Key Summary
FAQs
Which UK universities have the happiest students?
In the older satisfaction-based list used by this article, the University of St Andrews ranks first, followed by Wrexham University, Aberystwyth University, Plymouth Marjon University and St Mary's University Twickenham. The ranking uses older student satisfaction figures, so treat it as a dated snapshot rather than the current Unifresher 2027 happiness ranking.
Is this happiest universities ranking still current?
No, not fully. The article relies heavily on Complete University Guide 2023 satisfaction figures and older awards. Unifresher now has a separate 2027 happiness ranking covering 124 universities. That newer methodology combines student satisfaction with sustainability, city safety and cost of living, so it answers a broader question than the older satisfaction-only list.
How was the original happiest students ranking calculated?
The article primarily used student satisfaction data from the Complete University Guide and ranked universities with particularly high scores. That makes it closer to a satisfaction ranking than a complete measure of happiness. It does not directly account for factors such as rent pressure, local safety or sustainability, all of which can influence daily student wellbeing.
How does Unifresher's current 2027 happiness ranking work?
The current Unifresher 2027 methodology gives 55% of the score to student satisfaction, 20% to sustainability, 15% to safety and 10% to cost of living. Each metric is normalised before weighting. See the current happiest universities ranking for the newer approach.
Is student satisfaction the same as student happiness?
No. Satisfaction can capture how students rate aspects of their university experience, but happiness is broader and can be affected by finances, relationships, housing, health, safety and personal circumstances. A university with a high satisfaction score may still be difficult for an individual student whose course, budget or social environment is a poor fit.
Why do smaller universities sometimes rank highly for happiness?
Smaller institutions can offer close-knit communities, more familiar campus environments and a stronger sense of personal connection for some students. That may contribute to high satisfaction, but size alone does not cause happiness. A small university can feel limiting to someone seeking a large city, while a large university can still build excellent communities.
Does a happy university automatically have the best teaching?
No. Student happiness and academic quality overlap in some ways but are not identical. A university can have strong research and difficult workloads, or high satisfaction without being the strongest for your subject. Compare teaching, assessment, graduate outcomes and course content separately rather than assuming one happiness position proves overall academic superiority.
How can I compare current student satisfaction between universities?
Use current, comparable sources and check the exact course where possible. The Office for Students publishes National Student Survey data, while Discover Uni provides course-level information. Recent student reviews and open-day conversations can add context that a percentage cannot capture.
Should student happiness affect which university I choose?
Yes, but use it alongside course quality, affordability, accommodation and career opportunities. Think about what happiness means to you personally, whether that is a close community, nightlife, safety, outdoor space or financial breathing room. A university that ranks highly overall may still be the wrong environment for your own priorities.
Want to study somewhere students genuinely enjoy their experience? According to the latest satisfaction data, the University of St Andrews leads the UK for student happiness, with 85% of students reporting high levels of satisfaction. Smaller universities like Wrexham Glyndwr, Plymouth Marjon, and St Mary’s Twickenham also rank highly, thanks to their supportive communities and personalised learning environments. From quality teaching to inclusive campuses, this ranking highlights the universities where students are thriving. You can also compare this with our list of UK unis with the highest dropout rates to see where student support makes a real difference.
Choosing your university is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You’re committing to spending at least three years there and your decision can have a massive impact on your life. So, choosing a university based on student happiness levels is a good place to start. Using data on student satisfaction, we’ve compiled a list of those universities with the happiest students to help you out. It may not be the deciding factor, as other areas such as academic output and graduate opportunities are important too. However, putting your happiness and mental health as a priority is important. So take a look at our list and start researching your options now!
1. St Andrews
One of the top universities in the country, it’s no surprise to see St Andrews on this list. With an 85% student satisfaction rate on The Complete University Guide’s rankings, it’s not surprising that St Andrews is at the top of the list. It’s a small university, with about 10,000 students in total (about 8,000 undergrad and 2,000 postgrad). The large international community means that you’d be bound to meet people from across the world. And, thanks to the Scottish university system, students are able to study a number of different subjects before concentrating exclusively on one, unlike in the rest of the country. What more could you want?
