This article was written by Oli Gledhill, a student writer based in Manchester.
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
Source: Queen Mary University of London Instagram
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

Cambridge
Source: University of Cambridge Instagram
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
Source: Goldsmiths, University of London Instagram
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!
Rachel Brooks
Rachel Brooks – University of Exeter
Topic expertise: Student life and university culture

FAQs on the Worst Freshers Weeks in the UK

Recent student rankings highlight Queen Margaret University, Goldsmiths, London South Bank, and City, University of London as having the most poorly rated freshers weeks in the UK, based on event quality, atmosphere, and student feedback.

Poor ratings often stem from a lack of engaging events, limited social variety, class divides, or high local living costs—particularly in London. Students may also feel underwhelmed if events are poorly organised or too expensive.

Not necessarily. Many students who didn’t enjoy freshers week still go on to have an excellent university experience. Friendships, academic satisfaction, and society life often develop well beyond the first week.

Events may include basic club nights, welcome fairs, non-alcohol socials, and themed evenings. However, students often find the lineup repetitive or less engaging compared to more active campuses.

Yes. Students can enhance their experience by joining societies, exploring off-campus events, and organising their own gatherings. Taking initiative helps create a more fulfilling social start, even if the official schedule is lacking.

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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