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Best UK Universities League Table 2025#

We’re excited to reveal the top 20 universities in the UK for 2025 — as voted by real students on StudentCrowd! Taking the number one spot this year is Queen's University Belfast (QUB) in our Best UK Universities 2025 league table.

Why do the StudentCrowd UK University Rankings 2025 matter?#

UCAS research shows that student reviews are the second most important resource for university applicants. Prospective students want to hear from people just like them — learning what campus life is really like, exploring societies, and getting honest feedback on courses. Student reviews help shape expectations and decisions.

The StudentCrowd University Awards 2025 celebrate the universities that make a genuine difference to students — institutions that have inspired so many students to share their experiences online.

Explore the full awards#

Alongside the main league table, we’ve also ranked universities across 10 key sub-categories.
See all the StudentCrowd University Awards 2025 and FAQs here.

Best Universities League Table 2025#

 

 

 #1
 

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Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

Queen’s University Belfast is a stunning university with great amenities and great university for networking and making life long friends. Everyone is super friendly and the staff re always free to lend a helping hand. QUB is always aiming to improve their student experience and taking in feedback.

Overall rating
 
 
4.46/5

 

 

 

 

 #2 
 

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Ulster University

My experience at Ulster University has been absolutely amazing! From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and supported. The staff are incredibly friendly, approachable, and always willing to help—whether it's academic guidance or just a friendly chat, they go above and beyond. 

Overall rating
 
 
4.44/5

 

 

 

 #3 
 

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University of Leeds

I love the University of Leeds for its vibrant campus community, outstanding academic support, and diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth. The university’s welcoming atmosphere and commitment to inclusivity make it an inspiring place to study and thrive. I love my uni of Leeds!

Overall rating
 
 
4.43/5

 

 

 

 #4 1
 

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The University of Sheffield

Great university with very good facilities. Many social opportunities and very high quality accommodation. Good location within the city and all buildings are well maintained.

Overall rating
 
 
4.41/5

 

 

 

 #5 
 

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University of Strathclyde

I have loved my time studying at Strathclyde, the majority of lecturers are supportive and go above and beyond to help you, there are so many opportunities both course and society based, and the level of support for a range of different needs that is available for students is excellent!

Overall rating
 
 
4.39/5

 

 

 

 

 #6 
 

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University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham offers world-class education, cutting-edge research, and a vibrant campus life. With excellent facilities, diverse opportunities, and strong industry links, it provides an enriching and globally recognised academic experience.

Overall rating
 
 
4.38/5

 

 

 

 #7 
 

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University of Southampton

Top tier university, lots of facilities for engineering. Societies available for everyone. Bus stop in the middle of campus that can take you anywhere in the city with reliable schedules.

Overall rating
 
 
4.37/5

 

 

 

 #8 
 

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University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool offers a great blend of academic excellence and student support. The campus is vibrant, the faculty is knowledgeable, and the city itself is full of culture and history. A great place to learn and grow.

Overall rating
 
 
4.35/5

 

 

 

 #9 
 

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University of Warwick

The University of Warwick has an amazing campus with excellent facilities. It’s a great place to study, with modern buildings, plenty of study spaces, and lots of green areas to relax. The library, sports facilities, and Warwick Arts Centre are top-notch. It’s a welcoming and vibrant environment that makes university life enjoyable and productive.

Overall rating
 
 
4.35/5

 

 

 

 #10 
 

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University of Exeter

The University of Exeter offers a fantastic learning environment with excellent academic support, beautiful campuses, and great student facilities. The teaching quality is outstanding, and the vibrant student community makes it a great place to study, grow, and build lifelong connections.

Overall rating
 
 
4.32/5

 

 

 

 #11 

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) 

Studying at Liverpool John Moores University has been an incredible journey for me as an international student. From the very beginning, the university provided excellent support, making my transition to a new country smooth and stress-free. 

Overall rating
 
 
4.31/5

 

 

 

 #12 

University of Edinburgh 

My experience at the university of Edinburgh has been great, with amazing facilities, and a wide variety of societies to choose from. Teaching has overall been of outstanding quality, and I have found the majority of my courses really enjoyable and rewarding.

Overall rating
 
 
4.31/5

 

 

 

 #13 
 

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University of Bristol

I found Bristol to be an exciting and interesting university with professional, enthusiastic and down to earth staff.

Overall rating
 
 
4.31/5

 

 

 

 #14 

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) 

Nottingham Trent university is a uni which i could not recommend more! the facilities provided are amazing and everyone is so friendly and helpful.

Overall rating
 
 
4.3/5

 

 

 

 #15 

University of Portsmouth

I've had a really good experience at this university. The teaching quality is high, and the lecturers are knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely supportive. There are plenty of resources available for both academic and personal development, and the campus has a great atmosphere. There’s a good balance between studies and social life, with lots of clubs, events, and opportunities to get involved.

Overall rating
 
 
4.3/5

 

 

 

 #16 
 

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Loughborough University

My experience in Loughborough university has been unmatched to any other university I have seen. Facilities? Amazing! Social activities and societies? As many as you can think of! The students? Everyone has such interesting stories! If there’s any university you should go to, it should be lboro.

Overall rating
 
 
4.3/5

 

 

 

 #17 
 

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https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/

University of Nottingham

Uni of Nottingham is a really amazing university! I’ve really enjoyed both my course and the social side to uni! The lectures and seminars for my course have been really amazing and all the staff are exceedingly helpful! The university excels in creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all students with a range of societies and activities on campus!

Overall rating
 
 
4.29/5

 

 

 

 #18 

Sheffield Hallam University 

I love Sheffield Hallam, it feels like they really care for their students, there are really good facilities and lots of extra curricular clubs and events to go to. I love the surrounding green spaces, restaurants and bars which all add to the university experience!

Overall rating
 
 
4.29/5

 

 

 

 #19 

Robert Gordon University

Great experience at RGU. Modern and well-equipped campus facilities, state of the arts library, perfect for studying and research. Plenty of quiet study areas and vibrant social spaces. Wide variety of clubs and societies catering to diverse interests. Weather you’re into sports, arts or cultural activities there is something for everyone. 

Overall rating
 
 
4.29/5

 

 

 

 #20 

Cardiff University 

I honestly love Cardiff University. It’s such a great place to study. There are loads of good spaces around campus to get work done, whether you want somewhere quiet or a bit more lively. The library is great but there are also loads of hidden spots that are perfect for studying or meeting up with coursemates. 

Overall rating
 
 
4.29/5

 

 

 

How were the top 20 UK universities decided?#

We analysed 32,057 verified student reviews submitted on StudentCrowd between May 2023 and May 2025 to reveal the top 20 UK universities for student experience 2025. This overall list of university rankings combines the 10 categories students rate out of 5 stars when they leave a review for their university and course. These awards cover all the important aspects of university life for students.

The StudentCrowd Awards 2025 is based 100% on verified students in the United Kingdom, using their ac.uk email address. This includes international students who study in the UK.

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