In a college or university town, the school is the heart that pumps life into the streets and the economy.

And no, that doesn’t mean it’s always “hip” and cool. Some of the best college towns are – you’ll find Pinterest-worthy cafes and an indie record store tucked between the storefronts. In front of you sits a student dressed like a hippie and behind you one dressed like a goth. Buses and trains keep people streaming up and down the streets, and there’s ruthless security to keep them safe.

But sometimes university towns don’t have everything to offer.

They could be isolated deserts. Maybe they’re cities with run-down amenities and a large homeless population due to rising housing costs. The buses aren’t cheap, and in a place where there’s not much, you could be left with nothing.

Because, as with everything, there is no perfect university town. Only those that do their best.

University towns: a double-edged sword

Finding the right university is a big decision for many students and their families, and many factors need to be taken into account. How high is the university ranked? Does it have the necessary facilities for my field of study? Are there scholarships available?

Location also plays a crucial role. Proximity to the university is always a plus as it ensures greater security, makes classes easy to reach and important amenities are easily accessible.

This is where university towns (or college towns) come into play.

But what exactly are university towns? These are towns whose social character is largely shaped by their student population. In these towns, the high number of students drives the local economic and social dynamics to primarily meet their needs. The university is usually the largest employer, further cementing its significant financial influence on the town.

However, even the best university cities have their disadvantages. Davarian L. BaldwinProfessor at Trinity College, examines the complex relationship between higher education and urban life in his Bookand calls for community members to have a greater role in decision-making at universities and for universities to be held accountable to the communities they serve.

The different lifestyles of students and local residents also pose challenges. Students moving into off-campus residential areas can disrupt community cohesion and lead to complaints about student behavior and deterioration of housing conditions.

Despite these problems, universities can have a positive impact on their cities. University cities are heavily dependent on the university economically and can get into trouble when the university faces challenges.

And while campuses can feel like completely separate cities, they also have a major impact on the surrounding city. For example, California Polytechnic State University Limited parking policy and restrictions on first-year students who travel by car has led to a better public transport system in San Luis Obispo.

Although the relationship between a city and its university is not always perfect, there is undoubtedly a symbiosis that can create vibrant and dynamic communities.

This is what the Internet says

So, after a superficial Google search, what are the best university cities of all?

With just one click, you’ll find a pool full of lists upon lists of the best college towns in America and, by far, in all of Europe. It’s one of the few places where “college town” is still the defined word for certain provinces. But here’s the catch: we have seven continents on this planet, not just the Western world. Surprise, surprise.

There is a well-known formulation for the standardization of the listed university cities.

For example, there’s historic architecture lining the sidewalks in Oxford, or pubs, cafes and restaurants around St Andrews. Bath, with its numerous art galleries and history museums, is second on the list, suitable for arts and crafts types. Old universities bring the newness of decades past, and that’s the case with Uppsala University – founded in 1477, the oldest in Sweden. Berkeley, California, tops the 10 best university cities on the West Coast, thanks to its mix of big-city bustle and small-town-like cuts. QS also ranked the top five student cities for 2025: London, Tokyo, Seoul, Munich and Melbourne, in that order.

Now let’s turn the mirror around for a moment.

Oxford is considered one of the most livable university cities, but is incredibly expensive for students, as victims up to £2,000 for expenses only per month is quite expensive. Uppsala is experiencing a housing crisis, which Uppsala University is investigatingSeoul has a toxic academic elitism feature for ages and the crime rate in Berkeley is higher than the national average.

That’s exactly the problem, isn’t it?

Many lists rate the best college towns from a tourism perspective rather than a student perspective, missing the features that students look for when taking a holistic view of what makes a good place to live – of course they look at whether it looks nice, but many look for good transport links, low housing costs and/or the possibility of university funding, low crime rates, and so on.

So instead of the usual selection, we have compiled some of the best university cities that best suit your needs.

The best university cities are cheap, convenient and offer lots of great deals for students

Bellville (South Africa)

As a centre of higher education, Bellville has major universities such as the University of the Western Cape And Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyThese institutions offer a variety of academic programs for students from different backgrounds.

The city’s strong academic base combines well with excellent transport links, right in the middle of Cape Town’s busiest transport hub. This networking allows students to explore internship opportunities, participate in cultural activities, and experience all the region has to offer.

Baguio (Philipines)

With its strong academic foundation, serene environment and cultural richness, Baguio is well on its way to becoming one of the best university cities in the Philippines. The city offers six universitiesincluding the University of the Philippines BaguioThe Philippine Military Academy and the University of Baguio.

It is relatively low cost of living makes it accessible to students from different financial backgrounds, and its compact layout as walkable city ensures that students can easily visit local facilities and attractions.

Songdo (South Korea)

As a newly developed smart citySongdo is home to renowned institutions such as SUNY Koreaoffers a unique opportunity to receive an American education without leaving Asia. The city’s multicultural atmosphere further enhances the student experience by attracting a diverse international population and fostering rich cultural exchange.

This diversity, as well as English-speaking residents and international organizations, help international students build global networks and adjust to life in South Korea.

Wollongong (Australia)

Wollongong is Australia’s best university city if you’re looking for a mix of academic excellence and a relaxed lifestyle. Home to the world-famous University of Wollongongthe city’s stunning natural beauty and temperate climate provide the perfect backdrop for student life. When you need a break from studying, Wollongong’s weekly food markets, botanical gardens and quiet study spots create a balanced environment to relax and concentrate.

Bologna (Italy)

Bologna is known as the best university city in Italy. If you can brave the summer heat, University of Bolognais on place No. 133 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The city is within walking distance and accessible by public transport. Students usually spend about 150 To 200 euros a month on groceries and you can find locally owned grocery stores that are cheaper than supermarket chains. However, Bologna is suffering from a housing crisis, so you should address this before anything else.

Sao Paulo (Brazil)

With 12 million inhabitants, São Paulo is too big to really be a university city. But think of New York City, Tokyo, Seoul – cities that are generally considered the best for students. If you are looking for a place like this, where there are always something to do, think of São Paulo. It is the home of the University of Sao Paulois one of the best in the world, with research pioneers in science and technology. The best thing about the city is the people. Locals and expats are warm and welcoming, so you will find your people. A tip: keep your belongings with you and do not travel alone at night. It Is after all, a big city.

Athens, Georgia (USA)

The downside of Athens, Georgia is probably that it is located in the Deep South. The upside, however, is everything else. It is one of the best college towns in the US where you can find affordable housing options – although it has increased over the years. The University of Georgia is known for its Graduate programs in education and lawand they have students from 125 different nations. You’ll find plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and free activities in a walkable downtown area.