If you’re looking for the best campus universities in the UK, our comprehensive guide won’t let you down. You will gain necessary and detailed information, ensuring that you can make an informed decision about your academic journey.
What Is a Campus University?
A campus university tends to be situated on the outskirts of cities or smaller towns, with all their facilities – including student accommodation – concentrated in one place. Many of these campus universities expose students to a wide range of subjects, which will lend an incredible edge to the experience of higher education.
What Is a City University?
A city university tends to be situated in the city center, with their facilities spread out across the city or a particular area. It provides students with exciting leisure activities, especially energetic nightlife. Besides, many students are from various classes, backgrounds and schools, so you can embrace different opinions and be more inclusive.
City Universities vs Campus Universities UK
Both city universities and campus universities in the UK have their own merits. Studying in city unis, you can engage with more different people and have more places to go at night. The prime position of city unis also means that you can have more choices for your internships and work.
Campus universities in the UK offer you greater convenience by concentrating all facilities in the same place. You can also enjoy happier social life with your friends nearby and feel a stronger sense of belonging.
Best Campus Universities UK
Below are the best campus universities in the UK. They not only stand out for their academic excellence, but also for their unique environments and vibrant student life. These campus unis in the UK will give you well-rounded experiences to ensure a fulfilling university life.
1. Loughborough University
Founded: 1909
QS world ranking 2025: 224
Average tuition fees: £18,650 to £19,100
Bursaries and scholarships: £1,000 to £5,700; a 25% tuition fee reduction to full exemption
One of the top 20 research-led campus universities in the UK, Loughborough University is known for the relevance of its work, driven by society’s need for solutions to real-life issues. Apart from its academic achievements, this campus university is also named Sports University of the Year for the fourth time by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. If you would like to help address global issues and want to enjoy better sporting facilities, this campus university could be the place for you.
2. University of Bath
Founded: 1966
QS world ranking 2025: 150
Average tuition fees: £18,500 to £20,000
Bursaries and scholarships: £620 to £5,000; tuition fee reduction
University of Bath, a springboard for success, is one of the best campus universities in the UK. You can enhance your competitiveness and engage in research with profound impact. It also boasts more than 40 sports clubs. If you study in this campus university, you will be given a free student sports pass, offering free access to many sports facilities on this campus university.
3. University of Exeter
Founded: 1955
QS world ranking 2025: 169
Average tuition fees: £20,000
Bursaries and scholarships: £250 to £10,000; tuition fee reduction
University of Exeter is widely recognized as one of the best campus universities in the UK. The Streatham Campus, the University’s largest site in Exeter and just over a mile from St Luke’s Campus, is built around a country estate overlooking the city and is readily acknowledged as one of the most beautiful in the UK. The library of this campus university is home to countless special collections, such as archives, manuscripts and rare books, making historic events more real to students.
4. University of Nottingham
Founded: 1881
QS world ranking 2025: 108
Average tuition fees: £19,849 to £38,518
Bursaries and scholarships: £500 to £10,000; tuition fee reduction
The University of Nottingham is dotted with many campuses, and the Jubilee Campus makes it the list of the best campus universities in the UK. As a prestigious campus university, Nottingham is also renowned for its sporting prowess, providing a wide choice of fitness classes and advanced sporting facilities. If you have a great passion for arts, the Lakeside Arts – a public arts centre – holds exhibitions throughout the year. You can also enjoy palatable coffee at Pavilion Cafe and Gallery Cafe in this campus university.
5. Lancaster University
Founded: 1964
QS world ranking 2025: 141
Average tuition fees: £19,849 to £38,518
Bursaries and scholarships: £1,000 to £10,000; tuition fee reduction
Lancaster University is one of a handful of best campus universities in the UK to have a collegiate system, creating a sense of belonging with fellow students. In the library of this campus university, various events, exhibitions are held throughout the year. You can even play board games at the library every Monday and visit the drop-in Archives Research Centre every Wednesday. You are also accessible to services from mental health support to career advice in the Student Education Services division of this campus university.
