lgbtq-friendly-cities-for-uni-students

LGBTQ+ friendly cities for uni students

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

2. Brighton

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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

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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.

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