With names like Oxford and Cambridge leading the field it is not surprising that British universities are ranked up there among the best in the world. UK universities pride themselves on their diversity and cosmopolitan atmosphere, so they are very popular among international students. 

The UK’s major cities, such as London and Edinburgh, are home to people from many different backgrounds and religions, and this rubs off on campus life as well. All the universities featured here offer a varied and vibrant student life, with clubs and societies to suit all tastes, a good social scene, and, of course an excellent standard of education. 

Below we look at 10 of the UK’s top international universities to find out what life is really like on campus, and what they can offer the international student.

University of Oxford campus guide
The University of Oxford is one of the best-known academic institutions in the world, and it has been in operation for the better part of a millennium. Organized around a network of independent colleges which accept students and oversee their progress, Oxford consistently ranks as one of the world’s 10 best universities. Education began at Oxford in the 11th century, though no one is sure when the university was founded. Throughout the years, Oxford has educated 25 British prime ministers and hundred of the world’s most influential people. Today, 20,000 students are enrolled, more than half of whom study at the undergraduate level.  

University of Cambridge campus guide
Located 50 miles north of London, the University of Cambridge is England’s second-oldest university. It opened more than 800 years ago when Oxford temporarily went on strike and a few resident academics weren’t content to go on sabbatical. These schools have always been intertwined, and even now it seems impossible to mention one without referencing the other. Today, Cambridge consistently ranks as one of the top-five universities in the world. Roughly 18,000 students are enrolled, with half as many staff, meaning that every student at Cambridge enjoys the highest level of academic supervision available.

Imperial College London campus guide
Located right in the heart of London over six campuses, Imperial College offers students all the attractions of studying in the great city plus access to cutting edge facilities and courses, many of which rate on an international level. In fact, Imperial is largely considered third in line to the English university throne behind Oxford and Cambridge in science-based studies such as engineering, medicine, natural sciences and management. Since it was founded in 1907, Imperial has come to be recognized as a leading educator and rates highly on league tables – third in Europe and fifth in the world. It is also home to 14 Nobel Laureates.

University College London (UCL) campus guide
“Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward” is the rather fitting motto for University College London (UCL). It was founded in 1826 on quite radical terms for the time, being the first secular institution in the UK to admit students regardless of religion, race or class and to admit women on equal terms with men. This tradition continues today with people of all beliefs and social backgrounds given open access to English higher education at UCL. And it’s a good place to study. UCL is a leading multidisciplinary university, ranking fourth in the world in the 2009 Times Higher Education-QS rankings. Twenty-one Nobel prizewinners have come from UCL.

The University of Warwick campus guide
The University of Warwick is one of the top universities in the United Kingdom. It is regarded by both students and employers as a tier 1 university alongside other famous schools like UCL, LSE and Imperial. Being only 45 years old makes it a relatively new university. However, the speed in which it has gained reputation and rank is very impressive. Warwick, which is located in Coventry, gives its 21,000 students a vibrant campus environment ensuring a great university experience while at the same time being near major UK cities such as Birmingham (22 miles) and London (100 miles).

Durham University campus guide
Durham University is a world-class University attracting students, staff and visitors from around the globe. Ranked as a top 10 UK university by The Sunday Times’ University Guide 2010, Durham offers students high quality teaching, delivered by some of the world’s leading researchers, coupled with the unique social and personal development offered by our college system and superb access to extra-curricular activities, such as sport. Situated in two distinct locations in the North East of England, the University provides a welcoming environment for its diverse population of 15,000 students, including 3,000 international students from more than 130 different countries.

University of Bristol campus guide
Originally established in 1876 as University College Bristol, the University of Bristol received its Royal Charter in 1909 and has since become one of the most respected universities in the United Kingdom.  As well as its range of undergraduate, postgraduate and research opportunities, the University’s location in the charming and picturesque city of Bristol means that it is one of the most sought after universities to study in. The University of Bristol has well over 20,000 students and offers excellent opportunities and supports for its thousands of international students. In a nutshell, a wide choice of studies; world-class research; a large international community; and a beautiful and vibrant location make the University of Bristol an ideal place to study abroad. 

University of Bath campus guide
Situated in the picturesque city of Bath in southwest England, the University of Bath is one of the highest-ranked universities in the United Kingdom, and indeed the world. Established in 1966, it is a modern institution compared to many of Britain’s older universities but it already has a fine tradition in excellence. The University of Bath caters for about 15,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The modern campus has all the facilities and support services you would expect from a top university. Add this to its desirable location and, quite simply, the University of Bath is a great place to study.

University of York campus guide
University of York’s main campus is based in parkland surrounding a lake and has its own shops and cafes which is a great environment to live and study in, while the historic city centre of York and all its facilities is just a short bus ride or walk away. Founded in 1963, the University of York has some 12,000 students from 100 different countries. The University has a vibrant campus life centred on its colleges and more than 150 clubs and societies run by students cover everything from sports and the arts to the environment, politics and academic interests. I’m president of the Singapore Society, a member of the Christian Union and I’ve enjoyed walks with the Outdoor Society. 

University of Edinburgh campus guide
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh has for more than 400 years been one of the most influential centres of knowledge in the world. Located in the Scottish capital, among the great figures who have studied at Edinburgh are naturalist Charles Darwin, philosopher David Hume, telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Harry Potter author JK Rowling. Inventions linked to Edinburgh include the thesaurus, the TB vaccination, the microchips that power iPod music players and Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first cloned animal. For more than 400 years University has been at the forefront of the globalisation of education – the first Chinese, Japanese and African students to study in the West all chose to study at Edinburgh.