7 best university towns where budget-strapped students can live large

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

And no, this doesn’t mean it’s always “hip” and cool. Some of the best university towns are — you’ll find Pinterest-worthy cafes and an indie record store sandwiched between the shoplots. There’d be a student in front of you dressed like a hippie and the one behind you like a goth. The buses or trains keep people streaming up and down the streets, and there’s rampant security to keep them safe.

But sometimes, university towns aren’t all that.

They might be isolated deserts. Perhaps, they’re towns with run-down amenities, and a large homeless population thanks to the rise in housing costs. The buses aren’t cheap, and in a place where there isn’t much, you might be stuck with nothing.

Because like all things, there’s no perfect university town out there. Only ones that try their best.

If you give a hard think about it, what would you want in your university town? Source: AFP

University towns: A double-edged sword

Finding the right university is a big decision for many students and their families, with many factors to consider. How highly ranked is the uni? Does it have the facilities for my programme? Are there scholarships available?

Among these considerations, location plays a crucial role too. Being close to uni is always a plus, in terms of safety, convenience to get to class, and easy access to essential amenities.

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

But what exactly are university towns? These are towns or cities whose community character is largely dominated by their college student population. In these cities, the high number of students steer local economic and social dynamics to cater primarily to their needs. The university typically stands as the largest employer, further solidifying its substantial financial influence over the town.

However, the best university towns are not without their drawbacks. Davarian L. Baldwin, a Professor at Trinity College, explores the complex relationship between higher education and urban life in his book, calling for community members to have a greater role in university decision-making and for universities to be held accountable to the communities they serve.

Lifestyle contrasts between students and local residents also bring about challenges. Students moving off-campus into residential neighbourhoods can disrupt community harmony, leading to complaints about behaviour and housing degradation.

Despite these issues, higher education institutions can bring positive outcomes to their host cities. University towns rely heavily on the university for their economy and can struggle if the university faces challenges.

And while campuses can feel like entirely separate cities, they have a major impact on the surrounding town as well. For instance, California Polytechnic State University’s policy of limited parking and restrictions on freshmen bringing cars has led to a better public transportation system in San Luis Obispo.

While the relationship between a town and its university may not always be perfect, it is undeniably symbiotic, which can result in vibrant and dynamic communities.

You always hear students talk about university life, but being part of the campus and the town surrounding it plays a part in the student experience too. Source: AFP

Here’s what the internet says

So what — by authority of a surface-level Google search — are the best university towns out there?

In one click, you’ll find a pool clogged with lists upon lists of the best university towns in America, and by stretch, Europe. It’s one of the few places where “college town” remains the defined word for certain provinces. But here’s the catch: we’ve got seven continents on this planet, not just the Western world. Surprise, surprise. 

There’s a familiar phrasing binding the listed university towns.

Things like they’ve got historic architecture lining the sidewalks in Oxford or pubs, cafes, and restaurants sprawled around St. Andrews. Bath’s second on the list with its display of art galleries and history museums, fit for those artisan humans. Old universities bring the novelty of past decades, and such is the case for Uppsala University — born in 1477, the oldest in Sweden. Berkeley, California tops the 10 best college towns on the West Coast thanks to the mix of big-city bustle and small-town-esque deep cuts. QS ranked the top five student cities for 2025 too: London, Tokyo, Seoul, Munich, and Melbourne, in that order.

Now, let’s flip the mirror for a second.

Oxford, while considered one of the best university towns to live in, is stupidly expensive for students, like sacrifice up to 2,ooo pounds solely on expenses per month kind of expensive. Uppsala is going through a housing crisis that Uppsala University’s been investigating. Seoul’s been dealing with a toxic academic elitism trait for ages, and the crime rate at Berkeley’s higher than the national average.

Therein lies the issue, doesn’t it?

Lots of lists out there rank the best university towns from a tourism perspective more than they do the students. It’s missing the traits that students look for when they’re considering the holistic view of what makes a good place to live — sure, they’ll see if it looks pretty, but many are looking for comprehensive transport, low housing costs and or opportunity for funding from the school, a low crime rate, and so forth.

So instead of the usual picks, we’ve compiled a few of the best university towns that fit the bill best.

The best university towns are cheap, convenient, and chock-full of great deals for students

Tygerberg Hospital, a leading healthcare facility in Bellville, provides unparalleled opportunities for medical and health sciences students. Source: AFP

Bellville (South Africa)

As a hub for higher learning, Bellville boasts major universities like the University of the Western Cape and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. These institutions offer diverse academic programmes catering to students from various backgrounds.

The city’s strong academic foundation pairs well with great transport links, centred around Cape Town’s busiest public transport interchange. This connectivity empowers students to explore internship opportunities, engage in cultural activities, and experience all that the region has to offer.

Baguio (Philipines)

With its strong academic foundation, serene setting, and cultural richness, Baguio is positioned to become one of the best university towns in the Philippines. The city boasts six universities, including the University of the Philippines Baguio, the Philippine Military Academy and the University of Baguio.

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

Unlike Seoul’s crowded and often stressful urban environment, Songdo’s well-planned infrastructure provides students with a more pleasant and manageable living experience. Source: AFP

Songdo (South Korea)

As a newly developed smart city, Songdo hosts prestigious institutions like SUNY Korea, provides a unique opportunity to get an American education without leaving Asia. The city’s multicultural atmosphere further enhances the student experience by attracting a diverse international population and fostering a rich cultural exchange.

This diversity, along with English-speaking residents and international organisations, supports international students in building global networks and adapting to life in South Korea.

Wollongong (Australia)

Wollongong is the best university town in Australia if you’re looking for a blend of academic excellence and a laid-back lifestyle. Home to the world-renowned University of Wollongong, the 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, botanic gardens, and peaceful study spots create a balanced environment for relaxation and focus.

Before Rome, Venice, and Milan — Bologna’s the first city people will name as Italy’s quintessential university town, sprawling with artistic heritage and rich cuisine in all of its colours. Source: AFP

Bologna (Italy)

Bologna’s known as the best university town in Italy. If you can brave its summer heat, the University of Bologna’s ranked at no. 133 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. The city’s walkable, and accessible on public transportation. Students usually spend around 150 to 200 euros on food monthly, and you can find locally owned food grocers that are cheaper than chain supermarkets. Bologna is, however, going through a housing crisis, so that’s something you’ll want to look into before all else.

São Paulo is a cosmopolitan city with streets filled with people from all walks of life. And, it’s a safer option in comparison to the popular Rio de Janeiro. Source: AFP

São Paulo (Brazil)

With a 12 million populace, São Paulo is too big to really be a university town. But think New York City, Tokyo, Seoul — cities commonly ranked as the best for students. If you want a place like that, where there’s always something to do, then consider São Paulo. It’s home to the University of São Paulo, ranked amongst the global best, 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. One tip: keep your belongings close, and don’t travel alone at night. It is a big city after all.

Athens, Georgia (USA)

The downside to Athens, Georgia, is probably that it’s in the Deep South. The upside, though, is everything else. It’s one of the best university towns in the US, where you can find cheap housing options — though it has amped up through the years. The University of Georgia is known for its graduate programmes in education and law, and they’ve got students from 125 different nations. You’ll find many eateries priced reasonably, and free activities through a walkable downtown.