Top 10 Best Student Cities in the US in 2019

Submitted by chloe@qs.com on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 16:26

Along with the UK, the US contains the largest number of student cities featured in the QS Best Student Cities ranking in 2019, with both countries claiming 14 top student cities (one more than in 2018).

Despite the large number of student cities featured, the US cities’ poor performance in the affordability indicator means there are currently no US cities featuring in the top 10 of the best student cities ranking in 2019.

Nevertheless, the US performs remarkably well in other rankings; particularly the QS World University Rankings® 2020, where the US claims half of the top 10 universities in the world.

The Best Student City rankings are based on six indicators; university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability and student view. You can find out more about these indicators in the methodology here. Read on to find out about the 10 highest ranked student cities in the US in 2019.

Top 10 Best Student Cities in the US

Based on the QS Best Student Cities 2019 Rankings

Ranking in the US

World Ranking

Student City

1

12

Boston

2

19

New York

3

25

Los Angeles

4

35

San Francisco

5

41

Chicago

6

57

Atlanta

7

62

Philadelphia

8

63

Washington DC

9

67

Pittsburgh

10

76

San Diego

10. San Diego

Up four places this year, San Diego is ranked 76th in the Best Student Cities ranking 2019. With perfect sunny weather and sunsets to die for, as well as a relaxing laid-back surf vibe, it’s unsurprising San Diego earns one of its highest scores (49th) is in the desirability indicator.

The city’s highest ranked university is the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), placing 45th in the world university rankings.

San Diego is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, plenty of gorgeous beaches and the 1,200 Balboa Park – so there’s always something to entertain students.

9. Pittsburg

In 9th place we have Pittsburg, ranking 67th this year. Pittsburg contains two excellent universities; Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh, which place 48th and joint 140th respectively, and consequently earns an impressive 28th place in the university ranking indicator.

The city is very picturesque, with a beautiful skyline, and plenty of museums and theatres to choose from. In the student survey, one student remarked that they enjoyed “the city’s culture and environment” and also its “diversity”. 

8. Washington DC

The capital of the US, and named after the nation’s first president and founding father George Washington, Washington DC is stooped in history. Coming in at eighth on our list of top student cities, Washington DC places 63rd overall in the QS Best Student Cities ranking 2019. 

This famous city contains five universities featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2020, including the University of Maryland, College Park (ranking 136th) and Georgetown University (226th).

The city earns its highest score in the desirability indicator; with its collection of monuments and landmarks, acclaimed theatres and historic towns, this is hardly a surprise. If you’re looking for something to do in your free time, take a trip to the White House, go and see the Washington Monument or pay a visit to the impressive Lincoln memorial – the possibilities are endless.

7. Philadelphia

Next is Philadelphia, which placed 62nd in the QS Best Student Cities ranking this year. The city contains three universities featuring in the rankings – including the University of Pennsylvania in 15th place. Philadelphia’s highest score is in the university rankings indicator, in 21st place.

Philadelphia has a great deal of history behind it – where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and also where the Liberty Bell is housed.

6. Atlanta

The capital and most populated city in the state of Georgia, Atlanta, is home to over five million people, including 63,000 students. Atlanta rose five places this year to place 57th in the Best Student Cities ranking.

It’s home to lots of successful companies, including the Coca Cola Company, United Parcel Service (UPS) and Holiday Inn. There are, therefore, plenty of employment prospects for students at Atlanta’s universities. Consequently, the city scores well in the employer activity ranking.

However, the city’s top score is earned in the university ranking indicator, where the city rises two places this year to 30th, due to its three universities that feature in this year’s world university ranking. The highest placing university in Atlanta is the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in 44th place, followed by Emory University (joint 156th) and Georgia State University (701-750th).

5. Chicago

Reaching the top five now, we have Chicago, coming in at 41st. Known as ‘The Windy City’, Chicago scores strongly across several indicators, placing in 26th place in the employer activity indicator, reflecting the city’s outstanding reputation with graduate employers.  

In our student survey, students said they admired the city’s “culture and friendliness” and the abundance of “tourist spots and restaurants”.

Chicago is also home to an impressive five universities, including the University of Chicago (10th) and Northwestern University (31st).

