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.
FAQs on the Best University Freshers Weeks
Nottingham Trent University ranks #1 for the best freshers week, followed by the University of Dundee and the University of Portsmouth. These universities stand out for their buzzing events, inclusive welcome activities, and strong student communities.
A great freshers week includes a packed schedule of events such as club nights, pub quizzes, society fairs, day trips, live music, and cultural experiences. Affordability, local nightlife, and opportunities to meet people also play a big role in creating a standout week.
Yes. Many events are open to returning students, especially society fairs, daytime socials, and some evening events. Older students often use it as a chance to reconnect, meet new people, and get involved in student groups again.
Freshers week usually lasts one full week, but some universities extend their welcome activities across two weeks. This allows time for sports taster sessions, society sign-ups, and extra socials beyond the first days of term.
No. While club nights and bar crawls are popular, most universities also organise alcohol-free socials, coffee meetups, film screenings, cultural events, and campus tours so everyone can feel included regardless of their lifestyle.
Many events are free, but big nights out, club events, and some special activities usually require paid tickets. Some students buy a freshers wristband that covers entry to multiple events and can be cheaper than buying tickets separately.
Most students spend between £100 and £200 during freshers week on tickets, drinks, food, and activities. Setting a budget helps avoid overspending before your first loan payment arrives.
Yes. Universities offer plenty of alcohol-free activities such as film nights, cultural trips, fitness classes, coffee mornings, and creative workshops. Many student unions make sure there is something for everyone beyond nightlife.
Freshers week is a great time to meet people, but it is not the only chance. Students make friends throughout the year in classes, societies, and accommodation. It’s okay if you don’t click with people right away.
Joining societies during freshers week can help you meet people quickly, but you can usually sign up later too. Most clubs offer taster sessions and welcome new members throughout the term.