
Rank
|
City
|
% of Salary spent on Rent
|
Monthly Utility Cost (£)
|
Quality of Life Score
|
Dining out (£)
|
Culture Index Rank
|
Total Score (MAX 5)
|
|
1
|
Newcastle
|
27 %
|
248.77
|
186
|
10.92
|
23
|
3.540
|
|
2
|
Coventry
|
26%
|
227.25
|
171.87
|
13
|
23
|
3.340
|
|
3
|
Sunderland
|
30%
|
220
|
168.43
|
12
|
23
|
3.327
|
|
4
|
Leeds
|
27%
|
219.35
|
178.03
|
15
|
23
|
3.265
|
|
5
|
Reading
|
32%
|
164.26
|
188.73
|
18
|
23
|
3.261
|
|
6
|
Belfast
|
31%
|
126.35
|
179.35
|
19
|
23
|
3.232
|
|
7
|
Sheffield
|
31%
|
324.44
|
186.98
|
11
|
23
|
3.214
|
|
8
|
Stoke-on-Trent
|
25%
|
319
|
173.71
|
12
|
23
|
3.136
|
|
9
|
Glasgow
|
29%
|
271.33
|
183.75
|
15
|
23
|
3.118
|
|
10
|
Edinburgh
|
34%
|
259.15
|
186.94
|
15
|
23
|
3.103
|
Coventry's affordable renting costs and cheap dining out options make it an appealing choice for new graduates with the city ranking second best to move to in the UK. The second city in the Northeast to make the top three, Sunderland, offers a mix of urban and coastal living and with low monthly utilities and dining out costs, make it a great city for graduates.
Leeds, which has one of the lowest costs of living in the ranking, with only 27% of the Av salary needed for rent and less than £220 for monthly utilities ranks fourth and Reading, despite having a slightly higher cost of dining out comes in fifth.
Dan Roberts, director of Mystudenthalls.com, adds: "This data really shows how far your rent can go in different cities for those considering a move. Relocating to a new city after university, whether in the UK or further afield, offers an incredible opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
"It's a chance to explore and immerse yourself in a new culture and enjoy what new cities have to offer while you're still young and aren't too tied down. It can also expand your network of friends and professional connections too."
Tips for moving to a new city
- Research the City: Understand the cost of living, job market, public transport, and local culture before making the leap to make sure it would be a good fit.
- Budget Wisely: Plan your finances, considering rent, utilities, food, and entertainment expenses compared to what your salary is or would be if finding a job after moving.
- Network Early: Connect with local professional groups, alumni networks, and social clubs to build a support system early on, it can get lonely moving somewhere new.
- Volunteer: Volunteering can be a great way to integrate into the community and meet new people.
For more information on Mystudenthalls.com, or if you're considering University in Newcastle visit: https://www.mystudenthalls.com/student-accommodation/newcastle/