4. San Francisco

In fourth place is San Francisco, rising three places to rank 35th in the Best Student Cities ranking.

The city is home to three world-ranked universities, including two that are part of the prestigious Ivy League group;  Stanford University (ranking second) and University of California, Berkeley (UCB, 28th). Its high caliber of institutions means that San Francisco’s highest score is earned in the employer activity indicator, rising four places this year to rank 11th.

San Francisco is also home to a multitude of successful companies, including Apple, Facebook and IBM, so this too, may have a part to play in the city’s high score for employment activity.

3. Los Angeles

Rising ten places this year to 25th is LA. Known affectionately as ‘The City of Angels’ and the ‘Creative Capital of the World’, Los Angeles is also the home of Hollywood. The city contains three ranked universities, including California Institute of Technology (Caltech, ranked fifth) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, joint 35th).

Los Angeles’ most improved score this year is in the student rank indicator, where it rises 32 places to place 19th. A respondent of the student survey said “there is such a broad spectrum of things to do, especially with the city being in such close proximity to the beach and mountains.”

2. New York

New York is ranked 19th in the Best Student Cities ranking this year. NY has the largest overall population of all the featured US cities this year, with 20,321,000 people. 1.5 percent of these (or 51,300) are students – meaning that the city scores well in the diversity indicator.

The city also scores well in the student view indicator and the ranking indicator. New York boasts no fewer than 10 universities featured in the world rankings, including two Ivy League universities; Columbia University and New York University, which rank joint 18th and 39th respectively.

1. Boston

The number one student city this year is, once again, Boston, in 12th place! The city is home to eight universities in total, including two of the top three universities in the world; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, ranking first and third respectively in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

The city performs well in all the indicators, especially the employer activity indicator, where it comes second. It also scores well in the university rankings rank, where it ranks sixth – indicating that Boston’s graduates are highly sought after by employers.

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Ten Most Affordable Cities to Study Mining Engineering

Submitted by chloe@qs.com on Tue, 10/08/2019 - 15:44

Sponsored by St Petersburg Mining University

If you’re looking to study mining engineering, you probably want to study at a top university, without paying an extortionate amount for tuition fees and living costs. Let us tell you now – this is possible!

In this article we will be counting down the ten most affordable cities in the world to study mining engineering. This will be based on the affordability indicator in the QS Best Student Cities 2019 ranking. We’ll also be highlighting the universities in those cities which feature in the 2019 Mineral and Mining Engineering subject ranking.

The affordability indicator considers several factors including tuition fees and the cost of living (using the Mercer Cost of Living Rankings). The indicator also takes the Big Mac Index and the iPad Index into account, which give additional insight into the cost of living.

Affordability rank

City 

University

Location

1

St. Petersburg

St.Petersburg Mining University

Russia

2

Johannesburg

University of The Witwatersrand

South Africa

3

Mexico City

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)

Mexico

4

Moscow

National University of Science and Technology "MISIS"

Russia

5

Tokyo

Waseda University

Japan

6

Sao Paulo

Universidade de São Paulo (USP)

Brazil

7

Vancouver

University of British Columbia

Canada

8

Mumbai

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)

India

9

Nanjing

Nanjing University

Mainland China

10

Madrid

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid

Spain

10. Madrid

Spain’s capital and most populous city, Madrid, ranks a modest 65th in the world for affordability in the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

Tuition fees on average cost US$4,300, but Madrid’s high cost of living counts against it.

Madrid is home to four universities, including the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, whose School of Mining and Energy Engineering ranks an impressive 34th in the world. The school also scores well in the employer activity indicator.

9. Nanjing

 

Nanjing is ninth in the top 10 most affordable cities to study mining engineering. Considered one of Mainland China’s most livable and beautiful cities, Nanjing is the capital of Mainland China’s Jiangsu province and is a major center of culture, education and history.

Nanjing is also home to Nanjing University, which rose 18 places in this year’s mineral and mining engineering subject rankings to place 25th.

In the affordability indicator, Nanjing ranks 60th, with tuition fees in the city averaging around US$5,000.

8. Mumbai

Mumbai is ranked 57th for affordability and joint 85th overall in the Best Student Cities ranking. Formally known as Bombay, Mumbai has the largest population of all the cities in India and is also home to the Bollywood film industry.

