The Whatuni team have been busy bees over the last few months, collecting over 36,000 reviews from students at over 140 universities. We’ve got three brand new categories, an award being judged by our new student advisory board for the very first time, and some very happy institutions…
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So, without further ado…here are the winners of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2018….
University of the Year
Nominees:
Aberystwyth University
Bangor University
Harper Adams University
Leeds Arts University
Loughborough University
Northumbria University
Swansea University
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of St Andrews
3rd place: Bangor University
2nd place: Harper Adams University
WINNER:
Runners up in this category for the last two years, Loughborough University finally get to take home the University of the Year title.
This has been a really exciting year for Loughborough, who have been nominated in an impressive 11 WUSCA categories and placing top three in eight of them.
Student reviewers praised Loughborough for its sense of community in particular, with many commenting on making great friends and feeling “right at home” when they were on campus. Loughborough also received recognition for the huge variety of activities they put on for students, the friendly lecturers and the engaging course content.
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Not their only win of the evening (spoiler alert!), student comments about the university included:
"I really do love it! It’s such a warm welcoming community and makes me feel like I really belong here and it’s my home, as well as my ideal study space. Can’t beat it."
“Friendly and full of opportunities. I take pride in going to Loughborough and participating in many sporting events. The community atmosphere is warm and welcoming”
Accommodation
Sponsored by:
Nominees:
Aberystwyth University
Bangor University
Edge Hill University
Harper Adams University
Imperial College London
Lancaster University
Loughborough University
Northumbria University
St George’s, University of London
University of Warwick
3rd place: Harper Adams University
2nd place: Edge Hill
WINNER:
Jumping an incredible three places from the past two years to take the top spot, Bangor University has clearly been listening to their students.
The Bangor halls for undergraduate students are on the Ffriddoedd Village and the St Mary's Village. Both are within walking distance of the university and the centre of Bangor. All first-year students that put Bangor down as their firm choice and apply within the given timeframe are guaranteed university accommodation.
A highly praised university in a range of categories, students described Bangor’s accommodation as, “clean”, “safe” and “with plenty of modern facilities”. Students also commented on the fantastic location of university accommodation, and how close it was to everything they needed.
Student comments included:
"I live in university halls and they are great. I am in an en suite room with a shared kitchen which gets cleaned every week. We also have laundrettes, a shop and a bar on site for easy access... The site is in a good location, ten minutes to the station as well as the main university building and supermarkets."
"Amazing accommodation which has extraordinary service "
City Life
Nominees:
Cardiff University
King’s College London
Leeds Arts University
Newcastle University
Northumbria University
Nottingham Trent University
University of Bristol
University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of Liverpool
3rd place: University of Glasgow
2nd place: Newcastle University
WINNER:
Students from the University of Liverpool heaped so much praise on the city life of this university that it jumped an amazing 15 places from last year to win this category.
Renowned for its cultural history, Liverpool is actually is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the UK, so it’s no surprise that students told us they “absolutely love living in Liverpool” and that they think “it’s brill to live in”.
One of the main things students praised was the sheer number of events going on in Liverpool for them to attend, so boredom never seems to be an option! For more information on some of the top things for students to do in Liverpool, check out our city guide .
Student comments included:
"Busy, always something going on!"
"I love Liverpool!"
Clubs and Societies
Nominees:
Aberystwyth University
Bangor University
Durham University
Harper Adams University
Loughborough University
Swansea University
University of Glasgow
University of Leeds
University of Oxford
University of Southampton
3rd place: Loughborough University
2nd place: Harper Adams University
WINNER:
Taking home another WUSCA award and entering the top three for a third time (with more on the horizon), Bangor University win the clubs and societies category for the second year running.
With over 150 clubs and societies to choose from, it’s no surprise that many students praised the university for its wide variety of options. From traditional and niche sports clubs that encouraged both competitive and social-only players, to societies that complimented student’s academic interests, Bangor seems to have it all! And students were particularly impressed by the fact they were all free to join.
Student comments included:
“Very inclusive and will try their best for everyone in the club”
“Fab! All our societies and clubs are free! There is plenty of choice and there is definitely a society for everyone."
