27th April 2023

In the UK, there are two types of universities: campus and city universities. Campus universities are self-contained and located further out, often in the countryside, while city universities are located in the city centre and spread across town.

Campus universities have the university-owned buildings and spaces, such as lecture theatres, student bars and halls of residence in one place. They often have a closer community feel, with easier access to facilities and a more relaxed atmosphere and offering a more immersive student experience, with more opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and events. They also tend to be cheaper than city universities, with cheaper accommodation, sports facilities, security and food and drink options. City universities, on the other hand, where the uni buildings are scattered throughout the city offer more opportunities for socializing and networking and living completely independently as well as access to a wider range of cultural and entertainment options.

For more insight on which will be right for you:

The Student Room

Campus versus city universities - how to decide

CAMPUS UNIVERSITIES

• University of Aberystwyth
• University of Saint Mark and Saint John
• Aston University
• University of Bath
• University of Birmingham
• Bishop Grosseteste, Lincoln
• Brunel University
• Cardiff University
• University of Central Lancashire
• University of Chester
• University of Coventry
• University of Cumbria (multi-campus)
• De Montfort University
• University of Derby
• University of Dundee
• University of East Anglia
• Edge Hill University
• Edinburgh Napier University (multi-campus)
• University of Essex
• University of Exeter
• University of Glamorgan
• University of Glasgow
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• Glyndwr University
• Heriot Watt University (multi-campus)
• University of Hertfordshire
• University of Hull
• University of Keele
• University of Kent
• Lampeter – now part of the University of Wales Trinity St David (UWSTD)
• Lancaster University
• University of Leeds (blends with city)
• University of Lincoln
• Liverpool Hope University
• Liverpool John Moores University
• University of Liverpool
• Loughborough University
• University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• University of Nottingham (multi-campus)
• Nottingham Trent (multi-campus)
• Oxford Brookes University
• University Of Plymouth
• Queen Margaret University
• Queen Mary, University of London
• University of Reading (multi-campus)
• Roehampton University
• Royal Holloway, University of London
• University of Southampton (multi-campus)
• Staffordshire University
• University of Stirling
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Surrey
• University of Sussex
• University of Swansea
• University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC)
• University of Warwick
• University of the West of England, Bristol (UWE) (multi-campus)
• University of the West of Scotland (UWS) (previously known as Paisley Uni)
• University of Winchester
• University of York