2. Wrexham Glyndwr University
A small university in the northwest of Wales, you may be a little surprised to see Glyndwr on this list. But, it is the university with the highest student satisfaction ranking in England and Wales. It also ranks first in three different subject areas – agriculture and forestry, nursing and sociology. With an 82% student satisfaction rating, it was also ranked first in the UK by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 for social inclusion. Providing a supportive, inclusive environment for all, no matter their background or upbringing is obviously a great thing.
3. Aberystwyth University
Another small university in Wales. Maybe that’s a sign. Aberystwyth has won a number of different awards, including: top 10 university for student life, lectures and teaching quality in the 2022 WhatUni? Student Choice Awards. It was also named the University of the Year for teaching quality in the Good University Guide in 2018 and 2019. With an 82% student satisfaction rating on The Complete University Guide’s 2023 list, it’s clear that Aberystwyth is doing something right for its students. It’s the third best in the universities with the happiest students for 2023.
4. Plymouth Marjon University
The top school in England on The Complete University Guide’s ratings, also with an 82% student satisfaction rating for 2023, Plymouth Marjon is another small school that’s doing something right. It’s a university that prides itself on the idea of “the Marjon family”. Its quiet, green and spacious campus provides a calm environment for students while studying. The awards back this up, as Marjon was ranked as the #1 university in England for teaching quality by the Good University Guide in 2022 and the #1 uni in England for learning community by the National Student Survey in 2021.
5. St Mary’s Twickenham
St Mary’s University, Twickenham is a reputable higher education institution that offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields of study. In recent years, St Mary’s University has consistently ranked highly in student satisfaction surveys. According to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2020, the university achieved an overall satisfaction rate of 88%, which is higher than the national average for UK universities. In 2023, it’s also in the top 5 universities with the happiest students, according to student satisfaction levels.
6. London Metropolitan University
Next on our list is London Metropolitan University and it’s rare to see a London uni do so well with student satisfaction. However, at 81%, it seems that students at this uni are some of the happiest in the UK. This city uni is made up of five schools. These comprise of The School of Art, Architecture and Design, Guildhall School of Business and Law and The School of Computing and Digital Media. There’s also the School of Human Sciences and the School of Social Sciences and Professions. All students studying at the uni have access to a range of communal facilities such as libraries, social spaces, cafes and eateries.
7. Loughborough University
Like London Metropolitan, Loughborough University has a student satisfaction score of 81%. It also scored 87% according to the National Student Survey (NSS) 2020, which is higher than the national average for UK universities. Beyond being one of the universities with the happiest students, Loughborough is a reputable academic uni. It has great results and is a popular choice among prospective students. Additionally, Loughborough University provides a vibrant and active student community, with over 100 sports clubs and societies available for students to join.
8. Imperial College London
Again achieving a student satisfaction score of 81%, Imperial College London proves to be a popular uni. One of the key factors contributing to student satisfaction at Imperial College London is the high-quality teaching provided by experienced and knowledgeable academics. The university’s teaching staff are experts in their fields, and their research-led teaching approach enables students to learn from cutting-edge research and developments in their subjects.
9. University of West London
Yet another London university making our list of universities with the happiest students. The University of West London has a student satisfaction score of 81% in 2023, meaning that the majority of students are happy. The University of West London is a modern, dynamic institution located in the heart of London, UK. The university has a strong focus on providing practical, career-focused education and is known for its excellent courses in hospitality, business, music, and nursing. The university has a diverse student population from around the world and offers a range of support services to help students succeed academically and personally.
10. University of Chichester
Finally, the last uni on our list of universities with the happiest students and highest student satisfaction ratings is Chichester. This university has a satisfaction rating of 81%, which is pretty impressive. With its beautiful location on the south coast, the University of Chichester offers a relaxed and picturesque setting for students to study and live in. This no doubt contributes to happiness levels overall. The university is located just a short distance from the seaside town of Bognor Regis and is within easy reach of the vibrant city of Brighton. It has a close-knit and welcoming student community, with a range of clubs and societies available for students to get involved in.
So, there you have it. These are some of the universities with the happiest students in the country. While there’s clearly no one subjective way of measuring happiness, it’s clear that these four universities are doing something right for their students.