Course and Lecturers
Nominees:
Aberystwyth University
Bangor University
Harper Adams University
Leeds Arts University
Loughborough University
SOAS University of London
St Mary’s University, Twickenham
Swansea University
University of Buckingham
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
3rd place: University of Buckingham
2nd place: Bangor University
WINNER:
Nominated in an incredible nine categories this year and placing top three in eight of them (showing they’ve got seriously impressed students there), Harper Adams University jumped two places from last year to take home this award.
With just under 3,000 students on their campus, many students talked positively about the small and intimate seminar classes, and how approachable the lecturers were. Many also enjoyed the practical element of their learning and how diverse their course was, making them feel more employable as a result.
Student comments included:
“Very interactive and practical”
“The support and guidance from lecturers is exemplary”
Giving Back
Sponsored by:
Nominees:
Aberystwyth University
Bangor University
Harper Adams University
Loughborough University
SOAS University of London
St George’s, University of London
Swansea University
University of Essex
University of Glasgow
University of Sheffield
3rd place: Harper Adams University
2nd place: SOAS University of London
WINNER:
Holding onto their giving back award for a second year, Loughborough University continue to do more than just teach their students. In their student reviews, the university is consistently praised for its community spirit, both inside and outside the campus, and for spreading that message right from fresher’s week.
Students also spoke positively about the activities of RAG, which are fundraising activities completely led by students, as well as the Action section of the Students’ Union.
Student comments included:
“The Action section of our Students’ Union is INCREDIBLE. The work we do is so rewarding and has resulted in us winning several awards for our work”
“Always some charitable event going on. All of the trips you are shown in freshers have to be accompanied by fundraising. Halls compete over volunteering tasks and dog walking and Christmas events are popular”
Students’ Union
Sponsored by:
Nominees:
Buckinghamshire New University
Cardiff University
Harper Adams University
Loughborough University
SOAS University of London
Teesside University
University of Dundee
University of Glasgow
University of Leeds
University of Sheffield
3rd place: University of Leeds
2nd place: Loughborough University
WINNER:
Maintaining their title from last year, the University of Sheffield take home the WUSCA for best Students’ Union.
No stranger to winning awards for their SU (the university has won the Good Students’ Union' category in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey for ten years in a row), they were certainly strong contenders!
Student reviewers were full of positivity for their students’ union, commenting on their fantastic facilities, approachable team and well-run clubs and societies, amongst many other things.
Student comments included:
“Great facilities, nice atmosphere, friendly staff”
“I think the union is amazing, easy to find help and is a great environment”
Uni Facilities
Sponsored by:
Nominees:
Harper Adams University
Lancaster University
Leeds Arts University
Loughborough University
Nottingham Trent University
Teesside University
University of Glasgow
University of Leeds
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
3rd place: Harper Adams University
2nd place: Leeds Arts University
WINNER:
Taking home the crown for best facilities for the second year in a row, this is one of the three WUSCA awards which will be sitting on the university’s shelves.
Loughborough University has the largest concentration of world-class sports training facilities in the country, and boasts an indoor athletics centre and outdoor stadium, a football stadium, sports hall, grass and artificial pitches, 50 metre swimming pool, tennis, badminton and netball courts plus a state of the art fitness centre. On the academic side there is also a range of labs, two theatres and conference centre.
Student reviewers praised the university’s modern and high-quality facilities, with many positive mentions about the wide range of sports equipment that was easily accessible to students.
Student comments included:
“Excellent engineering facilities throughout helped by a new STEM lab. Plenty of working spaces and study rooms to book for free. Campus shuttle is handy and free”
“Very good and modern”
International
Sponsored by:
Nominees:
Aberystwyth University
Bangor University
Lancaster University
Northumbria University
Nottingham Trent University
Plymouth University
Swansea University
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of Kent
3rd place: Northumbria University
2nd place: Aberystwyth University
WINNER:
Jumping an incredible ten places in the rankings to take home the international award, the University of Glasgow seriously impressed students this year.
The university is incredibly diverse with students and staff from over 120 different countries on its campus. Helping international students every step of the way, from pre-arrival and orientations at the university, to helping international students adjust to living in a whole new country and all the challenges that can come with it, the student reviewers had glowing things to say about the university.
And it’s not just the students who are impressed by this institution. The university is also one of only 23 universities who were chosen by the Home Office to take part an extended pilot scheme that looks at streamlining the process for international Masters students wanting to study in the UK.
