Comparing UK universities 2025

While some students have their hearts set on going to a specific institution, others base this decision on their ideal course. By comparing universities across the UK, you can make an informed decision on the place that's right for you

How to choose a university

Submitting an application for full-time higher education through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) allows you to select up to five related courses, giving you scope to explore a number of institutions while improving your chances of being accepted.

As you start to narrow down your subject options and compare course content, you'll also be shortlisting different universities you'd like to study at. There are many other resources available to help you with this.

Compare university courses

If you're finding it hard to decide on which university to go to, you can explore university courses at Discover Uni and compare them according to the course title or institution. This may help you to focus on your best options.

Discover the top universities in the UK

The following university ranking systems can help when comparing universities:

• Complete University Guide - University League Tables 2025
• QS World University Rankings 2025
• The Guardian - The best UK universities 2025 rankings
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

You can compare them according to:

• academic reputation
• alumni employment prospects
• entry requirements
• financial support, scholarships and bursaries
• global standing
• living costs
• location and campus
• research facilities and opportunities
• student accommodation
• university life.

Practical steps to help you decide on a university

Attend open days and university fairs

Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions to current students and alumni about their experiences and get a feel for the university campus and its location before you apply.

Even if you can't visit the campus in person, many universities now host virtual open days.

Discover more about university open days and find the latest open days and events.

Visit university websites

A university's official website is a great way to understand the institution's values and how it presents itself.

You may also be able to download an online prospectus to learn more about what the university has to offer.

For instance, The University of Manchester's undergraduate prospectus gives you the opportunity to:

• register for an open day
• check the entry requirements for UK students
• view country-specific information for international students and their English language requirements
• discover the application closing dates for your course
• find out about fees and funding.

You can also get to know more about the city and student life.

Check out its social media channels

Connect with the university and its students through platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, which are ideal for making contacts and asking for advice.

You can also chat to current students and staff through platforms such as UCAS - UniBuddy.

What to consider when choosing a university

Location and facilities

Where you choose to study will depend on several factors, including whether you plan to live closer to home or are willing to move further afield. This is a personal choice, but you can make the decision easier by considering the kind of environment you would thrive in.

Questions to ask include:

• Are you planning on living at home, or would you be prepared to move further away to study your preferred course?
• If you do plan to live nearer home, what are the transport links like - can you get back via train or bus, or will you invest in a car?
• Would you rather live in a big city or somewhere less hectic, such as a rural setting?
• Is a lively nightlife important to you, or do you prefer other social or sporting activities?
• What is the cost of living like in that town/city?

Read about the 7 most popular UK student cities.

Travel options

When you're comparing universities, consider the ease of getting to and from the university campus. Is it close to the student accommodation, or will you need to get there by bus, bike or train?

Focus on universities with excellent public transport options, including those close to train stations or airports. For international students, it can be important to have an airport nearby to make it easier to fly back to their home country.

Research whether you'd be eligible for free or discounted student travel passes.

Campus culture and social activities

As you consider what it's like to study at that university, a welcoming and inclusive campus culture can help you generate a sense of belonging.

For instance, campuses with well-placed coffee shops, libraries and community areas close to outdoor spaces can provide a relaxing and social atmosphere.

If you're keen to pursue your existing interests while at university or are eager to try something new, explore the university's students' union and what it can offer you. Take a look at the clubs, societies and sports teams to see if there's anything you'd like to get involved with.

Picking a university with plenty going on outside the classroom can help with your wellbeing and happiness while giving you the chance to make friends and meet new people.

Discover the importance of extra-curricular activities.

Student satisfaction

Finding out what other students think about a university and their experience studying there can really help you to decide if it's the right one.

The Office for Students (OfS) asked nearly 346,000 final-year undergraduate students for their views on the quality of their courses as part of its annual National Student Survey (NSS).

The questions focused on the following areas:

• course teaching quality
• learning opportunities
• fairness of assessment and feedback
• academic support
• course organisation and management
• learning resources
• student voice
• students' union
• mental wellbeing
• freedom of expression
• overall satisfaction.

Check out the results from the OfS National Student Survey 2024.

The cost of going to university

You'll find that getting a degree won't be cheap. As well as your tuition fees and accommodation, there are daily living costs, including:

• food shopping
• bills, such as mobile phone and broadband
• course materials
• social activities
• travel to and from campus.

There's also a great disparity between towns and cities across the country. See NatWest's Student Living Index 2024 report to view the ten most affordable UK cities.

You can also read our tips on saving money as a student.

Global impact/sustainability

Students are becoming increasingly aware of the impact people are having on their environment. Many universities recognise this by integrating sustainability into their goals and initiatives. There are opportunities to work on projects that seek to deliver the United Nations' (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals and get involved with sustainability efforts on campus.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 assess the top 100 institutions according to their commitment to tackling a range of global issues.

You can now discover the real impact universities have had on their students and wider communities in terms of addressing gender inequality, poverty, climate change and ensuring a quality education for all.

Why you should check the TEF university ratings

The Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) assesses excellence in teaching at universities and colleges. A new TEF framework was introduced in September 2023, with current assessment results now taken into account.

The straightforward ranking system helps students compare universities according to their standards of teaching and learning, allowing them to make an informed choice about which option would be best.

While it's still voluntary, 228 universities and HE colleges in England chose to participate in the TEF 2023 university ratings.

The outcome of the TEF ratings is that universities with a TEF Gold or Silver award can charge higher tuition fees, up to the maximum set by the government. In 2025/26, tuition fees are capped at £9,535 per year.

For more information on university tuition fees and funding, visit student loans and finance.

Find out more

• Explore how to choose the right degree.
• Discover more about university life.
• Take a look at The Topic for the latest news, insights and opinions.