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REVEALED: The Best UK Universities for Accommodation in 2018

There’s no doubt that student accommodation in the UK has improved greatly over the years. However, it’s clear that some university halls of residence and colleges are loved more than others.

In this article, we reveal the 20 best-in-class universities which consistently deliver high-quality accommodation to their students. We explore how each of these universities become the cream of the crop.

Are Student Accommodation Ratings Important?

Well, according to the UCAS Track Survey (2017 Entry), The quality of university accommodation is more important than The uni’s position in the league tables to 2017 applicants. This evidence demonstrates a growing demand for quality accommodation.  It’s, therefore, no surprise that universities make major investments to ensure students are satisfied with the accommodation on offer.

If only there was a list of the best UK universities for accommodation as voted for by students themselves…

Reviews from Students

After significant number crunching through a total of 17,929 student reviews, we can now reveal the top 20 universities in the UK for Student Accommodation in 2018.

Take a look at the official list below:

#01
#01

Loughborough University

The accommodation is of excellent standard, and offers an option for every budget.

Loughborough University accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.3/5. Number 1 in our list of the best Universities for Accommodation is Loughborough University in the East Midlands. With over 900 reviews from current and ex students, it's hard to deny Loughborough's right to come out on top! What makes the 17 halls of residence at Loughborough so great? Well, the location of the accommodation and the social experience were chosen as two of the best aspects to Loughborough life. Not only that, but every hall has a unique personality of its own, creating a sense of shared identity and belonging (also encouraging friendly inter-hall competition!). There's a mixture of catered and self-catered accommodation to suit a variety of budgets as well as a fantastic support network from the hall warden and sub-wardens. For reviews of more aspects of life at Loughborough University, see the ratings below:

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#02
#02

Durham University

Would highly recommend to anyone, absolutely love it!

Durham University accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.26/5. Located in the North East of England, Durham University are the runners up on our list. Durham’s 16 (soon to be 17) different colleges had the cleanliness and social aspects of the universities accommodation contributing the most to their awesome rating. Durham University’s colleges share many characteristics, but each has its own distinctive character that stems from its location, architecture, history, and spirit. For reviews of more aspects of life at Durham University, see the ratings below:

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#03
#03

University of St Andrews

Living in halls is essential in getting adjusted to university life, would recommend to all.

The University of St Andrews accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.3/5. Claiming the bronze medal for the best University Accommodation in the UK is the University of St Andrews in Fife, Scotland which is placed between award winning beaches and internationally recognised golf courses. The top Scottish university for accommodation, St Andrews is famed for its Hall Management and Social Experiences amongst other factors. Some of the best of the 14 halls at the university includes McIntosh Hall, St Regulus & John Burnet halls. Everything you could possibly need is within a short walk as all halls are located throughout the town. For reviews of more aspects of life at St Andrews, see the ratings below:

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#04
#04

Lancaster University

Brilliant experience; great teaching, good social life and perfect accommodation

Lancaster University's accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.1/5. Lancaster University, in the North-West of England, was awarded University of the Year 2018. Students pointed to the great WiFi as one of the biggest reasons for their top rating as this can be crucial for both studying and relaxing. The location of the university's accommodation also scored very highly with options that are all within walking distance of the library, lecture halls, bars, restaurants and the town centre. There are also eight undergraduate colleges to choose from which break down the university population into smaller, tight knit communities. The Lancaster University accommodation team explain why their accommdoation has achieved this recognition. "We believe that it’s because all the teams involved in delivering the accommodation experience (from cleaning to maintenance to support services) set themselves the highest possible standards in order to deliver the best possible experience for our students from the moment they arrive. We regularly ask for feedback from our students which we cross check and act on. This feedback informs our accommodation refurbishment programme making sure that the design of our accommodation meets the ever changing requirements of our students. Lancaster’s collegiate set up further enhances the accommodation offer by breaking the population down in to smaller communities where students very quickly develop a sense of belonging. Our college and accommodation teams work hard to provide a personal service for each of our residents – from lively and exciting arrivals weeks to foster that sense of belonging, to maintaining study-conducive surroundings through the year and offering a support network with multiple access points. Our teams are all valued for their contribution to the student living experience, and our students are valued for the respectful community each of them helps to build." For reviews of more aspects of life at Lancaster University, see the ratings below:

