Universities with the best feeling of "community"?

Bristol's basically got two main sites. The university precinct itself, which is quite central, where all the teaching buildings are based, and Stoke Bishop, where the majority of first years live. There's a sense of community at both, but particularly at Stoke Bishop with all the halls in a small area. I love it. Only thing is, be prepared for a 30-40 minute walk between the two. And hills. Many hills.

you know what I think York might be your place, it's sort of collegiate, it's very campus based, and generally seemed to be very communal.

I would avoid the big cities for this, Manchester does have a bit of a community feel around the campus area, but it doesn't feel that close, you don't get the impression everybody knows each other.

Lancaster on the other hand had a very nice community feel to it, more so than York I would say. However I have never actually visited the university of York itself.

I have come quite close to deciding on Bristol as my firm. I had originally been advised to apply for housing nearest to campus, but a friend convinced me that Stoke Bishop is the better choice so I applied to Wills and Churchill. Are you a first year? If so which hall are you in?

Good to know. York is the one I know the least about because they didn't even mail me a prospectus. I got my offer packet today though, which contained a few brochures with pictures and a map, and it all seems very appealing. But I have heard that it can be very boring.

I would avoid the big cities for this, Manchester does have a bit of a community feel around the campus area, but it doesn't feel that close, you don't get the impression everybody knows each other.

Lancaster on the other hand had a very nice community feel to it, more so than York I would say. However I have never actually visited the university of York itself.

I'm going to Sussex this September... (having being pooled & rejected from Cam).


I really liked the close campus thing, it really came across when I visited.
There's a little shop for groceries in the middle, a bank, and a bar or two.
All 1st-years live on site (which means you make friends quickly!) then you usually share a place in Brighton for years 2 & 3. They do a direct bus service every 20 mins, so it's easy as pie really. So in my eyes you get the best of both worlds - an initial secure community, but the option to go into town whenever you want, with all it's music and nightlife! In that department, pretty much all tastes catered for I'm told.

I'm a big music fan, so this is something Cambridge'd never have had.
Some of us want more than just the odd musty Pub.

I'm more and more thinking Sussex would totally be the lifestyle for me. I'm hugely into music and love going to live shows, and it's so appealing being near the water. Thanks for sharing!

I'm more and more thinking Sussex would totally be the lifestyle for me. I'm hugely into music and love going to live shows, and it's so appealing being near the water. Thanks for sharing!