The city is home to two of India’s top ranked universities; including the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) which comes 38th in the world for mineral and mining engineering.

Tuition fees in Mumbai cost students around US$4,500, a significantly smaller sum than you’ll find at many US and European universities.

7. Vancouver

 

In seventh place we have Vancouver, in Canada. Vancouver’s highest-ranking university, the University of British Columbia, is ranked ninth for mining engineering, scoring particularly well in the employer activity indicator. This reflects the course’s excellent reputation, as well as the graduation prospects.

Despite relatively high costs of living, tuition fees are low in Vancouver with fees averaging US$5,300.

6. Sao Paulo

 

The largest city in the southern hemisphere, Sao Paulo is known for being vibrant and chaotic, and infusing a multitude of different cultures.

The city’s highest ranked university is the Universidade de São Paulo (USP), which also places 33rd in the mineral and mining engineering subject rankings.

Average fees in Sao Paulo’s universities will only set students back US$1,900 on average; a lot lower than the tuition fees we have seen in universities so far.

However, this is accompanied by a slightly higher cost of living, with the city ranked 128th in the Mercer Cost of Living index.

5. Tokyo

 

The Japanese capital is the leading Asian city in this year’s Best Student Cities ranking, only bettered by London. The city is home to 12 internationally ranked universities, including one top-ranked mining engineering university - Waseda University. Waseda is ranked joint 40th in the world for mineral and mining engineering.

Although tuition fees are significantly higher here than in cities such as Sao Paulo, the cost of living is a lot more affordable.

4. Moscow

 

In fourth place we have Moscow in Russia, which ranks 28th overall in the Best Student Cities ranking this year. You may be surprised to see Moscow in a list of affordable student cities, due to its reputation for being expensive, but the city actually ranks in the top 50 in the world for affordability.

This is due to the low daily retail costs. A McDonalds Big Mac, for example, will only cost you US$2.29, compared to the US$5.14 it will cost you in Paris. Tuition fees are mid-range – averaging US$5,500.

Moscow’s National University of Science and Technology "MISIS" is amongst Moscow’s nine internationally ranked universities and is ranked 42nd in the world for mining engineering, earning a perfect score for the employer reputation indicator – demonstrating the university’s prestige among graduate employers.

3. Mexico City

Mexico’s capital is known for its grand old architecture and historic sites, as well as its annual carnivals and delicious traditional street food. 

Mexico’s top university to study mining engineering is Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), which ranks joint 14th for the subject and is generally established as one of the top universities in Latin America.

Average tuition fees in Mexico are around $4,800, but again, the cost of living is significantly lower than lots of other large cities. An iPad costs only US$876 here, close to half the US$1,619 it will cost you in Rio de Janeiro. 

2. Johannesburg

The second most affordable city to study mining engineering is Johannesburg in South Africa. The city ranks a modest 78th in the Best Student City rankings but places an impressive 10th in the world for affordability.

Often deemed one of the greenest cities in the world, Johnannesburg is home to the University of The Witwatersrand, which ranks 13th in the world for mining engineering, taught in a four-year BSc in Mining Engineering course.

1. St. Petersburg

Top of our list of the top affordable student cities to study mining engineering, is St. Petersburg in Russia. Packed full of culture, Russia’s second largest city has an abundance of architecture, opera and ballet shows, as well as around 200 museums.

St Petersburg is the most affordable city to study mining engineering, with the city ranked fourth in the world for affordability in the Best Student Cities ranking.

The city also has several high performing universities, including St. Petersburg Mining University which is ranked joint 19th in the world for mining engineering. The school performs exceptionally well in the employer reputation indicator, indicating that the university’s graduates are highly sought after by graduate employers.

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Where to Study in Manchester if You're Bored of the Library

Submitted by Mattyl64@hotmail.com on Mon, 10/07/2019 - 13:46

For many of us, studying and revising outside the university setting offers a number of hurdles. Finding that perfect location, one where you can dismiss all the distractions of life, and summon the motivation to work is hard to find. That’s why a location that is easy on the eye and easy on the wallet is important for the students of today. And so, we’ve compiled this list of the best study spots in the city of Manchester and the surrounding areas. A list that enables you to leave the mundane setting of a university library and enjoy the vibrancy of the city.

