Location

Keele University offers the best of both worlds: named after the local village of Keele, located midway between major cities Birmingham and Manchester. With regular buses from the centre of campus into the nearest city of Stoke-on-Trent, you will always be well-connected.

Close to Major Cities

By living and studying in Keele, you’ll be just over 30 minutes away from Manchester by train and less than an hour from Birmingham. You will also be about 80 minutes from the coastal city of Liverpool*, so you can easily explore the surrounding UK at the weekend.

Lower Cost of Living

We understand studying abroad is expensive, but the cost of living in Stoke-on-Trent (just a 15-minute bus ride from campus) is almost 50% lower than in London and 25% lower than in Manchester (NUMBEO, March 2025).

Local Entertainment and Attractions

You will find The Potteries, a large shopping complex, in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent – home to over 50 shops, 7 restaurants and cafés, and a 9-screen cinema. Alton Towers Resort, one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, is just over an hour on the train from Stoke-on-Trent.

Part-time Work Opportunities

As well as Stoke-on-Trent, the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme will be right on your doorstep – full of shops, supermarkets and restaurants recruiting part-time employees. You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and more during the holidays.

British Countryside and Culture

Aside from the many woods and lakes on and surrounding the Keele campus, you will find a further 725 acres of cultivated garden, parks, and woodland on the nearby Trentham Estate. You might want to visit the Trentham Monkey Forest, where 140 Barbary macaques roam free!

*Travel times based on departure from Stoke-on-Trent Station

Arriving at Keele

Keele is well-connected to towns and cities across the UK via public transport, making it easy to travel to and from. Whatever airport you plan to fly into, we will help you arrive safely at Keele.

Plan Your Arrival