Small friendly campus unis UK?
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Hi!
I am a 3rd year Media and Communication student at Aberystwyth University and I highly recommend choosing this university!
I can empathize with your situation, I come from a village near a small town so it was important for me to choose a place that won’t be a cultural shock. After over 2 years in Aberystwyth, I can honestly say it is a town of opportunities.
The coastal location itself offers a lot in terms of outdoor activities. Local paths, forests and beaches guarantee a sense of freedom and calmness that for some people might be more difficult to find in a big city. At the same time, there are many opportunities to socialise. These include numerous clubs, societies, volunteering opportunities, karaoke and quiz nights.
You can expect a kind community there. Both, Aberystwyth University and the town are very friendly and welcoming. I sincerely regret that it is my last year at this university. I am sure this place won't become just a hazy memory. It's easy to get attached to Aberystwyth.
I keep my fingers crossed for you so that you can find the right university! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Natalia
I am a 3rd year Media and Communication student at Aberystwyth University and I highly recommend choosing this university!
I can empathize with your situation, I come from a village near a small town so it was important for me to choose a place that won’t be a cultural shock. After over 2 years in Aberystwyth, I can honestly say it is a town of opportunities.
The coastal location itself offers a lot in terms of outdoor activities. Local paths, forests and beaches guarantee a sense of freedom and calmness that for some people might be more difficult to find in a big city. At the same time, there are many opportunities to socialise. These include numerous clubs, societies, volunteering opportunities, karaoke and quiz nights.
You can expect a kind community there. Both, Aberystwyth University and the town are very friendly and welcoming. I sincerely regret that it is my last year at this university. I am sure this place won't become just a hazy memory. It's easy to get attached to Aberystwyth.
I keep my fingers crossed for you so that you can find the right university! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Natalia
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
Hello! Have you thought of Keel University? We are a campus university in the Stoke-on-Trent area. Keele is on the slightly smaller side, so has a real community feel. The staff at Keele are also really lovely and very helpful, in my experience, especially the staff at student services and the students union.
Even though Keele is smaller in numbers of students, we are the biggest campus university in the UK. Our campus has so much greenery, including woods and lakes! I personally love to go for a walk in the woods whenever I feel really overwhelmed with work.
Unfortunately, I struggle with anxiety and coming to a university that will not increase my anxiety was really important to me. I chose Keele for its calm and friendly atmosphere. I am in my final year now and have not been disappointed yet!
I hope this helps. If you have any questions regarding Keele, please don't hesitate to ask me on here!
Hello! Have you thought of Keel University? We are a campus university in the Stoke-on-Trent area. Keele is on the slightly smaller side, so has a real community feel. The staff at Keele are also really lovely and very helpful, in my experience, especially the staff at student services and the students union.
Even though Keele is smaller in numbers of students, we are the biggest campus university in the UK. Our campus has so much greenery, including woods and lakes! I personally love to go for a walk in the woods whenever I feel really overwhelmed with work.
Unfortunately, I struggle with anxiety and coming to a university that will not increase my anxiety was really important to me. I chose Keele for its calm and friendly atmosphere. I am in my final year now and have not been disappointed yet!
I hope this helps. If you have any questions regarding Keele, please don't hesitate to ask me on here!
Even though Keele is smaller in numbers of students, we are the biggest campus university in the UK. Our campus has so much greenery, including woods and lakes! I personally love to go for a walk in the woods whenever I feel really overwhelmed with work.
Unfortunately, I struggle with anxiety and coming to a university that will not increase my anxiety was really important to me. I chose Keele for its calm and friendly atmosphere. I am in my final year now and have not been disappointed yet!
I hope this helps. If you have any questions regarding Keele, please don't hesitate to ask me on here!
How about Liverpool Hope university? A beautiful campus and less than 4000 undergraduates.
I’m currently studying her and it’s fantastic, had lots of communication since March and even over the summer relating to Covid as well as our general mental health etc.
Would definitely recommend it
I’m currently studying her and it’s fantastic, had lots of communication since March and even over the summer relating to Covid as well as our general mental health etc.
Would definitely recommend it
My friend goes to Bangor and he loves it. I know his ex specifically enjoyed it because he was from a small town and felt more at home with it.
Personally I loved the vibe of Lancaster when I visited it in an open day, and I thought it was a really beautiful place. I'm from Manchester so perhaps it's just small in comparison, but I'd recommend looking!