Nexus Art Cafe

Located in the heart of the city, Nexus Art Cafe on Dale Street offers students the perfect study environment. What better place to loosen the shackles of the uninspired than a room filled with art. This non-profit cafe and arts venue offers a welcoming space, with an ethos of inclusion, respect and hospitality. Nexus Art Cafe offers students that traditional cafe setting, with a welcoming twist.

Chapter One Books     

When many book shops began to close in the UK, Chapter One opened its doors wide. The longevity of this independent coffee shop and bookstore is testament to its success. Chapter One Books offer the peace and tranquillity of a book shop, combined with great tasting barista-style coffee. Located on Manchester's Lever Street, this uniquely styled environment guarantees students the perfect location to study, revise, and get an all-important caffeine kick.

North Tea Power

This charmingly quaint cafe has recently become a hot favorite for both students and internet bloggers alike and it’s easy to see why. With its refined tea service and delicious baked goods, North Tea Power has all the revision and study fuel you’ll ever need. Its spacious interior is furnished with numerous two-personed tables, ideal for solo studying. The communal benches are also a bonus, making North Tea Power the place to go when studying with a group.

Ziferblat

Ziferblat, a phrase meaning ‘clockface’ is a concept that has seen great success on the continent, and now the city of Manchester has its very own. This cafe, come social space, offers a wide range of coffees, teas, biscuits and cakes, alongside a whole range of other foods, all for free! As long as you pay for the time you spend here, costing 8 pence per minute. This ‘buy your time’ space on Edge Street is a perfect location for anyone looking to get a bit of studying done, while not wanting to break the bank.

Pollen Bakery

Pollen Bakery is one of the newest groundbreaking bakeries specializing in sourdough and viennoiserie baking. Located in Manchester’s Cotton Field Wharf, this bakery offers long bench seating and canalside views. A perfect environment for any hardworking study session. When the sun starts to shine, Pollen Bakery offers a luxurious outside seating area, ideal for revising during that springtime exam season. With a balance of good coffee and food with relaxing surroundings, Pollen Bakery is the place to be.

Creation Cafe

A little outside the city, Creation Cafe in Salford offers a little corner of comfort for students wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of Manchester's city centre. Alongside a great studying environment, the cafe also regularly organises activities and events. Creation Cafe creates an atmosphere of community and friendliness. This, combined with fresh home-cooked food makes Creation Cafe a study area we couldn’t leave off our list.               

Grindsmith

Located in Manchester's Deansgate area, Grindsmith coffee house is known famously city-wide as a hot spot for entrepreneurs and creative minds. This professional feel is surely a great environment to get your study hat on. The presence of stimulating clientele combined with great coffee makes Grindsmith’s the perfect environment for producing a hard work ethic.

Whitworth Art Gallery Cafe

The cafe located inside the Whitworth Art gallery on Oxford Road is a pleasant and unique space, ideal for a spot of revision and work. Even the cafe itself is a work of art, made completely out of glass, all while offering views out over Whitworth Park. With free wifi and delicious food at your fingertips, you may never want to leave. But if the hard work gets too much, you can always do a bit of artistic procrastination and take some time out in the gallery which is free to enter.

Christie’s Bistro

If you feel like staying on university grounds but the sight of the library is (obviously) getting too much, head to Christie’s Bistro. The bistro itself is situated in the Whitworth building on The University of Manchester campus. Originally used as the Christie Science Library, the library was then converted into a Bistro. The bistro is steeped in the university's history and character, with portraits of previous Vice-Chancellors gracing the walls and endless rows of original books and documents. This, alongside delicious food and large comfy armchairs, makes Christie’s Bistro a very appealing place to study.

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Best Places to Catch a Sunset in London

Submitted by lilyjones.lj22… on Mon, 10/07/2019 - 13:39

We can often get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to take a minute for ourselves and appreciate the natural world around us.

Watching the sunset over London is one of those magical moments when the city and the natural world seamlessly merge together. From hillside viewing spots, perfect for a warm summers evening, to high-end restaurants in some of London’s tallest buildings, you’ll find somewhere worthy of taking time out to watch the sun disappear behind the beautiful skyline of the capital. Have a read of our top picks for watching the sun wind down in the capital.

