Key Summary
FAQs
Which UK universities have the worst freshers weeks?
In this article's 2025 student-feedback ranking, Queen Margaret University places lowest at 113th, followed by Goldsmiths at 106th and London South Bank University at 101st. Southampton is 98th and City, University of London is 94th. These positions are a snapshot of student perceptions, not an official measure of overall university quality.
How was the worst freshers week ranking decided?
The article presents ranking positions based on student feedback, but it does not publish enough methodological detail on the page to independently reproduce the full table. That means the fairest way to use it is as an editorial snapshot of student perceptions, rather than a precise or permanent measure of every university's current welcome programme.
Does a bad freshers week mean a bad university experience?
No. Freshers week covers a very short part of university life, and a disappointing welcome programme does not tell you whether teaching, societies, accommodation, support or the wider city will suit you. Many students build their strongest friendships later through courses, halls, sports clubs, societies, volunteering and part-time work.
Why do several London universities appear low in the ranking?
Several London universities appear near the bottom, including Goldsmiths, London South Bank, City and Westminster. The ranking alone cannot prove why. Higher local costs, commuter patterns, dispersed campuses and competition from city nightlife may shape some students' experiences, but those explanations should be treated as possibilities rather than established causes.
What can I do if my university freshers programme feels disappointing?
Build your own mix of events instead of relying on one official timetable. Try society tasters, sports sessions, course meet-ups, accommodation events, volunteering and smaller daytime activities. Check your students' union listings regularly because many groups launch after the headline welcome events, and some of the best ways to meet people happen once teaching starts.
Are freshers weeks always focused on alcohol and clubbing?
No. Many welcome programmes include fairs, quizzes, film nights, campus tours, sports tasters, cultural events, craft sessions and sober socials alongside club nights. If the main schedule feels too alcohol-focused, check society pages, faith and cultural groups, university wellbeing teams and your students' union for quieter alternatives.
Should I buy a freshers wristband before arriving?
Only buy one after checking the actual event list, venues, entry rules, refund terms and whether the organiser is official or reputable. A wristband can save money if you genuinely want most included events, but paying separately may be better if you prefer flexibility, non-drinking activities or only one or two headline nights.
What should I do if I feel lonely during freshers week?
Start small and do not treat the first few days as a deadline for finding your closest friends. Try one society taster, speak to coursemates, join accommodation activities and use university wellbeing or student support if loneliness is becoming difficult. Many students feel unsettled at first, even when everyone else appears confident.
Can I attend freshers events run by another university?
Sometimes, but check each event's ticket terms. Commercial club nights may accept students from multiple universities, while students' union or campus events can be restricted to members, guests or specific ID holders. Do not assume another university's wristband gives access, and avoid buying unofficial tickets from unknown social media accounts.
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!