Which UK universities have the worst freshers weeks according to students? Based on nationwide surveys and real student feedback, institutions like Queen Margaret University, Goldsmiths, London South Bank, and City, University of London rank the lowest for freshers week experience. Factors such as high living costs, lacklustre event variety, and limited integration opportunities contribute to these lower scores. While freshers week plays a big role in shaping first impressions, a disappointing start doesn’t necessarily reflect the overall student experience. If you’re worried about your welcome week, check out our advice on making the most of freshers or explore the difference between freshers and welcome week.
10. Queen Mary
Queen Mary is the best of the worst. Located in London, Queen Mary is a new addition to the Russell Group, which means some people question how valid its status in the group is. Maybe Queen Mary’s freshers week was ranked so low because of the immense cost of living in London. Once everyone’s paid their rent, there’s no money left for drinks.
9. Bath Spa
There’s been a long-standing rivalry between Bath University and Bath Spa. Apparently, the posh Bath students look down on the Bath Spa students. Since they have to share a city, maybe freshers events turn into territorial battles. Bath Spa’s freshers week ranked at 82nd in the UK.
8. LSE
The London-based specialist uni was ranked the top university in Europe for social sciences, and second in the world. With stats like these, you’d expect it to put on a show-stopping freshers week to welcome all of its new students. However, LSE’s freshers week was ranked extremely low. Some students find the lack of socials boring.
7. Uni of Westminster
Another London university, which ranked 90th for its freshers week. Not the best statistic. Westminster’s freshers week has been dubbed ‘Freshminster’, and it includes all kinds of events from parties, to non-drinking events and fairs. Again, it might be the insane London prices that have caused Westminster’s freshers week to fall to the bottom of the list.
6. Cambridge
Everybody knows how difficult it is to get into Cambridge. This uni is for the cleverest of the clever, but there’s also a stark class divide at Cambridge. This obviously makes it difficult for students to mingle, which could be why Cambridge’s freshers events ranked so low. Either that, or everybody is too busy studying to party.
5. City, University of London
City Uni ranked 40th in the UK, however its freshers week ranked much lower, at 94th. It seems that the London unis are seriously lacking in the freshers department! Still, a bad freshers week doesn’t automatically mean a bad uni experience. Students seem to be quite pleased with their overall experience at City. City has a good reputation, and its one of the best unis for business students.
4. Southampton
Southampton has a fantastic night life, but that did nothing to save freshers week from ranking higher than 98th. Despite this, Southampton is doing very well in the teaching department, which is what you want to see from a university, after all.
3. London South Bank
London South Bank isn’t a Russell Group university, but don’t let that fool you. Russell Group isn’t the be-all and end-all of university life. However, London South Bank freshers week seems to be a huge let down for students, ranking at 101st. This year, London South Bank’s freshers week includes free pizza, candy floss, confetti cannons, and free t-shirts. Doesn’t sound too awful!
2. Goldsmiths
Goldsmiths is another London-based university, this time in the south-east. It specialises in the study of creatives, cultural and social subjects. Despite the access to a vibrant London night life, Goldsmith’s freshers week ranked 106th in the UK.
1. Queen Margaret Uni
Queen Margaret takes the prize for having the worst freshers week, according to student rankings. It sits at a dismal 113th. Located in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret has no excuse for ranking so low. Upcoming freshers events include a neon jungle, the Edinburgh ghost tour, and a welcome ceilidh (a kind of Scottish dance). These events don’t sound too bad, despite the low ranking.
If you’re busy getting ready for freshers week at your uni, check out our helpful guide on what not to do during freshers week!
FAQs on the Worst Freshers Weeks in the UK
In 2025 student feedback placed Queen Margaret University, Goldsmiths, London South Bank University and City, University of London among the most disappointing freshers weeks. Students often rated the event schedules as limited and the overall atmosphere as underwhelming compared with livelier campuses.
Low ratings usually come from a mix of small budgets, repetitive events, lack of variety, and high costs in the local area. Some universities also have limited campus nightlife or fewer societies to help new students connect early on.
Not at all. Many students who were disappointed by freshers week go on to enjoy university once teaching begins and societies open fully. Meeting people in classes, joining clubs and exploring the city usually leads to a much better experience over time.
Often the schedule includes basic club nights, welcome fairs and a few themed socials. Students say the issue is not the presence of events but a lack of creativity or range compared with universities known for vibrant freshers programmes.
Yes. Joining societies, attending off campus club nights, exploring student deals in the city and organising gatherings with flatmates or course mates can make a big difference. Taking initiative is key if the official programme feels limited.
No. Many universities now offer sober socials, film nights, quizzes and cultural trips. If the main schedule feels too club heavy you can usually find alternative events through societies and student groups.
Try joining group chats for your accommodation or course, attend society taster sessions and visit the student union. Most students feel nervous at first so reaching out early helps you find like minded friends.
Wristbands can save money if you plan to attend most headline events, but paying individually may be cheaper if you prefer quieter nights or want flexibility. Always check the line up before buying.
Yes. Even if the official welcome week is small, most UK universities have active societies, sports clubs and volunteering groups that create a strong social life once term begins.
Sometimes. If your city has multiple universities, clubs often sell tickets to anyone with student ID. This can be a good way to meet people and enjoy a busier nightlife if your own campus events feel limited.