Most stressful universities in the UK
- Nottingham
- Oxford
- Liverpool
- Leeds
- Leicester
- Cardiff
- Newcastle
- Southampton
- Coventry
- Glasgow
10. Nottingham
9 – Oxford
8. Liverpool
7. Leeds
6 – Leicester
5 – Cardiff
Over in Wales, students in Cardiff are not doing too great! 40% of the students in the city reported high levels of stress. Again, maybe it’s the partying, where Cardiff made it in the top 10 unis that like to have a good time! Or maybe that’s the stress relief?4. Newcastle
In between Cardiff and Southampton is Newcastle, the third most stressful uni on our list. The research found that 41% of students were stressed out by their degree, which is a huge amount. Outside of the student population, Tyne and Wear was also ranked 4th most stressful in a study by Forbes Advisor. It makes a change from surveys that usually prove how friendly and fond of Greggs Newcastle is!3. Southampton
Just shy of the (joint) top spot of the most stressful universities is Southhampton, stressing out 42% of its students. Down south, the cost of living can be pretty steep, so it’s no wonder studying there is stressful for students. Southampton can also be a busy and crowded city, especially during peak tourist seasons. This can make it difficult to find space and can be overwhelming for some people. Especially when you’re deep into dissertation mode!Joint top most stressful universities in the UK – Coventry and Glasgow
The last most stressful university was Plymouth, who have clearly put in all the stops to change this. They’re now nowhere to be found even in the top 20 most stressful universities. But sadly for Glasgow and Coventry students, the same isn’t true. Let’s face it Coventry students, it must be tough going to a university with the wrong name…
FAQs on the Most Stressful Universities in the UK
Coventry and Glasgow are ranked as the most stressful universities in the UK, with 43% of students at each institution rating their stress levels 8 or above out of 10. Other high-stress universities include Southampton, Newcastle, Cardiff, Leicester, Leeds, Liverpool, Oxford, and Nottingham.
High stress levels are often linked to academic pressure, high living costs, long commutes, competitive environments, and balancing part-time work or personal responsibilities. City-based universities may also experience added strain from busy surroundings and safety concerns.
Some Russell Group universities, such as Oxford and Nottingham, appear in the most stressful rankings due to demanding academics. However, stress levels vary and are influenced by multiple factors beyond Russell Group membership.
Stress levels have changed in recent years. For example, Oxford’s rate dropped from 51% to 34%. While some universities have made progress, others continue to report high levels of student stress according to recent surveys.
Many universities are boosting wellbeing support with free counselling, mental health hubs, peer mentoring, wellbeing events, and 24/7 helplines. They also encourage flexible learning, physical activity, and time management workshops to reduce pressure on students.