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is the go-to spot to watch the sunset in North London. Located in one of the most expensive postcodes in the capital, many flock to the top of this 213-foot tall hill for an almost perfect vista of London’s skyline. Take a closer look and spot the shard, the London eye and even Big Ben looming in the distance. During the warmer months, join the crowds at Primrose Hill; take a blanket and a bottle of prosecco and, as the sun sets, make a toast to the end of another day – and all the mystery tomorrow will bring. 

Millennium Bridge

As one of the few pedestrian-only bridges in the capital, the Millennium Bridge offers a convenient connection between the north and south banks of the River Thames. Follow the path from the Southbank to the top of the bridge and watch the sun disappear behind the iconic St Pauls Cathedral. And if you haven’t had enough of people watching, why not head to the top of the new viewing platform at Tate Modern afterwards to experience the city by night. 

Heron Tower

Watching the sunset at the top of the Heron Tower is one of the more expensive spots to watch the day draw to an end in the capital. Take the lift to the 40th floor of the tower to the Duck and Waffle Restaurant. Here, tables sit beside floor-to-ceiling windows and provide visitors with supreme panoramic views of London’s skyline. Thanks to the restaurant's popularity, you will need to book well in advance to secure a table at sunset! 

Richmond Park

There is no better place to escape the chaos of London life than a visit to Richmond Park. As the largest of London’s Royal Parks, visitors can wander through 2,500 acres of open meadows, looking out for one of the 600 deer that live here year-round. Although there isn’t much elevation in the park,you can head to the pond near Pembroke House for unparalleled views of a London sunset. Even better, visit for sunrise if you can, when the grass is dewy and you may just have the whole park to yourself. 

The London Eye

Although considered to be a bit of a tourist trap, you can’t deny that The London Eye, situated in the heart of the city, provides visitors with some of the best views of the capital. Rising high above the South Bank, this iconic ferris wheel allows visitors to see the winds of the River Thames, catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, and snap a photo of the iconic Big Ben. Sunset rides on the London Eye are incredibly popular, so don’t forget to book in advance if you want to guarantee a ride during the golden hour! 

Sky Garden

Opened in 2015, the Sky Garden sits on the 36th floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie Building’, making it the highest public garden in London. Laden with leafy indoor plants and huge floor to ceiling windows, this sunset spot showcases the true harmony between the natural world and the busy city. If you don’t mind an early wakeup call, visit the Sky Garden at sunrise to see the day in with an invigorating yoga class. 

Parliament Hill

Another favoured spot in North London is Parliament Hill. Sitting at the highest point in Hampstead Heath, locals and tourists alike flock here to watch the sun go down. The heath stretches across 800 acres giving visitors an often well-needed rural escape from the city. Why not go for a quick dip at the open-air lido before climbing the hill to watch the sunset? That is a truly quintessentially London experience.

Kensington Roof Gardens

Opened in the 1930s, the Kensington Roof Gardens wins the award for one of the most historic spots to watch the sunset. Originally opened as a department store, the roof was converted into a garden to provide a place of respite from the busy shopping streets below. Choose a seat in the Spanish Gardens, Tudor Terraces or traditional English Woodlands to watch the sun disappear in this surreal setting. 

Bokan 

Stretching across the top three floors of the world’s tallest Novotel, Bokan is one of the newest spots to grace London’s sky-high dining scene. However, eating here is not a cheap activity. So, why not grab a drink at the rooftop bar for a more affordable way to watch the sun fade away into an orangey-red hue behind Canary Wharf. 

Alexandra Palace

Better known for its firework displays and music concerts, Alexandra Palace is also a spectacular spot to watch a sunset. Although a steep climb to the top of the hill, it is well worth it to see the entirety of London’s skyline laid out in front of you. Take a blanket and pack a picnic to enjoy the beautiful grounds before watching London fade into darkness.

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Study in the UK: City Uni or Campus Uni?

Submitted by guest.writer@qs.com on Mon, 10/07/2019 - 13:24

By Jenna Lawson

Choosing which university to attend isn’t just about your grades or the academic merit of the university, you of course also have to be able to live in your chosen area.

