Best Universities for Freshers
Ranked for student welcome, first-year support, social life, onboarding and how well unis help freshers settle in and thrive from day one.
unifreshers best for freshers
Starting university is a massive leap and how a uni supports you in that first year can shape your entire experience. From welcome weeks to wellbeing, accommodation to making mates, being a fresher isn’t just about freshers’ week. It’s about whether you feel like you belong.
That’s why we created a category focused solely on the first-year student experience. We’ve scored universities based on things that matter right now: the quality of freshers events, onboarding support, halls life, first-year wellbeing services, academic guidance, and what students actually say about settling in.
Whether you’re nervous, excited, or both, this ranking shows which UK unis truly help students land on their feet.
Best uk universities for freshers
Our top 50 picks for the best UK universities for freshers, based on welcome week, support, social life, and student experience.
Newcastle University
Top choice for freshers, famous for welcome events and student support.
University of Aberdeen
Great welcome week and lots of help for new students.
Robert Gordon University
Very supportive freshers’ induction and city-based social life.
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University of Liverpool
Legendary freshers’ week and loads of societies to join.
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University of Sheffield
Top for friendly welcome and helping new students settle in.
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Queen’s University Belfast
Vibrant campus with one of the best freshers’ fairs.
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Northumbria University
Active freshers’ scene with fun events and lots of clubs.
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Cardiff University
Packed freshers’ week and very inclusive community.
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Bangor University
Small, friendly campus with excellent new student support.
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University of East Anglia
Loads of events and great on-campus welcome for new students.
- 11. University of Leeds
- 12. Ulster University (Belfast campus)
- 13. Swansea University
- 14. University of Salford
- 15. University of Nottingham
- 16. University of Sunderland
- 17. Liverpool John Moores University
- 18. University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Swansea campus)
- 19. University of Glasgow
- 20. Lancaster University
- 21. Nottingham Trent University
- 22. Durham University
- 23. University of Dundee
- 24. University of Manchester
- 25. University of Chester
- 26. University of York
- 27. Leeds Arts University
- 28. University of Bradford
- 29. Manchester Metropolitan University
- 30. University of Hull
- 31. University of Birmingham
- 32. Leeds Trinity University
- 33. University of Lincoln
- 34. University of Stirling
- 35. University of Leicester
- 36. Leeds Beckett University
- 37. Abertay University
- 38. University of Kent
- 39. University of Warwick
- 40. University of Plymouth
- 41. Solent University
- 42. Coventry University
- 43. Norwich University of the Arts
- 44. Canterbury Christ Church University
- 45. University of Strathclyde
- 46. University of Derby
- 47. Aston University
- 48. Bath Spa University
- 49. York St John University
- 50. Plymouth Marjon University
meet the judging panel
Our methodology is reviewed and approved by a student-first editorial panel with lived insight into the freshers experience. For this category, we brought together a current student who recently completed their first year, our editor, and our founder, alongside a guest contributor who works in student engagement and orientation. This blend of real student voices and expert perspectives ensures our Freshers ranking reflects what actually matters in those all-important first weeks.
Chris Moss
Co-Founder, Unifresher
Connor Steele
Editor, Unifresher
Lola Hobson
Student Panelist
how we scored it
Starting uni is a big deal. For this category, we adjusted our ranking system to focus on what makes those first weeks memorable, supportive, and exciting — with extra weight on orientation, community and early student satisfaction.
- Induction Support – quality of onboarding & welcome week
- First Year Teaching – early NSS scores & contact hours
- Transition Help – personal tutors, mentoring, pre-arrival help
- Welcome Week Events – scale, variety and turnout
- Halls Experience – location, vibe and satisfaction
- Societies Sign-up – volume and engagement in freshers week
- Freshers Safety – policies, support and local data
- Community Feel – student feedback on feeling settled
Student Insight: Freshers week
“Freshers week can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s such a good way to make friends and settle in. Don’t stress about doing everything, just try things that interest you, go to events, and remember most people are just as nervous as you are!”
how to use these rankings
Starting university can feel overwhelming — but the right freshers experience makes it exciting. Use our ranking to find a uni that supports you from day one.
1. Picture your ideal start
Think about what a great first term looks like for you: social events, moving into halls, meeting new friends, and feeling supported.
2. Dive into the rankings
Our top 10 is built on student feedback about welcome week, community feel, support services and how easy it was to settle in.
3. Look behind the scores
Each university is evaluated on its freshers experience — from induction events and safety to accommodation and social life.
4. Choose your vibe
Compare the rankings with your lifestyle and city preferences to find where you’ll feel at home right from week one.
Freshers wall
We asked students across the UK to share what really stood out in their first week. Here's what they said — unfiltered, unexpected, unforgettable.