Student comments included:
“Excellent! I love being a part of the University of Glasgow! It feels like you have a family! The environment is friendly, diverse, international and welcoming”
“The uni is very international and forward looking. I like the atmosphere of the university with a wide range of students, the clubs and societies are great and the course I am doing is one of the best in Glasgow”
Postgraduate
Sponsored by:
Nominees:
Aberystwyth University
Lancaster University
Loughborough University
Northumbria University
Swansea University
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
University of Hertfordshire
University of Kent
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
3rd place: University of Kent
2nd place: University of Glasgow
WINNER:
Nominated in an amazing seven categories, Aberystwyth jump three places from last year to win the postgraduate WUSCA.
Teaching a range of research and taught courses for postgraduates, Aberystwyth gives students the opportunity to study full-time, part-time or via distance learning.
Student reviewers praised the distance learning and said they felt supported by the university, who provide web-based conferencing facilities, recorded lectures and discussion forums to ensure students don’t feel isolated.
Postgraduate students also told us they felt really looked after by the university, from the dedicated accommodation and support team, to orientation week when they first arrived to help them settle in.
Student comments included:
“I absolutely love this university and have had the best experience possible. Aber is incredible and I wish I could spend more time here. I can't recall a bad day here”
“Wouldn't study anywhere else. It is the best place to be. Nowhere else has the same welcoming and inclusive environment where you can work and live with a great work life balance”
Job Prospects
Nominees
Bangor University
Harper Adams University
Imperial College London
Loughborough University
Robert Gordon University
Royal Agricultural University
St George’s, University of London
University of Bath
University of East Anglia UEA
University of Oxford
3rd place: St George's, University of London
2nd place: Loughborough University
WINNER:
This is the third year in a row that Harper Adams have won this particular WUSCA category, and with their graduate employment consistently above 96%, that’s hardly surprising.
Loads of student reviewers praised the compulsory placement year, which allowed them to do work experience in their chosen field, and most of them were getting paid for it too. Harper Adams alumni have gone on to work for prestigious companies including Jaguar, Land Rover, Faccenda and John Deere.
Reviewers were also incredibly complimentary about the university’s careers department, who they found “approachable” and “knowledgeable”
Student comments included:
"The University includes a 12 month placement in my third year this is a brilliant opportunity to apply the skills I learn in lectures to every day employment. The placement year was a real selling point of the University. The careers department are brilliant by offering one to one meetings on the regular basis to discuss the applications process and interviews."
"I have just secured my placement with Marks & Spencer, sponsored by the Rabobank. This is a scheme that Harper Adams set up 2 years ago, helping students financially so that they can move to London for a year and complete their placement. Without the financial aid I would not be able to carry out that year of work in London without serious financial difficulty. The university also help you from first year onwards, with CVs and interview preparation. I felt well prepared when attending my interview in London."
Student Support
Sponsored by:
Nominees:
Bangor University
Harper Adams University
Lancaster University
Leeds Arts University
Loughborough University
Teesside University
University of Buckingham
University of St Andrews
University of Sussex
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
3rd place: Loughborough University
2nd place: Leeds Arts University
WINNER:
Their third award of the evening, and the fourth year in a row that they’ve won this category (in fact they’re the only university that’s ever won it), Harper Adams had glowing reviews from their students who told us they felt incredibly well looked after by the university.
From their financial advice and academic support, to wellbeing and mental health help, students couldn’t stop praising Harper Adams for not only the range of support, but how accessible and high-quality it was.
Student comments included:
"It is very easy to go speak to your tutors about work, but also your course manager is always on campus to go and have a word with. The pastoral care is amazing, they will deal with any situation and always listen to what you have to say."
For any issues there is always someone I can go to for support, whether it’s mental or educational, there is always someone allocated to help you”
Further Education College
In partnership with:
Nominees
Askham Bryan College
Blackpool and the Fylde College
Bournemouth and Poole College
Bridgend College
College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL)
DN Colleges Group
Kingston College
Solihull College and University Centre
UCEN Manchester
West Herts College
3rd place: Bournemouth and Poole College
2nd place: DN Colleges Group
WINNER:
The first ever winner of this brand-new category, Bridgend College are a well-deserved winner of this WUSCA if their student reviews are anything to go by.
Home to more than 6,000 students and 600 members of staff, the college has five campuses based in Bridgend, Pencoed, Queens Road, Maesteg and Cardiff.