There are two different types of university; campus based, like University of Canterbury, Keele University, University of York or The University of Warwick, where all students and facilities are based on one site, often situated in a country like setting.

Then, we have city-based campuses, like UCL or University of Leeds, where campuses, facilities and students are spread out across the city.

Which one you choose may completely change your university experience, so which is the right one for you? I’ve experienced two of each, Imperial College London’s Central London campus and University of Edinburgh and Imperial College’s campus based Silwood Park and Keele University in Staffordshire.

At campus-based universities there is a community feel, it’s easier to make friends, and you will likely know many people on campus by sharing the same classes and halls.

If you’re at a smaller campus, it feels like one big family, but you’ll still get a homey feel on a larger campus, you’ll just know more people.

Having said that, we’ve all heard the saying ‘small town, big fire’, and things can become a little insular and claustrophobic at times. Your nights out are usually based around the student union, with occasional visits to a city nearby when boredom sets in. If it’s a good union, with lots of activities, like the one at Keele, this usually satisfies most people, and some go months without venturing into the city. After the first few months it’s easy to become a little bored with campus life, however, this can be fixed with a trip to the city or a weekend home.

Everything you need might not be on your doorstep like in many city-based universities, which can be frustrating at times, but with online shopping, and planning trips into town, you can get everything you need.

Many campus universities have grocery stores and restaurants on campus, as well as laundry and sports facilities, providing you with day to day necessities.

Your lectures and library facilities will be a short walk away, which is a big plus for most students, no stressful tube or bus ride for classes, just a relaxing walk. Campus based universities are often cheaper: the accommodation, sports facilities, drinks and food at the union or onsite restaurants, which is a big plus when surviving on a student loan. There is usually onsite security, so you and your belongings will at least feel a little more secure. For me, the best part about a campus-based university is the nature. At both campuses I lived in complete tranquility. I had the buzz of the halls and union if I wanted it, but if I wanted to get away from it all there were miles of forest trails to walk and relax in to get away from daily stresses and noise.

As much as I enjoyed campus-based life, I have also enjoyed living in the center of London and Edinburgh. There are events on all the time only a bus or tube ride away, 1000’s of bars and restaurants to choose from, cinemas, museums and concerts, you’ll never be bored! If you need something at short notice, no pre-planning needed, just step outside and there will be a shop to satisfy your needs. However, with this comes a price, and life is certainly more expensive in the city, so you may find you can’t afford all the amazing things around you. At city-based universities it can be a long, stressful journey to lectures, and you can lose valuable time you could spend studying.

On the other hand, travel time going to the shops and events is usually reduced, and it’s likely the journey to your hometown will also be a little easier. And with all the stresses that city life can bring, most cities now have plenty of green spaces to relax in if you need to get away from it all.

So which one is right for you? I found I was able to adapt to both, mainly because I like both the country and the city life, and both have pros and cons that you learn to love and manage. Having said that I do prefer campus based life due to the reduced stress, short travel time day to day and the community feel. But if you are looking for a city buzz and want to have all the action right on your doorstep, then maybe opt for a city-based university. Whichever one you choose, embrace it, learn to live with the hassles and enjoy all it has to offer.

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London's Top LGBTQ+ Clubs and Hangouts

Submitted by annielouisew@h… on Mon, 10/07/2019 - 13:14

London is known as home to one of the best queer scenes in the world; so much so that this post could either have been very long, listing every club, bar and pub within the M25, or very short: are you LGBTQ+ and hanging out somewhere? Then it’s an LGBTQ+ hangout.

Having said that, if you’re new to London or new to the LGBT+ scene, there’s a couple of places you should know about. So if you’re here, you’re queer, and you want another beer, read on…

Heaven

With room for almost 2,000 partygoers, Heaven is London’s first gay superclub. The club has become world famous since the fateful day it opened its doors in 1979; everyone needs to dance the night away at this club in Charing Cross at least once, whether you’re gay, straight or somewhere in between. Thursday nights play host to Porn Idol, an amateur strip contest where the winner gets £250, Friday nights are for ’80s and ’90s cheesy tunes at Camp Attack, and Saturday nights tend to feature a live performance. If you’re lucky, you could be in with a chance of seeing some big names; the likes of Madonna, Kylie, Miley Cyrus, Robyn and Lady Gaga have all performed at this iconic venue.

