Choosing a Uni

14 bizarre university facts you won't actually believe are real

Universities have some strange and unique stories from pet bears to space-exploring ducks and contraceptive pills for squirrels.

Jamie Dobbs
by Jamie Dobbs
Last Updated:
29 Feb 2024

1.

University of York duck density fact

The University of York's duck population density makes it perfect for animal lovers!

More about the University of York. (Fact via duckdensity.org.uk)

2.

Durham university student marriage fact

If you're looking for love, then maybe Durham University is the place to go to find your future spouse.

More about Durham University(Fact via independent.co.uk)

3.

University of Warwick chocolate powered racing car

Powered by chocolate? Imagine driving that car around a Formula 3 race track!

More about the University of Warwick(Fact via independent.co.uk)

4.

Bournemouth university Gravity film fact

If you have high-flying career aspirations in the media and film industry, it seems like Bournemouth could be the place to be.

More about Bournemouth University(Fact via kic.org.uk)

5.

University of Surrey Led Zeppelin fact

While you probably won't catch them there now, it's a cool piece of history, and who knows what other up and coming bands might put on a show at the University of Surrey!

More about the University of Surrey. (Fact via independent.co.uk)

6.

University of Sheffield squirrel contraceptive pill fact

In all honesty, we're not sure why the University of Sheffield decided contraceptive pills for squirrels were the thing to research and develop. But you can't deny it's a unique research area!

More about the University of Sheffield(Fact via independent.co.uk)

7.

University of Edinburgh oldest student newspaper

For any budding journalists, why not take a look at the University of Edinburgh? Saying you studied at the first uni to have a student newspaper will surely put you on a good track for a career in journalism, right?

More about the University of Edinburgh(Fact via independent.co.uk)

8.

LSE Hummus Society fact

Sadly, it seems the hummus society has been disbanded. However, there are plenty of other unique societies at LSE, including pottery society, running for the bus society (no you don't have to actually run for a bus to join) and chocolate society.

More about the London School of Economics. (Fact via educationuk.org)

9.

Durham university climbing cathedral bad luck fact

You might be looking for your future spouse at Durham, but just make sure you don't climb the cathedral until after you graduate if you're superstitious. Who knows what bad luck it could bring?

More about Durham University(Fact via independent.co.uk)

10.

University of York rubber duck in space fact

It seems the University of York can't get away from the duck facts! If you find the uni's missing rubber duck, do return him. And don't even think about buying a cheap replacement to try to cash in on the reward. It's been ten years now since he went to space, so it seems the chances of his return are very slim.

More about the University of York. (Fact via @YorkAstroDuck)

11.

Aston University Student Union Newspaper fact

The Sun is certainly a controversial paper, but if you're interested in journalism, Aston University has some interesting history around the infamous paper.

More about Aston University. (Fact via independent.co.uk)

12.

Staffordshire university sewage sludge making bricks fact

This might sounds gross, but it's actually a great sustainable initiative, and we're sure they'll make sure it won't smell before they use these bricks to build their next student accommodation block!

More about Staffordshire University. (Fact via northampton.ac.uk)

13.

Goldsmiths University famous alumni fact

Hoping to rub shoulders with future celebrities or royalty? Maybe Goldsmiths is the place to be!

More about Goldsmiths, University of London. (Fact via gold.ac.uk)

14.

Lord Byron University of Cambridge pet bear fact

It's unlikely you'll spot any bears around campus in Cambridge these days, but for history or literature lovers, this is a fun nugget of information. Plus, we're sure it'll be a great conversations starter.

More about the University of Cambridge. (Fact via studyin-uk.com)

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