The college teaches a wide variety of courses across over 20 vocational subjects, ranging from entry level right up to degrees.
Over the past few years, the college has won a number of prestigious awards, including the Best Performing FE College 2016/17, National Award for Excellence, Apprenticeship Provider of the Year, and of course, this WUSCA!
Student comments included:
"I have really enjoyed my first year at Uni and I can't wait for the next two years. The course has been great and I have learnt so much already. Connecting with industry professionals has been a huge advantage "
"I have enjoyed my Uni experience it has helped me gain confidence and increase my transferable skills set this will hopefully increase my prospective of gaining employment when the course finishes"
Independent University
In partnership with:
Nominees:
Arden University
BIMM
Edge Hotel School
Futureworks
London School of Business and Management
Mont Rose College of Management and Sciences
Norland College
Oxford Business College
Point Blank Music School
Regent’s University London
3rd place: Futureworks
2nd place: Norland College
WINNER:
Our second new WUSCA category has been won by a university described as having “inspiring tutors” and “fantastic facilities”, with several students calling it “the best decision I’ve ever made”.
Point Blank Music School teaches the creative process of making music with expert instructors, state-of-the-art facilities and internationally recognised accreditation up to a BA (hons) degree. They’ve got incredibly successful alumni too including Goldie, Leona Lewis, Gemma Cairney, Mistajam, Dev, Felix Jaehn and much more!
Many students told us that they felt incredibly employable as a result of what Point Blank had taught them and went into detail about how much they’ve learnt within just a few years.
And this isn’t the first award on their shelf either, as they’ve previously been voted as the world's 'Best Music Production & DJ School' by the readers of DJ Mag,
Student comments included:
"Great, came in to learn about making music and succeeded . Before starting the course i couldn't operate logic at all. Now i can make a full track start to finish and it sounds professional. Had feedback from established names in the business to say it's sounding good which is more than i could've ever dreamed of. A massive thank you to Point Blank for this!"
"I knew my journey at Point Blank was going to be a special one when I realised that waking up in the morning has me looking forward to seeing my new teachers, my new friends, my new environment and being surrounded by a buzz of excitement and creativity because of music. At Point Blank, I now know I am truly shaping and creating myself and my future and I am so excited for the next 3 years of my course to grow and manifest my dreams."
Best Prospective Student Engagement
Nominees:
Bangor University
Birmingham City University
Buckinghamshire New University
Futureworks
Loughborough University
Point Blank Music School
SOAS University of London
St Mary’s University, Twickenham
University of Bradford
University of Sunderland
3rd place: University of Bradford
2nd place: Futureworks
WINNER:
This year we introduced this new award, and for the first time ever, the winner was judged by our Student Advisory Board. This award is all about showcasing universities who have communicated effectively and creatively with prospective students, helping and supporting them through their university research process.
In order to be eligible, universities had to provide a written submission of up to 600 words, as well as three pieces of supporting evidence (such as website screenshots, videos or prospectuses).
After many, many hours of deliberation and going through each entry meticulously, the board chose St Mary’s University, Twickenham as their winner.
St Mary’s entry was all about their First Star Academy, which helps young people who are in foster care access higher education. The need for such a programme is highlighted by their evidence, which explained that only 6% of care leavers currently attend a higher education institution, compared with 41% of the general population and only 14% of those in the care system achieve five A*-C grades at GCSE, compared with 55% of non-looked after children.
St Mary’s is actually the first university in the UK to establish such a programme, and the academy has 30 looked-after young people from local authorities across London. For four years, students will spend one day a month and four weeks each summer on St Mary’s Strawberry Hill campus. The four-week study aims to make sure those attending are as prepared as possible for higher education and helps them decide the type of university they may want to attend through visits to other campuses, the course they want to study and to explore financial support options.
During their time at St Mary’s, the young people receive academic support to help them in their studies and prepare them for higher education. They also gain life skills training such as financial management, confidence building, help with emotional resilience, and there is also a support programme for foster parents to improve foster placement stability.
Comments from our student advisory board about the academy included:
“It really reaches out to students”
“It balances soft skills as well, and that’s really important”
“It’s really good as it has raised aspirations, which clearly has had a big impact on students’ lives”
To see the WUSCA rankings in full, head here….
