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CONTENTS

1. What is a campus university?

2. What is a city university?

3. Campus vs city university

4. Top campus universities in the UK

5. Universities with best student life

What is a campus university?

A campus uni is usually located at the edge or outside a city or town. The buildings and facilities are mostly a short walk from each other and are made just for students. Accommodation is also on-site. The grounds are maintained by the uni. Often there’s only room for first-year students to stay on-site, so you’ll need to find accommodation elsewhere from your second year.  

What is a city university?

A city uni is usually located within a city or town centre, enabling students to live and work around the centre. City universities will care for their buildings and nearby surroundings. They won’t look after the wider area. Some city universities have most of their buildings focused in the same area of the city. Some unis will describe this as a campus, but it doesn’t include accommodation.  

Campus vs city university

There are pros and cons to both campus and city university life. A campus uni offers everything in one location. There is usually a strong sense of community. Being away from the city centre makes it easier to get some peace and quiet and have more green space. But the convenience it offers means you may be further away from town or city life. This might limit your options, particularly on a night out. It may take more effort to get off site and explore – although unis may have dedicated bus routes for easy access between campuses and town centres.

A city uni will give you an eclectic mix of people and lots going on around you. You can dive into varied nightlife options. But depending on your town or city, you might have less access to green space. You’ll also need to build your own student community. You’ll probably need to travel further to get to your lectures, costing you time and money.  

Top campus universities in the UK

Below are the top ten campus unis according to our 2025 university rankings.

1. Loughborough University

Overall rank in 2025: 6

Consistently in our top ten unis, Loughborough is also known for its sporting prowess. This uni has come top of the British Universities and Colleges Sport league more than 40 times in a row! If you want a campus with great sporting facilities, good nightlife and a strong community spirit, this could be the place for you. It’s based in the suburbs of Loughborough, and the nearest cities are Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.

Find out more about studying at Loughborough University.

2. University of Bath

Overall rank in 2025: 8

Bath is another regular in our top ten universities. Its main site is just outside the historic city, surrounded by green space. Sports facilities, accommodation and even an arts complex are on site. If you want a night out in the city, it’s easy to get home on buses that run 24/7 during term time. Or if you want to go further afield, it’s only a short train ride to the city of Bristol, with its lively cultural scene.

Learn more about student life at the University of Bath.

3. Lancaster University

Overall rank in 2025: =10

Lancaster isn’t just a campus uni; it’s a collegiate uni. Put simply, when you join Lancaster, you join a college – and you remain linked to that college until you graduate. The colleges create a community, with social events and activities. This means you’re more likely to make friends with students from outside your subject area. You can choose to live in town after your first year, but you’ll still be a member of your college. Many students say it’s a defining part of the student experience at Lancaster.

Find out more about studying at Lancaster University.

4. University of Warwick

Overall rank in 2025: =10

Warwick is another top ten uni that was founded in the 1960s – when many campus unis were established. Its large site on the edge of Coventry has accommodation, faculty buildings, and learning spaces. When not studying, you could use the swimming pool or climbing wall. Warwick Arts Centre (also on site) has a cinema, theatre, and concert hall. It’d be quite easy to spend your entire student life on site! But if you do want to get away, frequent buses run into Coventry or nearby Leamington Spa. For city life, Birmingham is a 20-minute train ride away.

Learn more about student life at the University of Warwick.

5. University of Surrey

Overall rank in 2025: 12

The town of Guildford has expanded around Surrey’s main campus since it was founded in 1966. But there are still plenty of green spaces as well as a lake where students can relax away from their studies. Amenities include a supermarket and post office, plenty of eateries, and a range of accommodation. Another site is at Manor Park, where you’ll find Surrey Sports Park. And if you fancy exploring the capital, London is just a 40-minute train journey from Guildford, with frequent trains.

Find out more about studying at the University of Surrey.

6. University of Exeter

Overall rank in 2025: 14

You could head to Exeter for a top-quality education with easy access to the beautiful South West of England. The city is small and historic, with a youthful population due to the high number of students. Most students are at scenic Streatham campus, with its lakes and woodland and mix of contemporary and historic buildings. If you’re based at St Luke’s, the accommodation is a short walk away. Another base is at Penryn in Cornwall, near Falmouth.

