Study Abroad in the UK- Cork vs Galway 2024?

United Kingdom is one of the top studies abroad destinations, with over 700,000 international students from more than 160 countries annually coming to pursue their dream education. Why should they not? Of the top 10 QS Ranked Universities, 4 are in the UK. Cambridge, Oxford, London, Birmingham, and Leeds are home to these prestigious institutions. Apart from these top-ranked universities, there are others offering the same level of quality education and career opportunities. This article will cover the reasons to study in the two most popular cities in the UK; Cork and Galway. Additionally, a list to top student accommodation Cork and student accommodation Galway is also given.

Why Study in Cork UK?

Cork, Ireland is famous for its wild beaches and jagged peninsulas, and other attractions. Cork is a beautiful city of international students who want to study at top universities in Ireland.

University Cork College is the 3rd best university in Ireland and is ranked #273 in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The size of this beautiful city is conducive to a successful student life.

The low crime rate and efforts taken for students’ safety and health make this city an ideal place to study.

There is an inclusive and welcoming environment to make students feel comfortable and support their academic life.

This city is a land of collaboration, creativity and opportunity.

The labor force participation rate in Cork for males is 67% and 54% for female employees.

Top 10 Student Accommodation Cork

Choosing are a student accommodation Cork, Ireland can be a tough decision due to the large number of students available there. Students planning to study at the University College Cork and nearby institutes can check out the below-listed top student accommodations in Cork, Ireland.

Bottleworks Cork

Curraheen Park

Ashlin House

Friars House

Amnis House

Parnell Place

Melbourne Point

Coleman Court

71 Noonan Road

1333 Glanmire Road Lw

Popular Places in Cork, Ireland

There are numerous tourist attractions and exciting places like entertainment venues, restaurants, cafes, bars, and shopping complexes in Cork. Here are some of the popular places to visit in Cork and their distance from Cork City Center.

ETA from Cork City Center

Fitzgerald Park

10-minute walking distance

The English Market

8-minute ride

Fota Wildlife Park

20-minute ride

Cork City Gaol

8-minute ride

Shandon Bells & Tower St Anne's Church

9-minute ride

Why Study in Galway UK?

Galway is the cultural capital of Ireland and is listed among the friendliest cities in the country. This city is a favored destination for international students for its affordable education and incredible job opportunities.

The University of Galway is the one of the top ranked universities in Ireland and is listed among the top 2% universities in the Times Higher Education (THE).

Galway is a leading research center in Europe and has a dynamic community, attracting researchers, entrepreneurs, students and scholars from all over the world.

Galway offers exciting employment opportunities to graduates and young professionals. The Careers Development Centre at the University of Galway offers counselling and moral support to students looking for job opportunities in their respective field.

Europe’s top employers visit the university every year to recruit qualified students in fields like healthcare, research & development, management, finance, tourism, etc.

Top 10 Student Accommodation Galway

There are multiple student accommodations in Galway, Ireland. These private properties are known for their affordable rents and comfortable features. Students studying at nearby universities can book an accommodation at these private housings to live a comfortable life while pursuing their education in Ireland. Here are the top 10 student accommodation in Galway.

Radical Edward Square

The Westwood

Swuite Galway

Glasan Student Village

The Westwood

Dunlin Village

Amhra Housing

Hubble Living Student Accommodation

Dunaras Village

Menlo Park

Popular Places in Galway, Ireland

Galway is home to popular tourist attractions in Ireland. The city center is the hub of multiple cultural and social events. The popular tourist attractions in Galway are Galway Docks, Great Escape Rooms, Salmon Weir Bridge, etc. Here are some other popular places in Galway with their distance from the city center.

ETA from Galway City Center

Galway Cathedral

7-miniute walking distance

Eyre Square

2-minute walking distance

Salthill Prom

11-minute ride

Spanish Arch

9-minute walking distance

The Latin Quarter

5-minute walking distance

Conclusion

Choosing between Cork and Galway can be a tough choice. Both are top study destinations in Ireland, home to top universities, offer access to quality education, diverse student environment, affordable student housing, and more. It us up to students to decide where they want to study; Cork or Galway? Which city and its university caters the right program for them, and career opportunities suit them better.