6. University of East Anglia
Founded: 1963
QS world ranking 2025: 332
Average tuition fees: £9,535
Bursaries and scholarships: £800 to £30,000; tuition fee reduction
University of East Anglia is regarded as one of the best campus universities in the UK. There are a number of health and fitness amenities and over 100 retail outlets, cafes and restaurants. If you are a fitness fanatic or determine to do exercise regularly, Sportspark is the place to go. It is equipped with athletics track, a world-class pool and much more. Ziggurat, a landmark of this campus university, is a unique and iconic hall of residence with a striking resemblance to pyramids!
7. University of York
Founded: 1963
QS world ranking 2025: 162
Average tuition fees: £9,250 to £9,535; 15% – 20% of full – time fee (Study abroad / placement years)
Bursaries and scholarships: £1,950 to £60,000; tuition fee reduction
University of York holds the title of one of the best campus universities in the UK. It is located within walking distance of the city centre. You’ll find many fascinating highlights, such as the remnants of Isaac Newton’s past – an ancient apple tree. If you are a music fanatic, this campus university could be the place for you. It features frequent concerts where you can meet some of the UK’s renowned musicians! York is also a cycle-friendly city with many medieval streets and attractions. Museum Gardens, Minister Gardens and Treasurer’s House are all idyllic settings for relaxation. You will never run out of things to do in this campus university.
8. University of Surrey
Founded: 1891
QS world ranking 2025: 285
Average tuition fees: £9,250 to £46,300
Bursaries and scholarships: £2,000 to £12,300; tuition fee reduction
University of Surrey is counted as one of the best campus universities in the UK, with a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and requirements. The town of Guildford is merely a 40-minute train journey from London. Amenities dot the Stag Hill Campus and Manor Park Campus, including Amazon lockers, cycle parks and supermarket. This campus university is also a musical place. You can celebrate the University Orchestra Day – for free! You will find yourself immersed in wonderfully melodic and tuneful songs played by local musicians and alumni.
9. University of Essex
Founded: 1964
QS world ranking 2025: 472
Average tuition fees: £1,386 to £20,396
Bursaries and scholarships: £2,00 to £3,000; tuition fee reduction
University of Essex is regarded as one of the best campus universities in the UK. It has three campuses, with Colchester Campus as its main one and the other based in Southend and Loughton. Colchester is steeped in more than 2,000 years of history. At Colchester Campus you can also get a silver Essex Sport gym membership at no extra cost if you apply for accommodation. Essex is situated on one of the longest coastlines in England, which means that you will have an intimate connection to the sea. This campus university is also buzzing with activities and is home of a Latin American art collection and Lakeside Theatre.
10. University of Warwick
Founded: 1965
QS world ranking 2025: 69
Average tuition fees: £5,006 to £42,730
Bursaries and scholarships: £500 to £2,000; tuition fee reduction
University of Warwick, only three miles from the centre of Coventry, ranks among the best campus universities in the UK. Students can seek a break in the Warwick Arts Centre and enjoy bewitching musical performance and fascinating films. Squash courts, fitness class studios and a 25-metre swimming pool are all accessible in the Sports and Wellness Hub. Discounted memberships are exclusively for students at this campus university.
11. University of Leeds
Founded: 1904
QS world ranking 2025: 82
Average tuition fees: £9,535 to £33,750
Bursaries and scholarships: £5,500 to £12,000; tuition fee reduction
As one of the best campus universities in the Uk, University of Leeds is a blend of history and modernity, with the Great Hall built in the 1880s and the new Bragg building. The Roger Stevens Pond, St George’s Field and Clothworkers Court can all be shelters from academic rush. There are some unmissable pieces of art on this campus university. It is just the right size for a mini adventure. This campus university is only a short walk from Leeds City Centre.
12. Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham
Founded: 1886
QS world ranking 2025: 477
Average tuition fees: £9250 to £15,600
Bursaries and scholarships: £3,000 to £10,000; tuition fee reduction
Royal Holloway, University of London is one of the best campus universities in the UK. The Founder’s Building, the heart of this campus university, is one of the world’s most spectacular buildings opened by Queen Victoria in 1886. Both on- and off-campus accommodation is available to you so that you can find an ideal living environment for different stages of your studies. Hundreds of thousands of books and ebooks and countless academic journals can be your academic ladder.
