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Choosing a Uni

Where do you want to study?

Are you struggling to decide where to go for university? Look no further, we’ve compiled the top options to help you make that all important decision. 

James Mould
by James Mould

Location, location, location. It’s a big factor, particularly when it comes to your university choices. You’ll probably have some ideas about the type of environment you want to be in once you leave school, but we know that finding the best combination of degree subject, institution and location can sometimes require compromise.  

Whether it’s the bright lights of the big city or the open spaces of the countryside that you’re interested in, you’ll want to give plenty of thought to what’s going to be best for your overall education and experience. 

Once you've got an idea of where you want to go, you can start searching for unis right here!

Big cities 


Big cities offer a wide range of advantages, and there are many great universities which are located in or around them for this precise reason. Large population sizes, food and drink, cultural diversity, entertainment and transport connections with other places in the UK and abroad are all benefits.  

If you’re considering a university in a big city, make sure you’re able to deal with the hustle and bustle of big city life, as well as the increased cost of living. 

Smaller cities 


Smaller cities can be excellent for students who want the advantages of a big city, but with a lower cost of living. You’ll still have a decent variety of choice, as well as access to local cultures and scenes. Student satisfaction rates are high in small city locations, and in the three or four years you’ll spend living there, you can really feel like you’ve got to know the place. 

Towns 


Towns are a superb choice for students who enjoy a slower pace of life. Campus universities are popular in towns as they can be a hub of energy and student activity in a place which otherwise might feel quieter, especially during the week.  

Another significant advantage of town universities is that they are frequently located near the coast, or next to national parks and open green countryside, offering a wonderful environment with many opportunities for adventurous outdoor activities. 

Coastal 


The benefits of living by the sea are obvious. Wide open skies, windy clifftop walks, fresh salty sea air and of course, the beach! Coastal life is generally laid back with many opportunities for outdoor pursuits and activities. Coastal universities are often on the smaller side, however they usually provide a lot of extracurricular activities for their student community. 

Close to home 


If you’ve got close family and friends who you plan to visit regularly, then you may want to find somewhere to study which is within a short distance of home. It can be helpful to think about your options in terms of travel time, as well as actual distance. Speedy transport links can open up your horizons while keeping you within a short trip of your loved ones.  

North England 


North England is home to an impressive number of medium-to-large sized campus universities, located in or near cities with plenty to offer students at a refreshingly low cost of living. Your student loan stretches a little further in the north, allowing you to live large on a student budget. 

South England 


South England offers a wide selection of top universities, and good transport connections to London and Europe. Student satisfaction rates are usually very good, so be sure to check out your options. 

Scotland 


A seat of education and innovation for centuries, Scotland is home to some of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, as well as stunning wild landscapes, traditional pub culture and a rich offering of contemporary cultural events. If it sounds ideal for student living, then that’s because it is. Check out Scottish universities for teaching excellence and world-innovating research. 

Wales 


Wales has a scattering of top modern universities, which are well known for being located next to areas of incredible natural beauty. From sandy beaches, dense lush forests, deep river valleys and snowy mountains, Wales has it all. Universities are also known for providing a superb and highly sociable student experience. 

Northern Ireland 


Northern Irish unis provide quality over quantity, with a small selection of institutions offering a well-balanced combination of city life, campus locations and countryside access. Their universities have a wide range of courses, so take a look to see whether it’s a good match for you. 

London 


The UK’s capital is a vast and dynamic metropolis, frequently voted the best student city in the world. With more than 30 institutions to choose from, it’s educationally superb, while simultaneously offering a diversity of cultural, historical and lifestyle experiences. Some of the best street culture, food and drink, live music and art on the planet, albeit at an extremely high cost of living. It’s not for everyone, but there’s something there for everyone. 

 

Looking for more advice on choosing your uni? We've got a handy guide for that!

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