Learn more about student life at the University of Exeter.

7. University of York

Overall rank in 2025: 17

York’s main campus is modern with plenty of green space, two lakes and lots of wildlife. Accommodation is college-based, helping to build a sense of community between students of different subjects. The site is only 10–15 minutes from the city centre by bike or bus. When you're in the city, you can wander the cobbled streets or go shopping in the medieval Shambles. You can also climb the gothic York Minster for a fantastic view. There’s a great mix of pubs and clubs to enjoy – it’s been said you could drink in a different pub each day of the year! York is on the main East Coast train line to Scotland, so it’s easy to head north to Newcastle or Edinburgh or south to London.

Find out more about studying at the University of York.

8. University of East Anglia

Overall rank in 2025: 21

On the edge of the city of Norwich, UEA is known for its iconic Ziggurats – the original halls of residence that resemble modernist pyramids. Currently closed, student accommodation is elsewhere on and off the campus. On site, you’ll find all you need, from healthcare to shopping or postal services. The Sportspark has an array of facilities, from a pool to a climbing wall and discounted membership for students. In the city, the Adrian Flux Waterfront is the SU venue, with live music and club nights.

Learn more about student life at the University of East Anglia.

9. University of Essex

Overall rank in 2025: =30

Essex has three sites. The uni’s main campus is in Colchester, with other bases in Southend and Loughton. Around an hour north-east of London by train, Colchester was at one time England’s capital. The Colchester site is a short bus ride away in Wivenhoe Park, an idyllic setting with ancient oaks that's teeming with wildlife. Essex is one of the ‘plate glass’ unis built in the 1960s, so-called because of the plentiful use of glass in the light and airy buildings. On campus you’ll find plenty to do. You could get involved with Rebel Media and produce your own podcast. There’s also a gym, cinema, contemporary art gallery and theatre, and active Students’ Union.

Find out more about studying at the University of Essex.

10. University of Nottingham

Overall rank in 2025: =30

One of the older institutions on this list, Nottingham was founded in 1881 and became a uni in 1948. University Park is the largest campus, set in 300 acres of land with its own lake and yet just two miles from the city centre. It also has great sports facilities, as Nottingham is a top uni for sport. On the site is Lakeside Arts Centre, which hosts exhibitions and performances throughout the year. Students get the chance to perform in summer musical events or Nottingham New Theatre co-productions. A mile away is the new Jubilee campus. Vet Medicine and Bioscience students are at Sutton Bonington, in a thriving community of students with its own Students’ Union.

Learn more about student life at the University of Nottingham.

Universities with best student life

It’s not easy to compile a list of universities with the best student life as everyone will want and need slightly different things.  for Student Life showcase universities that offer a great student experience. Driven by student reviews, its top ten includes a mix of campus and city universities.

Whatuni Student Life winners in 2024

1. University of Sheffield – in the heart of the city, with accommodation clustered to the west. As well as an active Students’ Union, students liked the friendliness of the city and easy access to green spaces.
2. University of Liverpool – in the heart of the city, with accommodation nearby. Students have plenty of activities and events and feel involved in uni life.
3. University of Lincoln – an urban campus with accommodation on-site. The small site helps students feel part of a community, with plenty of support.
4. Teesside University – an urban campus with accommodation on-site. Students like the uni’s modern facilities, focus on practical skills, and industry connections.
5. University of Chester – close to the city centre, with some accommodation on site. Students feel a sense of community due to the uni’s smaller size and class sizes.
6. Cardiff University – close to the city centre, with accommodation nearby. Students love the vibrant city life and plentiful opportunities, and busy Students’ Union.
7. Aberystwyth University – a campus that also features Wales’s largest arts centre. Students love its coastal position, as well as the many student groups and societies to get involved with.
8. Bournemouth University – a suburban campus with a strong community feel. Another coastal uni, students like the mix of sea and city life and its sense of community.
9. Northumbria University – in the heart of the city, with most accommodation nearby. The Students’ Union is very active, running plenty of events for students.
10. Loughborough University – a suburban campus with outstanding sports facilities. Living on-site helps students to quickly feel at home. The uni’s sports facilities are also recommended as some of the best in the country.