13. University of Reading
Founded: 1892
QS world ranking 2025: 172
Average tuition fees: £16,850
Bursaries and scholarships: £1,000 to £10,000; tuition fee reduction
University of Reading, one of the best campus universities in England has three campuses, namely Whiteknights Campus, London Road Campus and Greenlands Campus, and two overseas campuses. The scenic Whiteknights one includes woodlands and the popular Harris Garden. You can get whatever you want on dining and leisure venues – Park Eat, The Square venues – and a newly refurbished Co-op supermarket on this campus university. Dol.cHe Vita is even a vegetarian cafe, serving salads and barista coffee and more.
14. University of Birmingham
Founded: 1900
QS world ranking 2025: 80
Average tuition fees: £9000 to £14,550
Bursaries and scholarships: £1,000 to £3,000; tuition fee reduction
As one of the best campus universities in the UK, University of Birmingham is situated just minutes away from the bustling city of Birmingham. Lapworth Museum can transport you to another world 3.5 billion years ago from fossils to volcanoes. You can also indulge in reading rare books and appreciating manuscripts and archives in Cadbury Research Library. Only 15 minutes are needed to drive from this campus university to famous Victoria Square.
15. University of Glasgow
Founded: 1451
QS world ranking 2025: 78
Average tuition fees: £18,650 to £19,100
Bursaries and scholarships: £1,500 to £5,000; tuition fee reduction
University of Glasgow stands out as one of the best campus universities in the UK. Its main campus is nestled in Glasgow’s cosy and West End, boasting cafés, vintage boutiques and more. A decent cycle corridor connects the campus university and the city centre, via parkland and dedicated two lane cycle path. At the heart of this campus university stands Gilbert Scott building, an iconic tower of 278 feet high.
16. University of St Andrews
Founded: 1413
QS world ranking 2025: 104
Average tuition fees: £20,770
Bursaries and scholarships: £500 to £20,780; tuition fee reduction
University of St Andrews was hailed as one of the best campus universities in the UK in both the Guardian University Guide 2024 and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. You can meet basic living needs in the uni’s shop and enrich your intellectual life in the Sports Centre, libraries and theatre. You are also welcome to attend the chapels and services of worship on this campus university.
17. Edge Hill University
Founded: 1882
QS world ranking 2025:
Average tuition fees: £12,1250
Bursaries and scholarships: £250 to £4,625; tuition fee reduction
Edge Hill University is among the best campus universities in the UK. Its largest campus has been based in Ormskirk, Lancashire and now it has St James’ campus in Manchester city centre. Exclusively available to the students of this campus university, the Arts Centre membership scheme is completely free, enabling you to see free performances. 80 station fitness suite, exercise classes and 25 metre swimming pool are all open to you in this campus university.
18. Durham University
Founded: 1832
QS world ranking 2025: 89
Average tuition fees: £9000 to £16000
Bursaries and scholarships: £2,000 to £19,237; tuition fee reduction
Durham University is acclaimed as one of the best campus universities in the UK. Durham Castle sits at the centre of Durham’s World Heritage Site. You can take the Cathedral Bus to visit this attraction. You can also find nearly 40 favourite places to eat and drink in Durham and a wide range of fun activities to visit. Whatever your interests, you can always find your place on this campus university.
Conclusion
Best campus universities in the UK are a magnet for many students for good reason. With everything at students’ fingertips and all facilities within a short walk of each other, a number of campus universities hold attraction for pupils and can generate a strong sense of community. If you plan to study abroad, these best campus universities aren’t something to be sneezed at.
FAQ
Some of the best campus universities in the UK include Durham University and University of St Andrews due to their rich historical heritages and abundant academic resources.
University of Exeter and University of Lancaster are top campus universities in England due to their vibrant student life and research of global importance.
Campus unis in the UK boast a close-knit community and easier access to facilities, and create a stronger sense of belonging while city unis provide more vibrant leisure activities and allow you to meet more fellow students.
Most UK campus universities are steeped in history and have self-contained campuses. They provide adequate student support services and extracurricular activities to help students strike a balance between academic pursuit and personal growth.
Some campus universities in the UK: University of Bath, Exeter, Nottingham, Loughborough, Durham, Glasgow, Liverpool, Edge Hill.
Durham, St Andrews, and Nottingham have the best university campuses known for their beautiful and distinctive campuses.
The biggest campus university in the UK is Keele University, which has a 625 – acre (253 – hectare) rural campus.
University of St Andrews and Durham University are often noted for having the happiest students because of their colourful campus life, but it can vary by individual.
