Choosing a Uni

Universities in beautiful places

We reveal the prettiest universities of them all…

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
01 Mar 2024

Want some gorgeous scenery to wander around when you’re not studying or socialising? Then perhaps you should consider studying at one of the following universities.

We've picked them for being located in some of the most beautiful places in the UK. Check them out...

University of Cambridge


cambridge university
Image via The Telegraph

From the stunning views of Kings’ College, you’ll get whilst punting along the backs, to the meticulously maintained gardens in Selwyn College’s ‘woodland walk’, and the aptly named Bridge of Sighs – dotted around Cambridge town there are countless photo opportunities.

Inevitably some colleges are older and more classically picturesque than others, with almost 700 years between the founding of Peterhouse and Robinson, but every college has it unique beauty.

The Cambridge Botanical Gardens are another highlight, and provide a perfect study break away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. The beautiful surroundings are hard to appreciate with lectures and supervisions and exams, but come May Week the town is buzzing, as students celebrate a year of hard work with garden parties, extravagant balls and graduation parties.

University of Oxford


oxford uni

Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and its 38 colleges scattered throughout the city maintain long-lasting traditions. Formal hall, balls and academic dress are a regular part of student life, set against a beautiful backdrop of stunning architecture.

The city centre is relatively small and compact, and so museums, galleries and parks are easy to reach on foot. Christ Church Meadow and Harcourt Arboretum (a 130-acre collection of trees from all over the world) are perfect for summer picnics and walks along the river; whilst The Sheldonian Theatre designed by Christopher Wren is another highlight, offering beautiful panoramic views over the town.

As a student, all of these cultural landmarks are on your doorstep, and provide ideal therapeutic breaks from heavy workloads!

University of York


york university

Image via Which? University

The sight you'll be greeted with in York town - if you decide to study at the University of York - is jaw dropping. The Minster – visible from almost every angle – is vast, yet beautifully intricate at the same time. The town itself is a complimentary mix of modern and old; boasting great shopping opportunities, charming cafés, traditional English pubs and a rich historical past. The wall which surrounds the city is accessible and well worth walking along in order to take in the cities’ magic.

If the beauty of the city of York has failed to persuade you to apply, then it may be worth mentioning that when you wake up in York and the wind is blowing the right way you are met with the delightful smell of warm chocolate. This is due to the Nestlé factory only being a stone’s throw away and greatly improving a cold winter morning.

Durham University



Image via Churchtimes.co.uk

Durham University is often likened to Hogwarts and once you have visited you can see why. The enormous stone buildings and oversized halls make for an imposing yet inspiring impression. Surrounded by beautiful art, architecture and buildings it would be criminal to not include Durham on this list.

The University of Edinburgh


university of edinburgh
Image via Summer School

Voted as the UK’s favourite city thirteen years in a row, Edinburgh is undeniably a highly regarded place to live.

As one of the ‘ancient’ universities, the historical presence and beauty of the buildings is immense. The students of Edinburgh are therefore lucky that as a Scottish university their courses are all at least four years long!

As well as the stunning university buildings to explore, you can admire Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the city’s skyline. Living and working in one of the UK’s most desirable cities is one of the many benefits prospective students can look forward to in Edinburgh, making studying for exams a little more bearable!

Royal Holloway


Royal Holloway

If you choose to apply to Royal Holloway, you've chosen well. It’s an easy commute from central London with none of the hustle and bustle. The beautiful Victorian red-brick buildings make for a stunning place to work and the well-kept lawn provides a glorious picnic spot.

Luckily for current and prospective students, whilst the beauty of the buildings remains, the admission requirements have modernised – meaning this former all women’s college has been fully co-educational since 1965!

University of Glasgow


glasgow university

The University of Glasgow is one of Scotland’s oldest universities. The visually spectacular Gilbert Scott building is often likened to Hogwarts due to its soaring spires. Impressively, this building is the second largest example of Gothic revival architecture in Britain after the Palace of Westminster. Due to the tremendous height of the building its beauty can be enjoyed from many angles, making it an exceptional backdrop for graduation pictures.

Glasgow is the perfect example of a city which cherishes its beauty and history, but also displays its modernity through its bars, restaurants and industrial presence. This combination of old and new makes Glasgow a great university for those who appreciate beautiful architecture but also enjoy living in a big, vibrant city.

Keele University


Keele University
Image via Pinterest

Keele University is a rural, self-contained campus set in 620 acres of beautiful parkland. Due to the rustic beauty of the surroundings and enormity of the campus some staff live within the university grounds. Keele University is often celebrated for its community feel due to its self-sufficiency, with shops, healthcare, accommodation and sports facilities located on campus. Students can find most of what they need on campus and if not the short walk down to Newcastle-under-Lyme is picturesque and a brilliant way to spend a sunny afternoon.

University of St Andrews


st andrews
Image via myeducation

St Andrews is the oldest university in Scotland, and most of its medieval features have been preserved to make it one of the most beautiful places to learn and live in the UK.

The castle and cathedral date back to the 12th century, and the two old collegiate chapels are used for graduation ceremonies and alumni weddings. The uni is well integrated into the town, with pretty cobbled streets existing alongside modern facilities developed to the tone of their surroundings.

As well as being situated in a charming, historical town, St Andrews boasts a beautiful coast. The picturesque West Sands Beach was actually used as a location for the 1981 film ‘Chariots of Fire’ in the theme tune scene. St Andrews is also known as the ‘home of golf’, with the most famous course having been the venue for The Open Championship several times. All in all, it is a beautiful place to study.

University of Chester


University of Chester
Image via Wikipedia

The University of Chester is one of the UK’s oldest higher education establishments and offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as a number of foundation and apprenticeship degrees so that students can work in specific fields alongside their studies. With five different sites in and around Chester this university offers students the freedom to explore this city. Studying here would mean there is always something to do with Sightseeing Bus Tours to go on and historic city walls to walk by, not forgetting the abundance of animals at Chester Zoo or the Falconry & Nature Gardens. 

University of Chichester


Chichester uni
Image via LinkedIn

Located in West Sussex, students can have the best of both worlds if they choose to go to this university as you have city life of Chichester so close to the seaside town Bognor Regis where there is also a campus. The university campuses are a great hub for students not only to learn but also to relax as there are various places to eat as well as award winning bars on site too. The Bishop Otter Campus is only a short walk from the city centre so students are never far from the Chichester District where they can shop until they drop.  


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