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The overall ranking is decided by students from this institution rating them in a 2026 Whatuni review. This forms the basis of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs for short).
4.04.32.8209 Student reviews
Sort:Latest reviewsBeautiful place Friendly like minded people Great social Lovely pubs Plenty of student support for dyslexia and mental health
Marking of assignments not consistent. Social life is fab!
18-24 years
The RAU is the perfect place for toffs. However, if you don't partake in that lifestyle there's not much else going for it. Student life is good if you like heavy drinking and sports, however the presence of other societies is lacking. There are more are being formed this year, so that is an improvement. The uni has had several incidents that did not go to the press, so nothing was done about them. These include: swastika graffiti, racism, ablism, homophobia (general and attacks), classism, and animal cruelty, to name a few. I believe that if the story of the fox strapped to the roof of a car was not on the news, the uni wouldn't have batted an eyelid. Being in this kind of environment makes me feel unwelcome, unsafe, and very ashamed to have attended such a place.
The RAU is a small specialist university located in the picturesque Cotswolds with a family feel . The lecturers, lab and library staff are very knowledgeable and are always at hand to assist. I have enjoyed studying at the RAU having started over the covid 19 period and will be continuing through to my postgrad. Areas of improvement would be the price of beverages and food in student shop. They are a bit on the high side for students.
I really enjoyed my time at RAU, especially the lectures as the lecturers had so much expertise
18-24 years
Characterful but tired in many aspects.
Student services and lecturers very supportive and many opportunities to get involved in further areas of study + brilliant library
The best part is also the worst part. It’s in the middle of the countryside. It’s absolutely stunning, the campus is beautiful, the walls are great and the air is fresh. However, if you want to go to the cinema or go bowling or anything like that, then it’s a 30 minute drive
Hire more qualified lecturers, some barely even speak English
The university itself is very beautiful and small enough that I can easily get to any part of it. However, some of the facilities can sometimes be lacking.
The RAU is a fantastic uni, especially for equine students. The uni provides many opportunities for us, both in and out of lectures.
The RAU is a great place to study due to the facilities here. We have a great library with quiet and silent zones depending on your study environment preferences as well as a range of textbooks, articles, etc to help you with your coursework and assignments. Additionally, the staff here are great at helping you with whatever you need.
Very enjoyable and everything I expected. Incredibly glad I made this decision!
18-24 years
First gen student
Such a Unique establishment
18-24 years
Amazing campus, (mostly) great and supportive teaching staff.
The university is good for studying, but if you want a good student life, this is probably not the place for you.
This university is only for those from a very privileged background. If you went to a state or don’t participate in activities like hunting or skiing you’ll be branded a ‘chav’ and left to feel like the odd one out. With no train station at the town and poor bus services those without car’s will also struggle.
The uni campus feels very welcoming, everyone gets involved. The lecturers have amazing links to the industry and are involved with lots of exciting research Teaching could be improved. Student support needs to be better. So many staff were made redundant which means hardly any were left for the students. I don’t think the uni truly cares about their students
18-24 years
The course I study is wonderful, covers useful content that I will use in my future countryside career. The lecturers are passionate about their subject and hard working. However the feel of the university and living on campus is a different experience. There is a culture of exclusion, which is a shame and the lack of inclusivity and diversity makes it feel we are trapped in the past. The university needs to work harder to reach out to students who may not have access to the outdoor industry and farming but may have a keen interest and those students need to met with inclusion.
4.2
We only have 8 hours of teaching a week and the other time we’re supposed to be doing our own work in our own time their are no workshops to help students with work which some need.
Only 8 hours of in person teaching a week. I personally really struggle with this
No ensuit but I chose this but the rooms are outdated like the rest of the halls