Worcester at a glace
Worcester is a historic yet modern city located in the West Midlands, set along the River Severn. Home to the University of Worcester, it offers international students a compact and friendly environment with great access to nature, heritage, and student life. The city blends medieval streets, contemporary shopping, and a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for both study and leisure.
Worcester is a small, vibrant city with options for everyone. You can easily walk or cycle from campus into town. The city itself has a variety of areas, [with] an old quarter with lots of tucked away pubs and shops, and a newer area with high street shopping and a couple of small shopping malls. People are generally friendly. The city has a good rugby team, and often hosts some great cricket matches. There’s an arena, a horse racing track, and the River Severn runs through the city if you fancy rowing. A lot of the bars have live music, and if you're in the city over Christmas there’s a good Christmas market (which gets very busy). (Second year student, University of Worcester)
Airports
Train stations
Browse through the universities and colleges in Worcester to find one that suits you.
City highlights
Worcester Cathedral is one of the city’s most impressive landmarks, dating back over 1,000 years. The Hive, a striking modern library and cultural centre, is popular with students. The city centre features independent shops, live music venues, and riverside walks, while The Commandery Museum offers insight into the city’s Civil War history.
Student life in Worcester
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Treat yourself
Sunday chilling
When family visit
Catch up with mates
Transport tips
Worcester’s size makes it ideal for walking and cycling, especially between campus and the city centre. Worcester Foregate Street and Shrub Hill train stations offer regular services to Birmingham, London, and the southwest. First Bus and Diamond Buses operate local routes, with student travel passes available. Birmingham Airport is the closest international hub, just over an hour away by train or coach.
Accommodation
Popular student areas include St John’s, Henwick, and Barbourne—all close to the university. Worcester is an affordable city with various accommodation options, from on-campus halls to private housing. The University of Worcester offers accommodation support and dedicated international student services, helping you feel welcome from day one.
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international students planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
From traditional pubs to global cuisine, Worcester has something for everyone. Try Francini Café De Colombia for Latin flavours, The Olive Branch for Mediterranean dishes, or Maneki Ramen for Asian street food. The city also hosts farmers’ markets and has a wide range of cafés, vegetarian-friendly spots, and budget takeaways popular with students.
Where to visit
Explore Gheluvelt Park and Cripplegate Park for nature and relaxation or enjoy rowing on the River Severn. The Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum holds exhibitions throughout the year, while The Swan Theatre features live drama and student discounts. Festivals like the Victorian Christmas Fayre and Worcester Music Festival bring extra excitement to the calendar.
Because it’s small, you can walk from pub to pub, through Friar Street and New Street. [There are] some really historic and quirky pubs, as well as modern wine bars. Tonic Bar is great for gin, craft beer, and cocktails.
City centre – I like where I live as it’s very central. I’m right next to the train station (I can hear the trains pass at night which can be annoying). I’m right next door to the City Campus. The main campus takes about 20 to 25 minutes to walk to. We’ve got a rooftop to go and sit, with grass and plants. I would definitely choose to live here again.
On your doorstep
Worcester is close to the Malvern Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty perfect for hiking and countryside escapes. You can also visit Stratford-upon-Avon, Cheltenham, or Birmingham for culture, shopping, and events. For weekend getaways, the Cotswolds and the Welsh border are only a short train ride away.
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
UCAS Hub
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