LGBTQ+ friendly cities for uni students

This Pride Month, we want to spotlight the university cities that are seen as LGBTQ+ friendly.

Going to uni is major, it’s where we make friends, and really get to know ourselves. So, for LGBTQ+ students, picking which uni to go to goes beyond the course. It’s important to choose somewhere you’re going to feel safe and find your community.

University Compare recently conducted a study of 42 UK prominent cities that analysed:

• LGBTQ+ population
• LGBTQ+ safety score
• LGBTQ+ nightlife
• LGBTQ+ social groups
• Inclusive mental health services
• Local Pride search interest.

From the findings, here are the top 12 LGBTQ+ friendly cities for students:

12. Sheffield

Sheffield is home to 60,000 students and has a large LGBTQ+ student community. Did you know that the University of Sheffield became the first uni in the country to offer LGBTQ+ accommodation?

11. Leeds

Leeds has great nightlife, with many LGBTQ+ bars and venues in The Freedom Quarter. The city is also home to several LGBTQ+ social support groups.

10. Liverpool

Liverpool has a student population of around 70,000 and was actually the first UK city to recognise its gay quarter, known as Pride Quarter.

9. Bournemouth

Bournemouth is home to The Triangle, which is the heart of the LGBTQ+ community and where you’ll find most of the LGBTQ bars and clubs.

8. Bristol

Bristol has a friendly LGBTQ+ scene, with plenty of community groups. For extra support, UWE also has a live-in buddy scheme for their first year students.

7. Nottingham

Nottingham has a vibrant LGBTQ+ history, with the first officially licensed gay club! If you’re looking for community support, Nottingham Trent has The Sexuality Network, and the University of Nottingham has the LGBTQIA+ Students’ Network.

6. Oxford

Oxford is known for its LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, and mental health support services. Both the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University have LGBTQ+ groups and societies.

5. Edinburgh

Did you know that Scotland's first Pride march took place in Edinburgh in 1995? Edinburgh is known for its friendly vibes and LGBTQ+ friendly cafés, bars and nightclubs!

4. Manchester

Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene is *thriving*, with “The Village” on Canal Street at the very centre. The University of Manchester is proud to offer tailored support to the LGBTQ+ community.

3. Cambridge

Cambridge is recognised for its amazing range of LGBTQ+ social groups and welcoming community.

2. Brighton

Brighton is known for its LGBTQ+ population, with 10.7% of people living there identifying as LGBTQ+! As the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of Britain, it’s no surprise that it’s near the very top of the rankings.

1. London

London tops the charts for the most friendly LGBTQ+ city, and it’s no surprise—from uni groups and societies to bars and restaurants, London is full of LGBTQ+ spaces and communities. Hello, Soho!

You can see a full breakdown of all the data here.