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#05
#05

University of Sheffield

Amazing university! Best experience of my life! Great accommodation, amazing staff

The University of Sheffield accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.06/5. The University of Sheffield in South Yorkshire is famed for its student experience and this simply doesn't happen without high quality accommodation. From our 300+ reviews from current and ex university of Sheffield students, you can see that it is the brilliant location and incredible internet connection that tops the bill. The university has an astonishing 33 halls across the city meaning that you will never struggle to find great accomodation in a super-handy location! Recent funding has meant that each hall is equipped with top of the range Wifi meaning you will never struggle to do some online revision or stream your favourite programs from the comfort of your own room. There's always so much happening across the residences that you'll never be stuck for something to do. With plenty of accommodation types, the choice is yours! There is a brand new Fitness Suite, which is free to all residents living in Uni accommodation. Everything you need is close by, including an all-day dining cafe and bar, activities room, dance studio, tennis courts and launderettes. For reviews of more aspects of life at Sheffield, see the ratings below:

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#06
#06

Aston University

The accommodation is beautiful and right in the centre of Birmingham so you are near to everything

Aston University accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.03/5. Aston University accommodation, provided by Unite Students is located in England's second largest city, Birmingham - a vibrant city with a range of things to see and do. Scoring a very strong 4.03/5, Aston universities top features according to students is undoubtedly the awesome location. Unite Student’s properties such as William Murdoch & Mary Sturge score highly in our list and when they're so close to the centre of town as well as the university itself, you can see why! For reviews of more aspects of life at the Aston, see the ratings below:

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#07
#07

University of Cambridge

Excellent university providing us with countless opportunities, both academic and extracurricular

The University of Cambridge accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.02/5. Head over to the leafy East of England and you'll find the University of Cambridge, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. You'd expect nothing less from such a famous university than a place on our Best Accommodation list! What makes the accommodation at Cambridge so good? Well, according to their students it's the Cleanliness and top level hygiene that you get at each of the 31 university colleges. Great ratings also came in for the overall Hall Management, WiFi and Location. For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of Cambridge, see the ratings below:

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#08
#08

Bangor University

I have absolutely loved being at Bangor...I don't want to leave and taking every chance I can to stay

Bangor Universities accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.02/5. Bangor University can be found in Gwynedd, north west Wales - the oldest city in Wales and one of the smallest in the United Kingdom! What Bangor lacks in size it more than makes up for in it's stunning and affordable accommodation. Bangor guarantee accommodation to new students who make Bangor their first choice before the deadline and they have a variety of options on offer including standard halls with shared bathrooms; en-suite rooms, studios and townhouses. With 24/7 security and support, you'll feel right at home in your cozy and safe halls of residence. Bangor aims to give their students a home from home experience while living in Halls of Residence with peer support by Mentors to help everyone settle in. From bills and gym membership, to the extensive “Campus Life” programme of free events and trips; every aspect of communal living is covered – and it’s all included! To be certain that students have a voice, student Halls Reps visit flats to find out what really matters to residents. Bangor invests heavily in accommodation refurbishment too, living spaces receive a regular refresh ensuring the student experience is positive from the outset. For reviews of more aspects of life at Bangor University, see the ratings below:

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#09
#09

Edge Hill University

The accommodation is amazing and I couldn't fault a thing about it.

Edge Hill universities accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.01/5. Edge Hill University is based on an attractive, award-winning 160-acre campus in Lancashire, close to Liverpool and Manchester. The institution has been providing higher education since 1885, with a mission to create opportunity from knowledge. All of the halls are at the heart of the vibrant campus community which provides a safe place in which students can study and socialise. Offering excellent value for money and a range of rooms, the Edge Hill University Accommodation has something that will fit your particular requirements and budget. The location and social experience at Edge Hill Halls is what has contributed the most towards their awesome rating. With more than 2,400 single study bedrooms, all located across our campus community in Ormskirk the student accommodation at Edge Hill comes with free wi-fi, TVs in communal areas and 24 hour security. Most rooms are en-suite and there’s a range of catered and self-catered options as well as quiet halls available. For reviews of more aspects of life at Edge Hill, see the ratings below:

