With A-level results in and students scrambling for spots at UK universities, disappointment has settled in for those who did not achieve a place at their university of choice.

But all is not lost. Clearing 2009 is in full swing and participating students have the opportunity to explore new university options. The UK has a plethora of great towns for students, some incredibly popular as student destinations and others just as worthy – or even more so – but lesser known.

Edinburgh is a perennially popular study destination

We’ve selected the top five UK university towns for their attractive offerings and unique student cultures. The cities are geographically dispersed around the UK to supply food for thought about possible options beyond the obvious London, Oxford, and Cambridge choices.

From Scotland and Wales to the south of England, in no particular order of importance, here are our top five.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s gem of a capital offers a vibrant atmosphere for students from around the world. Castles looming on hilltops, cobblestone lanes and majestic gothic architecture make this city a pure aesthetic pleasure. Edinburgh was named the UK’s most desirable place to live in a recent survey.

A walkable centre, al fresco pub socialising, diverse ethnic and British food, and buoyant, friendly locals contribute to the popularity of the University of Edinburgh as a UK study destination.

London, England

Britain’s capital city is a pulsing metropolis with something on offer for every personality, with all-night clubs, sports stadiums, shopping for fashionistas on any budget, concert halls, foodie-fuelled markets, exhibitions, riverside running paths, massive green spaces and pubs of every flavour.

Business and finance students flock to the city for its prominence in the global financial industry, and a large proportion of graduates from London universities stay on for post-study employment. London’s top unis include the London School of Economics and Science, University College London, and Imperial College London.

Aberswyth, Wales

This sleepy but scholarly Victorian seaside town in Wales ranks consistently as a student favourite. The Times Online Good University Guide 2010 shows an 81% student satisfaction ranking for Aberystwyth, University of Wales, falling barely behind Oxford University’s 85%.

With a landscape of castles and crumbling stone fortresses shrouded in sea fog populating the green hills, it’s little wonder student satisfaction is so high: students understand they’re signing up for seascapes and bottle-nosed dolphin sightings over pumping nightclubs.

Brighton, England

Barely an hour from London by train, Brighton has a nightlife to rival much bigger cities. Boasting one of the UK’s most vibrant alternative and gay communities, this city on the sea is home to everything from fish n’ chips on the pier to concert halls and unique cuisine for every budget.

Compact and walkable, Brighton University is a worthy study destination for those who crave the variety in entertainment, food and shopping found in the city without the overcrowding and painful prices.

Bristol, England

The enticing Southwest university town of Bristol manages to embody both English quaintness and urban excitement. Historical architecture melds with a peaceful waterfront punctuated by a stone suspension bridge and masses of green space.

Although smallish and intimate, Bristol University draws students of a more urban-sophisticate nature, making provisions for the nightclub crowd, bookworms and pub prowlers alike.

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Prospective students who have not been accepted into their preferred courses or universities should currently be applying for Clearing 2009. The final weeks of August present an opportunity to consider previously unexplored universities and courses.

International students who have been accepted into UK universities for Autumn 2009 should be in the final stages of securing UK visas, which can take up to several months to clear.