Wondering which UK universities have the best freshers week? Based on thousands of student ratings, Nottingham Trent University tops the list for its high-energy socials, diverse events, and inclusive atmosphere. Also ranking highly are the University of Dundee and University of Portsmouth, both praised for their welcoming vibes and balance of daytime and nightlife events. Whether you’re after budget-friendly fun or a buzzing club scene, our full Freshers Week Top 50 spotlights the campuses that do it best. To prepare, check out our Freshers survival guide or compare it to the worst-rated freshers weeks. Freshers week is usually a week long event, although some uni’s can stretch it out to two. There is this thinking that freshers week is only for freshers but this simply isn’t true, you’ll see a lot of second and third years also making the most of pre-uni. Freshers week is filled with drunken embarrassing stories, heaps of pre drinks, pre and post parties, as well as forming lifelong friendships. But which uni does freshers week the best? Well Student Hut have created a list from a survey conducted by students in recent years. Here is the official top 50 best university freshers weeks revealed.

Here are the 50 best universities for Freshers’ Week

50th. King’s College London

Despite being in the heart of the capital, KCL isn’t too high up on the list when it comes to universities with the best Freshers’ Week. However, it’s quite competitive and with London prices, it’s not always easy for students to enjoy everything on offer in the city. Nevertheless, you’re still bound to have a great time there.

49th. Aston University

48th. Oxford Brookes University

47th. Liverpool Hope University

46th. Cardiff University

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, sees its two primary institutions pull out all stops. Freshers here can expect a blend of events that introduce them to Welsh culture, alongside universal student favourites like pub crawls and society fairs.

45th. University of Bristol

44th. University of Oxford

World-famous for its academic rigour, Oxford doesn’t fall short in its Freshers’ offerings either. From grand college balls to punting experiences, Oxford freshers get a taste of tradition and fun.

43rd. University of Brighton

42nd. Cardiff Metropolitan University

41st. University of Edinburgh

40th. University of Sussex

39th. University of Durham

38th. The University of Manchester

37th. Manchester Metropolitan University

These neighbouring institutions ensure Manchester is buzzing during Freshers’. The city becomes a playground for newcomers, with both universities offering events that introduce students to Manchester’s rich history and contemporary scene.

36th. Canterbury Christ Church University

35th. Birmingham City University

34th. University of Newcastle Upon Tyne

33rd. University of Keele

32nd. Imperial College London

31st. Brunel University London

30th. The University of Nottingham

29th. Buckinghamshire New University

28th. The University of Sheffield

27th. University of Strathclyde

26th. The University of Essex

25th. University of Glasgow

Freshers’ Week at the University of Glasgow is pretty epic, making it 25th on our list. If you’re new in town, don’t forget to read our tips on how to settle into student life at Glasgow uni.

24th. The University of Birmingham

23rd. University College London

22nd. Swansea University

21st. The University of Leeds

20th. University of Plymouth

19th. The University of Surrey

18th. The University of Reading

17th. University of Ulster

16th. Bangor University

Bangor University is one of the best universities for Freshers’ Week, as well as being THE best for other aspects related to student life. It has

15th. University of Aberdeen

14th. Sheffield Hallam University

13th. Liverpool John Moores University

12th. University of Hertfordshire

11th. University of York

10th. University of Northumbria at Newcastle

9th. The University of Lancaster

8th. Loughborough University

7th. Bournemouth University

6th. Queen’s University of Belfast

5th. The University of Leicester

Neighbouring De Montford, the University of Leicester too, boasts a vibrant Freshers’ Week, ensuring students find their niche, whether in sports, societies, or the arts.

4th. De Montford University

Located in Leicester, De Montford is famous for its diverse events. From cinema nights to global food fests, it celebrates the various cultures that make up its student body.

3rd. University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth offers a coastal Freshers’ experience unlike any other.  You can get some fresh sea air once you’re done with (or having a break from) all the partying. It’s no wonder this university ranks so high.

2nd. University of Dundee

Dundee’s Freshers’ Week is a thrilling blend of daytime and nighttime events. Scots are known to be a little wild and lots of fun, so it makes sense that Freshers’ Week at the University of Dundee is one of the best.

1st. Nottingham Trent University

At the top of our list, Nottingham Trent University goes above and beyond to give freshers an incredible introduction. Renowned for its energetic nightlife and vast array of events, from themed parties to city tours, it ensures that students instantly feel at home.
Rachel Brooks
Rachel Brooks – University of Exeter
Topic expertise: Student life and culture

FAQs on the Best University Freshers Weeks

Nottingham Trent University ranks #1 for best freshers week, followed by the University of Dundee and the University of Portsmouth. These unis stood out for their student engagement, lively event schedules, and welcoming atmospheres.

The best freshers weeks offer a packed and varied programme — from club nights and pub quizzes to society fairs, food markets, and day events. Affordability, local nightlife, and a strong student community also factor into rankings.

Yes, many freshers events are open to all students. Returning students often use it as a chance to reconnect with friends, support freshers, and enjoy the social energy at the start of term.

Freshers week typically lasts 7 days, but some universities extend the celebrations over two weeks, especially with welcome fairs, sports tasters, and evening socials staggered across the schedule.

No. While nightlife is a big feature, most unis include daytime events like society fairs, coffee meetups, campus tours, and alcohol-free socials to ensure there’s something for every student personality and comfort level.

Authors

  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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