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#10
#10

University of Winchester

Brilliant uni, everyone is friendly and willing to help, gorgeous campus and halls

The University of Winchester accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.0/5. The University of Winchester is a university based in Hampshire, England since 1840 with 6 halls of residence spread across the campus. Winchester's students highlighted the Social Experience and Location of their accommodation as being amongst the best features of their halls. The catered halls have large bedrooms with stunning views across Winchester and all the self-catered halls have en-suite rooms, top of the range WIFI connectivity and an abundance of communal spaces. Not only is the accomodation at Winchester comfortable and luxurious, it's also very safe so you'll feel right at home! For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of Winchester, see the ratings below:

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#11
#11

University of Exeter

Town is lovely and accommodation, whether halls or private, is very good!

The University of Exeter's accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.98/5. The University of Exeter is situated on the South West coast, with campuses in both Exeter & Cornwall. Home to over 20,000 students, the university accommodates it's students with 5,800 bed spaces. The picturesque scenery surrounding the campuses are very popular with the students and provides a fantastic environment to be in. One of the key benefits of Exeter is that it's a vibrant yet a compact city with students' accommodation conveniently located on campus or very near to it, in a number of attractive locations, so wherever students live they are always a short walk away from campus life. The residences vary in style, size and standard offering a wide choice to suit students' budget, ranging from standard rooms with shared facilities to higher-end, en-suite and studio rooms with beautiful views. Similarly, private accommodation located throughout the city offers a range of accommodation options many of which have on-site facilities i.e. gym, social/study spaces and easy access to local amenities and transport links. The reviews showed a strong indication of positivity towards the location and social experience of the halls, and overall the students felt that they offered good value for money. For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of Exeter, see the ratings below:

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#12
#12

University of Warwick

Everything you could possibly need within a 20 minute radius of all the main lecture theatres, including accommodation

The University of Warwick's accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.94/5. Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a campus University situated on the outskirts of Coventry. Never complacent, Warwick is currently in the process of building a completely new halls of residence for 2019/20 which will see the addition of studio flats to their portfolio. Across more than 280 reviews, Warwick accommodation received excellent feedback from students for location, value for money and WiFi. The campus currently houses over 6,700 rooms across 13 halls of residence, all of which are self-catered with residential tutors that live alongside students, offering personal support. Warwick guarantees accommodation for all first-year Undergraduate students on a full time course when making Warwick their firm choice. Warwick’s accommodation portfolio offers students a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. They carry out a continual cycle of refurbishment across the residences to maintain high standards. They listen carefully to student’s feedback from our annual satisfaction survey and work hard to invest in the things that matter to students so they can consistently improve the service on offer. For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of Warwick, see the ratings below:

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#13
#13

University of Surrey

Amazing university with good events and good student accommodation

The University of Surrey accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.89/5. The University of Surrey has one of the best ratings for Wifi connectivity in our list and it isn't just this which makes the Guilford based university halls so appealing. Each of the 12 university halls are conveniently placed next to lecture halls, shops and amenities and at Halls such as Hazel Farm, Stag Hill Court & Surrey Court, so you're creating incredible value for money. Also, with a security team that is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week, you can feel safe and sound in your new home from home! For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of Surrey, see the ratings below:

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#14
#14

University of Bath

Love the big community feel, and with first year accommodation on campus, all lectures are only a minute or twos walk away

The University of York's accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.88/5. The University of York offers a growing range of accommodation prices and options across a compact campus. You’ll never be far from your studies and social spaces, and you’re within walking distance of the lively, historic city of York (voted The Times ‘best place to live in the UK 2018’). It’s one of the few universities with a collegiate system – wherever you stay you’ll be part of a college community which will help form the foundations of your university experience. Your college makes your accommodation more than just a room, offering events, volunteering and leadership opportunities, college sports and support and guidance. For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of York, see the ratings below:

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#15
#15

University of York

The social life here is good, I feel welcomed, everyone is friendly, the accommodation is the bomb

The University of York's accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.88/5. The historic city of York is a great location for romantic getaways and those looking for a pub or two (the city has countless!) but it's not just the nightlife and culture that Jorvik has to offer. The university has some of the best accommodation in the UK so if you weren't already enjoying the close knit community, bustling with history and intrigue, then you can rest assured that you'll have a great stay whilst you study there. Students also noted that Hall Management was incredibly good so expect well kept, modern rooms when you arrive. For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of York, see the ratings below:

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#16
#16

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU)

Student advice is amazing and the campus itself is clean and beautiful.

