20. Coventry University
We found Coventry students do tend to borrow quite a bit of cash from their mums and dads, but that should do nothing to downplay their achievements on making the top 25 hardest partying unis.19. University of Manchester
With Manchester always duped as a party city with lots of ‘famous’ (reality stars) born characters its a surprise we see them not in our top 10. But here we are Manchester comes in 19th.18. University of Plymouth
When it was named in the top 20 kinkiest universities we were slightly surprised. Now we know those Plymouth students have a relaxed attitude to life, we are unsurprised to see them here.17. University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth students love to party. Their free-spirited attitude has seen them make our top 20 hardest partying universities.16. Durham University
They may have to borrow and eye-watering amount of cash from their parents to do it, but Durham University sure knows how to party. They just miss out on the top 15 but, hey, what’s an extra tenner from the rents to make it next year?
FAQs on the Best UK Universities for Nightlife
The University of Birmingham takes the top spot for university nightlife in the UK. Students rate it for huge club nights, a packed student bar scene, underground events, and a strong culture of student led socials across the city.
The best places mix student pubs, affordable clubs, themed nights, and late venues with a busy Students’ Union calendar. Strong music culture, easy transport, and lots of student run societies add to the buzz.
Yes. Oxford and Cambridge both place in the wider top group for nightlife. A demanding academic environment can still sit alongside popular college events, live music, and lively student bars.
Absolutely. Places like Aberystwyth and St Andrews punch above their weight thanks to tight knit student communities, packed SU nights, and local venues that cater for students all week.
Yes. Value for money matters. Cities with cheaper entry fees, student drink deals, and low cost late transport tend to score higher. Some measures also consider how often students rely on family support to fund nights out.
Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Nottingham are student favourites for choice and atmosphere. Each offers a mix of super clubs, indie venues, and strong SU events that run throughout term time.
Budgets vary by city and venue, but many students plan for entry plus a few drinks and late travel. A reasonable range is £20 to £40 for the night when using student deals and advance tickets.
Look for sober socials, late cinema, comedy, live gigs, game cafes, and society nights that focus on music or activities rather than drinks. Most SUs now run regular alcohol free events with inclusive pricing and vibes.
Go out with friends, use licensed taxis or trusted apps, keep an eye on drinks, and save SU or campus security numbers. Many cities have safe taxi schemes and night buses that accept student ID for priority help home.
Midweek nights such as Tuesday and Wednesday are big for student deals, while Thursdays and Fridays bring headline acts and society takeovers. Freshers and returners weeks are the peak periods for ticketed events.