Nottingham, situated in Central England, has a population of approximately 238,000 and is a major city in the East Midlands region. Known for its historical buildings and the prestigious University of Nottingham, the city attracts many for tourism, immigration, and education. Cyclopes will share insights into Nottingham's safety, living environment, and the University of Nottingham's rankings to answer the question, "Is Nottingham a good place to live?"
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Is Nottingham a Good Place to Live? Nottingham Ranked as One of the Most Livable Cities
To determine whether a city is suitable for living, one must consider factors such as safety, cost of living, location, and transport. The Times once listed Nottingham as one of the UK's most livable cities in 2020, noting its low cost of living and advanced transport system, making it one of the fastest developing medium-sized cities in the UK [1]. Nottingham blends traditional and modern elements, with streets still boasting British-style architecture that have been renovated into trendy restaurants, cafes, and shops. The living costs in Nottingham are lower compared to major cities like Melbourne and Sydney, with an average monthly living cost (excluding rent) of about £821.4 (approximately HK$ 8,201) for an individual, and around £2,795.3 (approximately HK$ 27,914) for a family of four [2]. Compared to Hong Kong, living expenses such as rent and groceries are generally lower in Nottingham [3].
Nottingham's rail and bus routes are well-planned, and its strategic location allows easy travel to other UK cities. For instance, London can be reached within 2 hours by train. Nearby airports include East Midlands Airport and Birmingham Airport. Nottingham has a relatively low crime rate compared to London [4], making it a popular choice for residence.
University of Nottingham Ranks Among the Top
In terms of educational resources, Nottingham boasts high-quality institutions including The University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, and The University of Law - Nottingham Campus, with The University of Nottingham being a top choice for international students. Founded in 1881, The University of Nottingham consistently ranks within the top 20 universities in the UK. It is a member of the Russell Group, which comprises 24 leading UK research universities, representing the finest in the country. According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, The University of Nottingham ranks 108th globally; its business school ranks within the top 20 globally for international trade as per the QS 2024 rankings. The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) positioned The University of Nottingham as the 7th leading research institution in the UK, further solidifying its research capabilities and prestige [5]. As a leading research university, notable alumni from The University of Nottingham include Sir Peter Mansfield, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on MRI technology.
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University of Nottingham Focuses on Student Career Development
The University of Nottingham fosters a global perspective among its students, with campuses in China and Malaysia encouraging student exchanges. The university places a strong emphasis on career prospects and development, offering a career development and employment service center that provides recruitment fairs, career counseling, and internship opportunities. The university also supports student entrepreneurship through the Ingenuity Lab, which offers regular talks and networking events, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial spirits among students. The university's graduate employability rate was ranked the highest among Western Australia's universities in the 2022 QS ranking [1], and according to the 2023 - 2024 High Fliers report, The University of Nottingham is among the most favored universities by large corporations [7]. With its wealth of resources and employment opportunities, The University of Nottingham continues to attract a competitive pool of applicants.
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Cyclopes Helps You Understand the City and University to Make the Best Choice for the Future
Nottingham, a city with a rich history and rapid development, offers convenient transportation and lower living costs than Hong Kong, making it a top choice for immigrants. The rankings, research strength, and employment resources of The University of Nottingham are primary reasons why international students choose this research-focused university. We hope parents and students gain a deeper understanding of Nottingham's safety, living environment, and educational institutions to answer the question, "Is Nottingham a good place to live?" For more information about studying abroad, please consult with the Cyclopes professional UK educational consultancy team.
References:
1. The Times: Nottingham — Best Places to Live in the UK 2020
2. NUMBEO：Cost of Living in Nottingham
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Nottingham
3. NUMBEO：Cost of Living Comparison Between Hong Kong and Nottingham
4. NUMBEO：Crime Index by City 2024
https://www.numbeo.com/crime/region_rankings.jsp?title=2024®ion=150
5. University of Nottingham：League tables
https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/about/facts/league-tables.aspx
6. QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022
https://www.topuniversities.com/employability-rankings
7. High Fliers Research