Choosing the right city is an important factor when deciding which university to study at. Keep in mind that you will be living there for years, especially for undergraduate study which can take up to 3 years. Therefore, you should research which city suits you best. Think about the vibe, whether you prefer a quiet environment or a more vibrant city lifestyle, and use this to support your decision. In this article, One Education introduces 3 cities in the United Kingdom that have been ranked among the Top 5 safest cities in the UK by eufy 2026.

This ranking combines data from the 2026 Safety Index by Numbeo, which reflects public perception, together with the latest crime statistics from the Office for National Statistics (England and Wales) and the Scottish Government (for Aberdeen and Edinburgh).

1. York

York is ranked No.1 safest city in the United Kingdom. It is a historic city that remains very safe today, with a Safety Index score of 73.3, the highest in the UK. As a compact city located in the north-east of England, York benefits from a visible police presence and strong community connections, contributing to a sense of safety in daily life. Whether walking through the Shambles or cycling along the historic city walls, residents and students can feel secure.

Recommended university in York

• University of York (a member of the Russell Group)

2. Edinburgh

Edinburgh is ranked No.2 safest city in the United Kingdom. It is the capital of Scotland, the second-largest city in Scotland, and the third-largest financial centre in the UK. Located on the east coast of Scotland, Edinburgh is a culturally diverse city with low crime rates, scoring 68.9 on the Safety Index.

Despite hosting world-class festivals and attracting large numbers of tourists, the city maintains strong safety management. Areas such as Marchmont and Stockbridge are known for being peaceful, while the city centre is well-monitored with strong security systems and widespread CCTV coverage, making it a safe and liveable capital city.

Recommended universities in Edinburgh

• University of Edinburgh (a member of the Russell Group)
• Heriot-Watt University
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Queen Margaret University

3. Cardiff

Cardiff is ranked No.5 safest city in the United Kingdom. It is a vibrant capital city with strong safety systems in place. As the capital of Wales, located in the south of the country, Cardiff has a Safety Index score of 60.3. As a centre for sports, politics, and culture, areas such as Pontcanna and Roath have relatively low crime rates, while the city centre is well managed even during busy night-time periods.

Recommended universities in Cardiff

• Cardiff University (a member of the Russell Group)
• Cardiff Metropolitan University

Interested in Studying in the UK?

For more information and assistance with the application process, you can contact One Education, an official representative of UK Universities. We offer free consultation and support throughout your application journey.
Add our Line official account: @one-edu
Submit an enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible. 
Call us: 02-652-0718  

One Education | Study Abroad. Simplified

Follow Us

Facebook: One Education  
Instagram: oneeducationthailand  
Twitter: One Education  
TikTok: oneeducationthailand   
YouTube: One Education