Have you tried looking for the dedicated TSR threads for the universities you are interested in studying at, for example the applicant threads. You may find more students here who are studying and living in the cities. Alternatively have you been to the open days for the universities, these will give you a great chance to see the places for yourself and you will have a better understanding if you could see yourself studying/living there. Open days will also give you a chance to speak to current and past students to get their experience of the university.