London ranked best student city in the world for six years running
London has been ranked the best student city for the sixth year running. Renowned for its vibrancy, cultural diversity and career opportunities, there's never a dull moment here—and SOAS stands proudly at its centre.
We think London's a great city to study and live in—and we're not the only ones. For the sixth year running, London has been ranked the best student city in the world in the QS Best Student Cities Ranking 2025. These rankings consider factors such as the quality of universities, affordability, employer activity, and student opinions.
It's not hard to see why London comes out on top. There's never a dull moment here; the UK's capital is brimming with culture, diversity, and endless opportunities for new discoveries. It is also home to many influential graduate employers, providing students with a prime location to launch their careers post-graduation.
A vibrant cultural scene
London has a packed calendar, offering music, art, comedy, sport and theatre every day of the week. The city is host to hundreds of museums, galleries, music venues, theatres, sports stadiums and festivals, with something for everyone.
The city boasts hundreds of museums, galleries, music venues, theatres, sports stadiums, and festivals, catering to all interests. SOAS is right at its centre, surrounded by cafés, restaurants, bookstores, museums, and arts venues. With Oxford Street, the British Museum, the British Library, Regent’s Park, and the West End all within walking distance, there is always something new to explore and enjoy.
The SOAS Students' Union also offers a wide range of societies and activities, from anime and Bollywood to cricket, taekwondo, and a world music choir. It's a great way to meet like-minded people and make the most of everything London has to offer.
Home to an international and diverse community
One of London's greatest strengths is its diversity. The city is home to over 9 million people from around the world, speaking more than 300 languages. This diversity enriches the student experience, offering opportunities to meet and learn from people with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. London’s global community ensures that students feel welcome and can find a sense of belonging.
One of the greenest cities in the world
Despite being the third most populous city in Europe, London is also one of the greenest, with over 3000 parks and 47% of the city dedicated to green spaces.
Iconic parks like Hampstead Heath, Regent's Park, Holland Park, Hyde Park, and Green Park provide spaces to relax, meet friends, have picnics, and enjoy peaceful walks. These green spaces offer the best of both worlds, allowing students to experience bustling city life while unwinding and enjoying nature.
A city full of career opportunities
London is a hub for many influential graduate employers, making it an ideal place for students to kickstart their careers after graduation. The city's strong economy and vibrant job market provide numerous opportunities for internships, part-time work, and full-time positions across a wide range of industries. SOAS Careers is here to support you at every stage of your journey, offering one-to-one consultations, skills sessions, and career fairs, and a SOAS internship programme that provides valuable work experience with NGOs, finance and tech companies, charities, and art galleries.
At SOAS, students can fully immerse themselves in all that London has to offer. Our campus, located in leafy Bloomsbury, is just around the corner from many of these attractions. Don’t just take our word for it—experience it for yourself. Study in the best student city in the world. Come to London and choose SOAS.
Header image credit: Benjamin Davies via Unsplash
