What city it's better to live in and for improving my English?

Question

Hi!

Some days ago I asked about what city (Glasgow or Edinburgh) would be better for learning English, to work and live in.

I plan to move to the UK in October, and I want to work there and support me by myself. I heave heard that Scotland it's not exactly the best place for non-English speakers since their accent is a little hard to understand for us (I am from Spain) altough a Spanish friend of mine lives in Aberdeen and she's completely happy with that choice.

So, now I'm thinking to move to another city, but I don't know what. It is the first time I leave home (that I'm completely independent) so I'm looking for new experiences, that's why I'm searching a cosmopolitan, vibrant, stimulating city, with lots of students if possible (above all I'm young, and I want to have fun!!! lol)

I've heard that London is too expensive, and I want to support myself only with the salary, so...

What about Manchester or Birmingham? (Nevertheless, I'm still thinking of moving to Scotland too)

Answer 1

I don't think Scotland is the best place to learn English.  It's a wonderful country, full of warm, wonderful people, and great, dramatic vistas and castles, and mountains.  But the language there is pretty, ummm, how do I say this diplomatically?  Specialized.  Colloquial.  Unusual.  Not standard.  

If your goal is to have a great time and see wonderful history and meet terrific people, then Scotland is a great choice, but if your goal, in living in the UK is to improve your English, and come away with a good, understandable accent, then your best bets are Oxford, Cambridge, Eton, or London, but even then, you need to stick with educated people for your language and accent imitation, because there is so much language that is difficult to understand among the typical people.

Don't get me wrong.  I had a wonderful time in all parts of the UK and Republic of Ireland as well, but you probably want to learn to speak somewhere where the language you learn will be easier to understand.  

But, if you're dead set on living in Scotland, use the Movies, TV, BBC to learn to speak properly.  And have a blast!  (Again, I recommend Edinburgh for sheer beauty.  And Aberdeen is supposed to be gorgeous, too! - but more rural).

Answer 2

Come to Yorkshire.....*Raises eyebrows*

Seriously we are not all farms and sheep.

Im told i speak english very posh (even though my grammar is like a toilet)

Answer 3

hmm oh well Ive never been to Britain but this dialogue came to my mind as u asked this question.

From Snatch the movie,

-I'm going to London!

-London?

-Yes, London. You know, fish, chips, cup of tea, bad food, worse weather, Marry fücking Poppins... London.

Answer 4

cambridge, its a lovely proper accent. Im from Yorkshire, dont go there, you will learn a lot but not how to speak properly.

Answer 5

I think if you came to Scotland Edinburgh would be better for you because their accent isn't as strong as glasgows.

I think you would be fine learning english in Scotland, people would still understand you. There's plenty of other foreign people here that do fine.

There are lots of students in both Glasgow and Edinburgh and am sure you'll have loads of fun in both!

Answer 6

If Scotland is your choice then you might try Edinburgh.

Answer 7

Certainly not London. That shithole needs nuking.