Soho

Not a venue but an entire area of London. No matter if you represent the L, the B, the G, the T, the Q or the +, Soho is the place for you. Regarded as the beating heart of London’s LGBTQ+ scene – and close to Leicester Square, China Town, Oxford Street, Piccadilly and the West End – Soho is full of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes. Go for a meal, a coffee, a cocktail or a beer; a raucous night out, a relaxed hour of people watching or a quest for Soho’s speakeasys. Particular places not to miss include Comptons of Soho, Ku Bar and Club, G-A-Y Bar and Village.

She Bar

Also in Soho, She Bar deserves its very own section. This subterranean bunker is Old Compton Street’s first ever lesbian bar, and is currently the only one in London. She Bar is great for a boogie but is just as brilliant for DJs, karaoke, drag kings, live music and comedy. Men are allowed in, but only if they’re escorted by a woman friend. It’s an intimate venue which has been recently refurbished with a seeming Scandi bunker theme, with a back room that includes plants and hanging chairs known as the ‘Lady Garden’, obviously.

Dalston Superstore

Everyone is welcome at this trendy and eclectic LGBT space. Open for burgers during the day, and drag brunch until 4pm on weekends (obviously), Dalston Superstore hosts a range of parties by night. The basement recently hosted its first ever bisexual night, Fast and Bi-Furious (the oppprtunities for puns are never-ending!), and other regular events include the elctro night ‘Uncontrollable Urge’ on Wednesdays and SorryNotSorry Sundays, your monthly serving of poptastic tunes. You could easily spend all day here: pop in for a burger during the day, head upstairs for a drink in the evening, and then dance in the basement until the small wee hours.

VFD

Formerly (and still commonly) known as Vogue Fabrics, VFD is more of a multi-disciplinary arts space than a bar or club. Here you can find queer events such as spoken word poetry and (of course!) drag nights that last well into the early hours, visual art galleries and the work of local artists. But if all sounds a bit too artsy for you, never fear; the venue’s most famous artwork is the huge penis mural in the loos. Convinced?

Vauxhall

Again, not a venue but an area of London known for its testosterone-fuelled party nights. Choose from energetic and sweaty Fire for its house music scene and parties running from 2am until noon, the Union Club which is known for having the longest opening hours in London, Eagle which has waved goodbye to its sex license and hello to a new decor inspired by New York’s Meatpacking District, and XXL, which proudly boasts the longest running weekly disco in London having not missed a night in over 16 years.

For a slightly more sophisticated feel (maybe) try Royal Vauxhall Tavern, famous because Princess Diana was once smuggled in disguised as a man by Freddie Mercury, and now host to live theatre, pantomime and (you guessed it) drag shows. It even hosts a Sunday daytime party where Duckie – self-proclaimed “lowbrow live art hawkers, homo-social honky-tonkers and clubrunners for disadvantaged, but dynamically developing authentic British subcultures” – perform on Saturdays. With such competition, the question isn’t will you go to Vauxhall but where will you go when you get there?

Two Brewers

Quieter gays might feel more at home Two Brewers in Clapham, which has been proudly serving the gay community for thirty years. It’s a bar with a community feel that attracts a slightly older crowd, and hosts fun evenings such as Rock ‘N’ Roll Bingo on Mondays, a quiz night on Wednesdays, and - no gay venue would be complete without them! - drag acts throughout the week.

For your diary

A couple of other important notes for your big gay diaries: London Pride Parade is held on a Saturday in July every year, when 30,000 whistle-blowing, flag-waving, booty-shaking members of the LGBT+ community (and beyond) take to the streets to show their pride and their support, ending with a massive party in Soho.

The Pride Parade is always followed by UK Black Pride on the Sunday in Haggerston Park, which is Europe’s largest celebration for African, Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American LGBTQ+ people. There are plenty of other queer events and meetups happening in London all the time and they’re easily found through a quick Google search - whether you like book clubs, hiking, street art or pie, there will be a group for you.

Cheers queers, and welcome to London!

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London's LGBTQ+ scene is world-renowned, but there's more to explore than just Soho. Here are some of our favorite gay-friendly hangout spots in the UK capital.

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