City vs. Campus Universities

In the UK, there are two main different types of universities – city universities and campus universities. These different types of campuses can be beneficial for students in a variety of ways. You may already have a preference for what type of university you would like to study at, or you may be exploring the differences for the first time. Either way, this article aims to provide you with more information about the different campus types and what they can offer you as a student.

City universities

City based universities are characterised by having the campus facilities spread throughout the city or town. This means that student halls might be spread about and not located all in one place, and you may have a small commute to your classes.

Living and travelling around a city can be an excellent experience for students. City life grants you access to things that may feel out of reach at a campus university, for example a wider range of cultural and social settings like museums, shops and nightclubs. However, it can also be slightly more expensive, especially if you are thinking about renting privately once you have moved out of the university provided student accommodation.

Exposure to life in a city is also great preparation for your future career. It can help you to decide if working in a city is what you would like to do, and help you feel more comfortable in your life post-university. Spending your time in a city can also mean that your peer group is more diverse, with students travelling from all over the country, and potentially including some international students as well.

Examples of city universities:

Campus universities

Campus based universities tend to have their facilities and buildings contained within a particular area. This area can be located in or near a city or town, or can be completely separate. It is likely that all student accommodation halls, lecture halls, libraries and any other amenities or facilities will be situated a very close distance from one another.

Choosing a campus university can be a good choice for any student, but especially for those who would appreciate a short commute between home and study locations. One of the biggest advantages of a campus based university is that they tend to be less expensive than their city counterparts. You might also find it easier to make friends, as you are constantly surrounded by people who are sharing your university experience.

Campus universities can also be helpful when it comes to your studies, as you spend less time travelling between facilities, which means you have more time to spend in the library, speaking to your classmates, and taking advantage of easier access to your teachers and their knowledge.

Examples of campus universities:

Other options

If you are interested in studying at a particular university but can’t make a physical move for any reason, you should consider online study. Most universities in the UK now offer a great selection of their degrees and masters as online courses. This would mean that you can access the teaching staff and resources available from the university, without having to leave your life behind in order to study.

Online study is a great option if you have work or family commitments at home, and are usually more flexible than an on campus degree. Some examples of universities that offer great online study options include:

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