Sheffield comes third in the list, which used over 9,000 student reviews to rate cities across five key areas; cost of living, nights out, public transport, eating out, and shopping.
The city is home to around 60,000 students from over 150 countries, many of whom choose to remain in the city after graduating – benefiting the city culturally and economically.
The news comes after a joint campaign by Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield and Marketing Sheffield (part of Sheffield City Council) to help people discover what makes the city such a distinct destination to live and study.
The award-winning campaign, Sheffield: Your University City, celebrated Sheffield as a great student city, promoting Sheffield’s individual personality which makes it unlike any other major city in the UK.
Professor David Shepherd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We're thrilled that Sheffield has been recognised as one of the best cities in the UK for students. Sheffield is regularly voted one of the friendliest cities in the country and offers a thriving, welcoming environment for students from all backgrounds.
"Hallam is an extremely proud University of place, and our students benefit greatly from the many opportunities Sheffield provides for making connections, learning new skills, building knowledge, and most importantly, experiencing life."
The Sheffield: Your University City campaign was recently named Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.
Professor Mary Vincent, Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield, said: "Sheffield is known for being a vibrant, global and friendly city that is truly unique. It offers students a culturally diverse environment where they learn new things, develop skills and build lifelong friendships.
"This is why so many of our students - who come from more than 150 countries - remain after graduating, choosing to make it their permanent home. We're delighted the city has been recognised for the fantastic student experience it has to offer."
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are delighted that Sheffield has been recognised by students as one of the best cities in the UK to come and study.
“This is testament first and foremost to our incredible universities, but also to how welcoming Sheffield people and communities are, and what a great place it is to live and call home.
“When you combine this with the fact that Sheffield is also ranked one of the best cities in which to start a business, it’s a great combination for the talent of tomorrow to feel like this is a place where they can make a difference.”