Personally I loved the vibe of Lancaster when I visited it in an open day, and I thought it was a really beautiful place. I'm from Manchester so perhaps it's just small in comparison, but I'd recommend looking!
Original post by Anonymous
I understand that, places like Manchester and London really put me off based on how big they were alone. Durham and York both quite small cathedral cities, which I considered applying to, with York being more campus based, I think. Other than that Scottish ones can be in quite small locations eg Stirling is not a very big city and obviously St Andrews a tiny coastal town
I went to York haha. There's two campus quite a while's walk from each other. But within each campus, it is very close-knit. Would deffo bump into many people on your way to lectures and seminars. The college system rivalry is quite fun too. However, the West campus looks quite awful. Apart from the artificial lake and wildlife it's not pleasing on the eyes. East campus is new and modern. The city itself is very, very beautiful and attracts many tourists. There are lots of restaurants and a decent nightlife. However, in terms of other things to do, you may need a car to get to cheap activities like bowling, cinema (the ones in city centre are like £10!), etc. That being said, there's lots of bars on campus and lots of society events so shouldn't be much of a problem.
Southampton is quite a small city with two unis to choose from, and the people are for the most part quite friendly too.
Original post by Anonymous
UEA, Kent, Reading, Warwick, Bournemouth (to an extent)
Reading isn't a particually nice city though (compared to the campus it's self which is absolutely lovely. I should know I live there.
Original post by jonathanemptage
Reading isn't a particually nice city though (compared to the campus it's self which is absolutely lovely. I should know I live there.
Personally I think Reading is a much nicer place than Southampton....
Original post by harrysbar
Personally I think Reading is a much nicer place than Southampton....
Having spent 4 years in Southampton I'm inclined to disagree with you on that point mate.
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
Depends what subject you are going to study. Keele is a nice campus based uni near Stoke on Trent and Bishop Grosseteste in Lincoln is small and homely. Durham also fits the bill.
RAU is one of the smallest universities in the UK and we have a lovely small community oriented campus. Please let me know if you would like to find out more about RAU or the courses we teach! We are based in the Cotswolds, and Cirencester is 15 min walk from campus Best, Ksenia (WP Manager)
Best, Ksenia (WP Manager)Original post by jonathanemptage
Reading isn't a particually nice city though (compared to the campus it's self which is absolutely lovely. I should know I live there.
It isn't a city - it is a town. I really like it - lots going on, a diverse population, plenty to be reached in walking distance, countryside on the doorstep
Original post by ReadingMum
It isn't a city - it is a town. I really like it - lots going on, a diverse population, plenty to be reached in walking distance, countryside on the doorstep
I know it's a town it's just here are much nicer places out there they don't have unis but Wokingham and Newbury are both really nice just don't drive to Newbury in rush hour it's I'm possible to get there then the train is a better option.
Hi, I was in a similar position. I grew up in a small town in the countryside and big cities have always made me uncomfortable. It was important for me to find a uni that felt like home (campus based, surrounded by nature, felt 'smaller') I have a (fairly long) list of universities that I deemed 'rural' enough for me from what I found online. I'll spare TSR the whole list but I'd be happy to discuss them further if you DM me.
Most 'rural' unis on my list didn't make it to the "further research" stage but there's a few I have more detailed knowledge of:
-Bath spa (I ended up applying to Bath uni instead, wish I hadn't and only did it for my parents. Bath spa is literally in the middle of a field so I'd imagine the student community feels more close-knit because its quite secluded.)
-Exeter (The campus is very green, I've heard 5 trees per student or something. I don't know what its like in the city as I've only done a virtual campus tour)
-Bangor (I applied there and visited it. Some people call it a city and some call it a town, its definitely a town, feels small. Great views of Snowdonia from the campus but the town is grey and quite run down imo. Didn't like it after visiting)
-York (ended up firming it. I was initially apprehensive of the size but as far as cities go its a nice one and looks bigger on google maps than it actually is. After visiting I felt comfortable there. The campus feels like you're in a park, although most of the buildings are 60s prefab and ugly. I like the colligate system because you're part of a smaller community within the university)
-Durham (city is similar to York, a bit smaller I think but lots of old buildings and green space. The uni also has a colligate system)
-Kent (applied there. The campus is surrounded by greenery and they have a colligate system. I personally didn't get the right 'vibe' from it after open days but I have a friend who has firmed them and is very excited to go)
-Keele (did a bit of research, lovely location and great student satisfaction ratings. I changed my mind about the course I wanted and they didn't offer it there so didn't get beyond that)
-Surrey (close to where I live so I know Guildford well. Theres some nice green spaces in the town and countryside villages are a 10 min drive away. Town centre can get quite crowded but lots to do and a good train connections. Google maps probably could give you quite a good idea)
Overall, my tips would be to look for campus style universities (everything on a campus rather than city style where facilities are in different locations around the city/town) and consider unis with a colligate system, this means you will be part of a smaller community within the wider university community and can help it seem smaller, even if the uni has a large number of undergrad students. Also have a look at the arial view on google maps to see what surrounds the uni. Even if the uni is in a city, it might be on the outskirts or surrounded by large fields or forests which will separate it from the feel of a busy city. This can all make you feel more at home.
