Milton Keynes (MK, if you’re cool with abbreviations) isn’t your typical British city. Think less traditional cobbled streets and more forward-thinking urban design. This is a planned city, built in the late 1960s to relieve London of crowding, and it’s been growing fast ever since.
Located smack-dab between London, Oxford, Birmingham, and Cambridge, Milton Keynes is one of the UK’s fastest-growing hubs, attracting tech firms, artists, students, and everyone in between.
Despite being a modern city, it doesn’t feel grey or corporate. There are over 5,000 acres of parkland. You read that right. Lakes, canals, sculpture trails, open-air concerts, and bike lanes that actually work. You’ll find both nature and nightlife, and a surprisingly strong sense of community.
So if you’re someone who likes structure, sustainability, and having the best of both city and countryside, you’ll click here instantly.
🎓 Why So Many International Students Are Moving to Milton Keynes
Now here’s where it gets real. You probably haven’t seen Milton Keynes topping study abroad destination lists next to London or Manchester. But that’s what makes it a hidden academic gem, especially for students looking beyond the obvious.
1. National & Global Connectivity
Milton Keynes is just 35 minutes by train to London Euston, with affordable student fares. A dream for regular internships, day trips, or weekend escapes in the capital.
You’re also less than an hour from Oxford, Luton Airport, and Birmingham. This flexibility makes it ideal for international students wanting to explore or attend external events and workshops.
2. Innovative Learning Environment
The city is closely tied to The Open University, a globally respected leader in flexible online and distance learning. But beyond that, MK is emerging as an education and innovation hub, with tech-forward campuses and vocational colleges shaping the next wave of professionals.
3. Affordability with Quality
Let’s talk rent. The cost of living in Milton Keynes is noticeably lower than in London, Manchester, or Oxford, yet you still access urban comforts and cultural perks. Shared student lives here are easier to finance, especially with everything being within cycling distance.
4. Safe, Green and Designed for Living
Milton Keynes was built around people, wide paths, no-crush bus routes, lots of daylight in buildings. It’s one of the UK’s safest towns, and being a planned city makes it easy to navigate, no chance of getting lost in random alleys here.
So if you’re considering where to land next, study in Milton Keynes for a balance of calm, culture, and career potential.
📚 Top 10 Universities & Colleges in and Around Milton Keynes
While MK is still growing on the traditional university front, it already hosts some standout options, and thanks to great transport links, you’ve got access to heavy-hitters just outside the city too.
1. The Open University (Milton Keynes HQ)
World-leader in online and distance education. Over 170,000 students globally. Ideal for students wanting flexibility, mature learners, and professionals.
2. Milton Keynes College
One of the UK’s most forward-thinking further education colleges. Offers vocational diplomas, A-levels, apprenticeships, and foundation degrees. Industry connections are strong.
3. UCMK (University Campus Milton Keynes)
Run in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire. Offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs with a strong focus on business, construction, and STEM fields.
4. University of Bedfordshire (Luton Campus)
Just a 30-minute drive or short train ride away. Known for business, nursing, IT, and media.
5. Cranfield University
A postgraduate-only university located near MK, specializing in aerospace, defense, tech, and environmental science. Research-focused and closely tied to industry.
6. Buckinghamshire New University
30 minutes away by train. Offers a wide range of undergrad and postgrad programs. Highly rated for student satisfaction.
7. University of Northampton
About 50 minutes from MK but easily accessible. Offers courses in health, humanities, tech, and education.
8. Bedford College Group
Offers foundation degrees, diplomas, and access courses. Strong industry links for employment-ready skills.
9. Oxford Brookes University
An hour away by train. Known for design, architecture, and business programs. Strong reputation.
10. University of Buckingham
30 minutes’ drive from MK. Offers small-group teaching, undergraduate law, economics, and humanities. Private, boutique-style education experience.
🏘️ Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Milton Keynes
Looking for housing that won’t wreck your budget or your Wi-Fi? Here are some standout options student renters love:
- Victoria House – Silbury Boulevard
- Campbell Park Student Apartments – Marlborough Street
- The Hub MK Studios – Central Milton Keynes
- Student Village at UCMK – Avebury Boulevard
- Saxon Gate West Studios – Near CMK Station
- University Key Worker Residences – Woughton Campus
- MK College Housing – Bletchley Campus Flats
- Oakgrove Shared Apartments – Near Waitrose & Parks
- Newlands Co-living – Middle of town
- Silbury Court – Close to Xscape and library
🗺️ Top Student Areas in Milton Keynes (And Why They Work)
Let’s break down where students tend to live, study, and thrive in MK. Whether you’re new to town or relocating from elsewhere in the UK, where you settle can make a huge difference.
1. Central Milton Keynes (CMK)
- Nearby Universities: UCMK, The Open University HQ
- Student Properties: The Hub MK, Campbell Park
- Vibe: Modern, fast-paced, all the city perks. Pubs, shopping, and nightlife? Sorted.
2. Campbell Park
- Nearby Universities: Close to CMK
- Student Properties: Campbell Park Apartments, Victoria House
- Vibe: A mix of green serenity and city buzz. Great for outdoor joggers and introvert extroverts.
3. Woughton on the Green
- Nearby Universities: Milton Keynes College Woughton Campus
- Student Properties: Key Worker Residences
- Vibe: Quiet, leafy, and loaded with community feel. Less hustle, more focus.
4. Bletchley
- Nearby Universities: MK College Bletchley Campus
- Student Properties: MK College Flats
- Vibe: Budget-friendly, well connected by train, and lots of takeaway options.
5. Shenley Brook End
- Nearby Universities: Accessible to all via bus routes
- Student Properties: Private lets and shared student housing
- Vibe: Suburban and safe. You’ll hear a lot of birds and not a lot of cars.
6. Oakgrove
- Nearby Universities: Open University within biking distance
- Student Properties: Oakgrove Apartments
- Vibe: Sleek, modern housing with Waitrose and green spaces around the corner. Adulting level: Expert.
7. Bradwell Common
- Nearby Universities: UCMK and The Open University (via bus)
- Student Properties: Small HMOs and share houses
- Vibe: Budget-booster zone for rent-savers. Nice community too.
8. Newport Pagnell
- Nearby Universities: Reach most unis by short bus ride
- Student Properties: Private housing, shared homes
- Vibe: Historic town feel. Calm and quaint. Good for focused studies.
9. Stony Stratford
- Nearby Universities: All within 30–40 mins by public transport
- Student Properties: House shares and affordable co-living
- Vibe: Very local, very low-cost. A true escape from city flash.
10. Oldbrook
- Nearby Universities: Minutes from CMK
- Student Properties: Silbury Court
- Vibe: Affordable, diverse, and super student-friendly.
✍️ Final Thoughts: Why Study in Milton Keynes Just Makes Sense
Here’s the essence: Milton Keynes is modern, multi-dimensional, and built for lifestyle and learning. From its exceptional green space-to-city ratio to its attractive affordability, MK is a fantastic place to combine academic ambition with everyday wellbeing.
Whether you’re enrolled at a high-profile partner university or taking a foundation course at MK College, the city delivers quality education + career potential + student-friendly living. All without the stress or cost of living in bigger UK cities.
So if you’re ready to study somewhere that’s smart, sustainable, and seriously well-connected…
Study in Milton Keynes. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
