Dreading the cost of a Leeds-London transfer post-graduation? Consider the alternatives before you empty your bank account to rent an apartment the size of the toilets in Edward Boyle. We all understand the lure of London, but it is not a luxury many of us can afford after three+ years of student loans ruining our financial fun. With that in mind I’ve scoured the length and breadth of the UK in order to present the top ten alternative cities to set up camp in post-uni.
With friends currently living in the decidedly ‘up-and-coming’ area of Peckham, London, for £650pcm without bills, I’ve collated a selection of cities less expensive than our glorious capital – leaving enough spare change for all the necessary expenses of Netflix, wine and pizza.
Brighton
A bohemian seaside town with a vibrant culture filled with one-off shops, bars and restaurants – what’s not to love? Not much beats a stroll along the seafront with some hot donuts from the pier.
Keep an eye out for…
The Lanes – vintage shops and independent cafés galore
Brighton Pride Festival – an eclectic celebration of all things LGBT
Brighton’s arty and eclectic streets, The Lanes
Bristol
Bristol is a city for all ages – with colourful bars and independent shops of Gloucester Road, to country walks on The Downs to blow the cobwebs away, there’s sure to be something that fits in with the ‘Young Professional’ image you will undoubtedly be crafting.
Keep an eye out for…
The Clifton – a rustic gastro-pub to show how mature and accomplished you are when your parents visit
Love Saves The Day – a music festival with Jessie Ware and Azealia Banks headlining this year
Banksy graffiti – his work adorns the walls of his hometown
Queen Lizzy getting Ziggy with it in Bristol
Cardiff
The Welsh capital has plenty to offer the recent graduate – from rowdy nightlife to theatre and opera, there’s sure to be something you’ll find worth spending your newly acquired income on.
Keep an eye out for…
Cardiff Bay
Doctor Who and Gavin & Stacey tours
Millennium Stadium – catch some rugby on your day off
Wales Millennium Centre – home to ballet, opera, musicals and more
Indulge in some Welsh Rarebit by the water
Dublin
A student mini-break haven, why not make the move permanent next time? In addition to the raucous nightlife in Temple Bar, Dublin also boasts cultural and natural beauty, with the River Liffey splitting the city in two. Whilst there are plenty of modern shopping hotspots, Dublin also hosts its famous open-air food market on Moore Street.
Keep an eye out for…
The Chocolate Warehouse
The Guinness Factory
The Leprechaun Museum
The Irish House Party – Mixing entertainment and education with a showcase of Dublin’s dance, music and literary legacy
You and your new Irish bestie tearing up the town in Dublin
Edinburgh
I won’t lie to you – Edinburgh is freezing. I was there in August and my breath was still fogging in the drizzle. However, if you can face the cold (and I highly recommend you do), Edinburgh is one of the most charming cities to settle into post-graduation. It’s small enough to feel like home, but exciting enough to ensure you never get bored.
Keep an eye out for…
Edinburgh Castle – it dominates the skyline with unrivalled views across the city
Fringe Festival – the largest arts festival in the world
Grassmarket – the historic Old Town market place brimming with bars and pubs
Theatrics at the Edinburgh Fringe
Liverpool
When I asked my Liverpudlian housemate what was so great about her city, her reply was “1. The place is boss, 2. The people are boss, 3. The nightlife is boss. Is that enough?” Whilst it may well be enough for the party animals amongst us, I thought I would include some of the more traditional highlights of one our country’s friendliest cities.
Keep an eye out for…
Albert Dock
The Beatles landmarks – stop by Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, as well as a Beatles-inspired hotel
Bowl of Scouse – treat yourself to Liverpool’s hearty native dish
Sefton Park – a Grade I historic park of 235 acres
Albert Dock looking resplendent
Manchester
According to the highly reliable news source that is Channel 4 and their documentary series First Dates, Manchester is the city with the most singletons – 54.9% to be exact. If Leeds hasn’t procured much in the way of life partner material, Manchester could be the place for you! In addition to the lure of sexy singles, Manchester is also home to a myriad of stylish shops, bars and restaurants, as well as cultural hotspots such as Manchester Museum, The Royal Northern College of Music and a number of noteworthy theatres.
Keep an eye out for…
Manchester United matches
Coronation Street Tour
Bridgewater Hall – an international concert venue with more than 250 performances a year
Curry Mile – A mile of curries. A MILE. OF CURRIES.
Give the wheel a spin in Manchester city centre
Newcastle
Home to more than just the cast of Geordie Shore, Newcastle is a diverse and lively city – pop down to The Quayside and check out its landmark buildings, bars and restaurants
Keep an eye out for…
The classical architecture of historical Grainger Town
The River Tyne – and its SEVEN bridges
The North East Art Collective – a beautiful local gallery in the heart of the city
Tyneside Cinema – go to the movies in 1930s style in this Grade II listed building
The world’s only tilting bridge
Oxford
For those wanting to get away from a big city-feel, why not try the charming and hallowed city of Oxford. Not only will you be surrounded by some of our country’s brightest minds, but the chance to go punting down the river on a warm summer’s day is the stuff grown-up-graduate dreams are made of.
Keep an eye out for…
Harry Potter Tours
The next Stephen Hawking – haven’t you seen The Theory of Everything?
Bleinheim Palace – home to the birthplace of Winston Churchill
Bicester Village – get the graduate look at student prices
Look how happy they are! That could be you next year, punting with Pimms.
Leeds
Perhaps easiest of all…why not simply stay in Leeds? As the country’s second biggest financial city (after London) Leeds has more to offer than the nightlife, music scene and student prices that we’ve come to know and love. Oh yeah, and it’s got Fruity.
Fruity, we’ll never leave you
Lydia French
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