Coventry ranked one of the best student cities in the world

It might come as a surprise, but lowly Coventry has been ranked one of the best student cities in the world.

A recent ranking by the QS Best Student Cities Guide has placed Coventry above Brussels, Osaka, Prague and even old Leamington Spa.

It came 45th out of 50, inspiring a wealth of reactions.

Alick McCallum, a second year, just couldn’t believe it.  He had nothing to say except “why?”

Fresher Scott Miles was also surprised.

He said: “That’s not correct” meanwhile second year Genevieve Smith said: “Have they been to Coventry?”

How did this happen? You ask.

Well the guide implies students don’t notice crime, or ugly buildings, as much as they notice and value affordability, student mix and employer activity.

The city was praised for its diversity, with a third of its students coming from abroad.

Still not convinced? Don’t diss the study. It was QS who named Warwick University one of the top University’s under the age of 50 in the world. Legit now, yeah?

Maybe it’s the recent association of academic prestige with Coventry that’s given it this ranking.

It was a good year for its associated Universities with Warwick University named University of the Year for 2015 and Coventry University named as the Modern University of the Year.

The rating is unlikely to push students away from Leamington

A spokesperson for Warwick University said: “There is also lot of exciting redevelopment going on in the city, including the new Fargo Village development.

“Coventry has a lot to offer and we have a thriving student population here.”

The SU also said: “The announcement came as a surprise to some, but it really shouldn’t have done: affordable and well-connected with loads to explore and plenty of top shopping.”

Currently, the vast majority of second and third year Warwick students live in Leamington Spa.

But will this ranking encourage the freshers to choose Coventry over Leam?

Probably not.