Bishop Grosseteste University accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.86/5. As a smaller university, Bishop Grosseteste in Lincoln is famed for its incredible accommodation. Cleanliness topped the reasons for such good ratings for this university. With two large main accommodation blocks you shouldn't struggle to find top quality student accommodation at a great price. On top of this you'll have a fantastic social experience at BGU - students rated their halls highly for social aspects and Lincoln is a city with a very high student population, so there'll be plenty of students for you to meet! For reviews of more aspects of life at Bishop Grosseteste University, see the ratings below:

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#17
#17

University of East Anglia (UEA)

Accommodation is very well situated and of good standard.

The University of East Anglia's accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.81/5. The University of East Anglia, Established in 1963, is a university situated in Norwich, England. The 320 acres campus to the west of the city centre is home to 26 schools of study and 28 university halls. The campus is regularly evolving with the newest buildings on the campus including two new accommodation blocks, and the Enterprise Centre, said to be Britain's “greenest” building. Some of the most popular residences include the iconic Grade 2 star listed ziggurats, Norfolk and Suffolk Terraces which offer standard accommodation and the newest En suite rooms in Hickling House and Barton House. UEA invests significantly in their buildings - they have a number of ongoing ambitious refurbishment projects to maintain their high standards and to develop facilities across all their residences. The university also works closely with Student Support, Cleaning and Maintenance services and UEA Students Union to ensure that student residents are looked after in UEA Accommodation as part of a campus residential community based on respect, tolerance and considerate behaviour. For reviews of the University of East Anglia, see the ratings below:

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#18
#18

University of Essex

Top university. The campus is big and spacious with lots of services

The University of University of Essex accommodation scored an overall rating of 4.5/5. Established in 1964, the University of Essex has three campuses at Colchester, Southend and Loughton – home to East 15 Acting School. It is ranked in the top 30 of The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019, is 25th for research quality in the Good University Guide and was awarded the top gold rating in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework in 2017. In 2018 the National Student Survey placed Essex in the top 15 (English mainstream universities), for the sixth year, for overall student satisfaction. The Colchester campus accommodation is set within the 200-acre award-winning Wivenhoe Park - providing students with a mix of countryside and the buzz of the university squares, with their restaurants, bars, theatre, excellent sports facilities and much more. For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of Essex, see the ratings below:

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#19
#19

Aberystwyth University

Amazing facilities. New accommodation is to die for.

Aberystwyth University accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.78/5. The seaside town of Aberystwyth is undoubtedly a great university location with culture and nightlife aplenty. Whilst you're not exploring the several beaches on offer or “kicking the bar” (a local tradition), you can be checking out one of several quirky bars or live music venues the city has to offer. But what about the student accommodation? Well it's made it into this list which proves it's very good and the reasons behind this according to Aber students is the value for money, location and social experience amongst other pros. Some of the higher rated of the 20 halls of residence include: Fferm Penglais, Rosser G, Ceredigion, Caerleon and Trefloyne. For reviews of more aspects of life at Aberystwyth University, see the ratings below:

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#20
#20

University of Reading

Great accommodation and an all round amazing uni!

The University of Reading's accommodation scored an overall rating of 3.75/5. The University of Reading in Berkshire, England was granted university status in 1926 and is home to over 15,000 students. It's home to 4 major campuses. The campuses on London Road and Whiteknights are located in the town of Reading whereas Greenlands is based on the banks of the River Thames and Iskandar Puter is an international campus in, Malaysia. Location, Cleanliness & Wifi came out on top from the university of Reading reviews and all 15 of the university halls excel in these areas. For reviews of more aspects of life at the University of Reading, see the ratings below:

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