Most 'rural' unis on my list didn't make it to the "further research" stage but there's a few I have more detailed knowledge of:
-Bath spa (I ended up applying to Bath uni instead, wish I hadn't and only did it for my parents. Bath spa is literally in the middle of a field so I'd imagine the student community feels more close-knit because its quite secluded.)
-Exeter (The campus is very green, I've heard 5 trees per student or something. I don't know what its like in the city as I've only done a virtual campus tour)
-Bangor (I applied there and visited it. Some people call it a city and some call it a town, its definitely a town, feels small. Great views of Snowdonia from the campus but the town is grey and quite run down imo. Didn't like it after visiting)
-York (ended up firming it. I was initially apprehensive of the size but as far as cities go its a nice one and looks bigger on google maps than it actually is. After visiting I felt comfortable there. The campus feels like you're in a park, although most of the buildings are 60s prefab and ugly. I like the colligate system because you're part of a smaller community within the university)
-Durham (city is similar to York, a bit smaller I think but lots of old buildings and green space. The uni also has a colligate system)
-Kent (applied there. The campus is surrounded by greenery and they have a colligate system. I personally didn't get the right 'vibe' from it after open days but I have a friend who has firmed them and is very excited to go)
-Keele (did a bit of research, lovely location and great student satisfaction ratings. I changed my mind about the course I wanted and they didn't offer it there so didn't get beyond that)
-Surrey (close to where I live so I know Guildford well. Theres some nice green spaces in the town and countryside villages are a 10 min drive away. Town centre can get quite crowded but lots to do and a good train connections. Google maps probably could give you quite a good idea)
Overall, my tips would be to look for campus style universities (everything on a campus rather than city style where facilities are in different locations around the city/town) and consider unis with a colligate system, this means you will be part of a smaller community within the wider university community and can help it seem smaller, even if the uni has a large number of undergrad students. Also have a look at the arial view on google maps to see what surrounds the uni. Even if the uni is in a city, it might be on the outskirts or surrounded by large fields or forests which will separate it from the feel of a busy city. This can all make you feel more at home.
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
Hey Anon.,
I am currently studying at the University of Hull which I think would be perfect for someone like you wanting a homely and friendly vibe. I am from a much bigger city and have really loved the more chilled-out, small city setting here. The campus is sort of like a one-stop-campus as we have literally everything on the campus such as; accommodation, classes, a club and bar, a convenience store, gym, sports hall, library etc.
The campus is surrounded by lovely green parks and two main roads which have cafes, boutiques and small shops on. The city center is only a ten minute bus ride away and in the other direction are the lovely towns of Cottingham and Beverly. Being in Yorkshire, everyone is so nice and friendly and I have loved my time here so much! If you want to speak to any other students from Hull and see how they found it please feel free to reach out to them on our Unibuddy page HERE. Best of luck in your search!
Megan
University of Hull Student Rep
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
Royal Agricultural University is one of the smallest in the UK!
We have just over 1100 students and a very strong supportive student community. We teach across Agriculture, Business, Real Estate and Land Management, Wildlife and Conservation, and Equine. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about RAU! Thank you, Ksenia (Widening Participation Manager at RAU)
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
I am considering returning to uni after dropping out last year. Overall I found the whole experiencing completley overwhelming - I was in a fairly big uni in a city and felt like a small fish in a big sea or whatever the saying is.
I come from a small town and would like to study somewhere similar. If anyone could reccomend any uni's with a more homely & friendly feel please let me know!
What course do you do? I’m on the Sutton Bonington campus of the uni of Nottingham which is in between 2 villages. It’s close to both Loughbrough and Nottingham so there’s places to go for activities
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