17 reasons to study in England

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England is the biggest country in the UK and it’s home to almost 56 million people. There are more than 50 cities and loads of unis and higher education institutions, meaning there’s plenty of options if you’re thinking of studying here. As well as world-leading institutions, the country is known for its stunning landscapes, comforting food and multiculturalism. Read on for our top 17 reasons to study in England.

1. Historic origins

The earliest people arrived in Britain about 900,000 years ago, and the Romans invaded in 43AD. This means there is LOADS of history to discover up and down the country. From the 5,000 year old ancient wonder of Stonehenge, to Normal Castles and Elizabethan stately homes, if you’re studying history you won’t be short of inspiration.

2. The pubs

Pubs in England are really, really important. They’re not just somewhere to enjoy your favourite tipple, but a place for meetings, socialising and the hub of community life. They’re also vital student hangouts. The oldest pub (apparently) is Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans and dates back to 1600.

3. London

England’s capital city is influential worldwide and is an important business, travel and education hub. Nearly 9 million people live there, including over 370,000 students, and it’s got a number of excellent universities. There are endless things to do on your days off, with world class plays and musicals, stunning parks, amazing museums and delicious food all on your doorstep.

4. The idyllic countryside

We don’t need to be modest – it’s widely known that some of the world’s most stunning scenery can be found in England. The country has 10 national parks, each boasting some of the best landscapes in the country. With quaint villages, rolling green hills, majestic lakes and charming woodlands, there’s plenty to explore.

5. World class universities

England is home to some of the world’s top unis. The University of Oxford is world famous for its long history of excellence, and the University of Cambridge is equally well known for its academic achievements and research. London has many top universities with international reputations and further afield the universities of Bath and Durham are highly ranked in the Complete University Guide’s 2024 league tables.

6. Sunday roast

So much more than just a meal, this is the real highlight of the English week. The traditional Sunday roast (with all the trimmings), is a staple of British cooking and it’s properly satisfying. Whether you have meat or a veggie option, you’ll enjoy delicious vegetables, roast potatoes and the all important lashings of gravy. When you’ve stuffed your face settle in for an afternoon nap in front of the TV. The perfect Sunday.

7. The Royals

Love them or loathe them, if you study in England you’ll be living in the same country as the most famous family in the world. Buckingham Palace is the King’s official London residence and it’s an iconic landmark of the city. Other royal residences include Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace, and you can visit them both to explore over 1,000 years of kings and queens.

8. The English coast

England is a relatively small country on a relatively small island, so wherever you’re studying you won’t be too far from the sea. From Northumberland’s hidden beaches and seaside castles, down to Cornwall’s iconic villages and spectacular clifftops, there are miles and miles of beautiful coastline to explore.

9. Shakespeare

Probably the most famous playwright to have ever lived, William Shakespeare was born in 1564 in the English town of Stratford-upon-Avon. He wrote over 35 plays and 150 poems, loads of which are still performed today (plus you probably studied some at school). You can still visit his birthplace and grave site, or catch a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London.

10. Queuing

Queuing is very important in English culture. We love a first come first served system, so get to the back of the line! If someone does jump the queue, we’re usually too polite to say anything but you can expect lots of muttering and angry stares. Recently there was an amazing 10 mile long queue to see the Queen lying in state and some people queued for 24 hours. Sounds like a perfect English day out.

11. Historic universities

The University of Oxford is the oldest uni in the English speaking world and teaching happened in the city way back in 1096. That means it can claim nine centuries of existence! Oxford’s age-old rival is the University of Cambridge which dates back to 1209. Legend has it Cambridge was founded by a group of rebel Oxford scholars, beginning the intense rivalry between the two institutions that still holds true today.

12. The accents

There are countless accents and dialects in England that all sound totally different. Accents are a mark of where you’re from, and just by opening your mouth you can start a rivalry with a fellow Englishman. There’s an infamous North/South divide, with the sing-song Geordies from Newcastle and Liverpool Scouse accents up north. Down south you’ve got the iconic London cockney twang, and the West Country accent that sounds like the Hobbits in Lord of the Rings.

13. Tea!

The stereotype is absolutely true – English people are obsessed with tea. Whether you take it with milk, sugar or black, it’s the perfect drink for good times and bad. On average, we drink 2.7 cups a day, often with a biscuit on the side for dunking. Shall we pop the kettle on?

14. World class music

England has birthed countless world-renowned artists and groups. From The Beatles, the Spice Girls and Pink Floyd, to Amy Winehouse, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, the country boasts some of the most famous musical acts of all time. There are plenty of awesome venues to catch your favourite acts in too, including the Brixton Academy and Wembley Stadium in London, and the legendary Glastonbury Festival.

15. Great career opportunities

A degree from England means your studies will be recognised and respected all over the world. Many courses offer internships or placement modules alongside studying, meaning you can get that all-important work experience on your CV before graduating. You might even get the chance to study abroad and learn a second language if you go to an English institution, and people who speak more than one language are in high demand in the working world.

16. The (multi)culture

England is full of diversity, with people from all over the world calling the country home. Different cultures means it’s an exciting and welcoming place to live, with a rich mix of music, tradition and food. Speaking of food, it’s thought that 60% of the food we eat in England is not from a traditional British background. So we get to enjoy the best Indian curries, Italian pizzas and Chinese takeaways. Yum!

17. Huge choice of degrees

Amazingly, there are more than 65,000 degree courses on offer in England. This means that whatever your subject of choice, you’ll be able to find something to fit your unique goals and career path. From arts to education or STEM, there are excellent degrees to apply for recognised around the globe. For advice on choosing a course take a look at our career guides and tools.

With a huge variety of courses available at some of the world’s best institutions, England is a great place to be a student. Plenty of universities can be found on the Complete University Guide’s 2024 league tables, offering everything from music, humanities and design to engineering, data science and medicine.

If you’re still making your mind up, take a look at our regional guides to find out more about places you could study in England: