Best Campus Universities in UK

Because of its top-ranked universities, cutting-edge research, and global outlook, the United Kingdom is already a top destination for higher education. A two-year post-study work visa, excellent scholarships, and flexible course start dates in September and January increase its competitiveness and popularity. While these are sufficient reasons to understand why thousands of international students study in the United Kingdom, there are more.

For international students drawn to the UK’s rich history and magnificent architecture, studying at its stunning universities is a captivating experience. The enticing tradition and picture-perfect cities in which these universities are located add to the overall beauty, resulting in an unrivalled student experience. In this article, we are going to look at some of the best campus universities in the UK. 

List of the Best Campus Universities in UK

Here is a list of the top ten most beautiful historic universities in the United Kingdom, which are housed in some of the most majestic structures imaginable.

1. Royal Holloway, University of London

Royal Holloway provides the best of both worlds, with a safe, leafy, and peaceful campus that is only 40 minutes by train from central London. The 135-acre parkland that serves as Royal Holloway’s main campus ensures that a quiet place to study and relax is never far away.

It has one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK and has appeared in numerous Hollywood blockbusters and British period dramas. The turrets, towers, and impressive pillars of the Gothic-style university buildings are inspired by the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley, France.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	33
The Guardian Rankings 2023	33
ARWU (2022)	601-700
QS 2023	=402
THE Rankings 2023	351-400

2. University of Edinburgh 

The University of Edinburgh, one of Scotland’s four ancient universities, was founded in 1583. The university’s iconic Georgian Old College, building was designed in 1789 but took decades to fund and construct, with the eye-catching dome added in 1887. It now houses the University of Edinburgh’s School of Law, administrative offices, and the Talbot Rice Gallery, which hosts contemporary art exhibitions.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	12
The Guardian Rankings 2023	12
ARWU (2022)	35
QS 2023	15
THE Rankings 2023	–

Must Read: Top Universities in USA for Higher Education

3. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, the earliest known university in the English-speaking world, was founded in 1096 and has ties to 69 Nobel Prize winners. Iconic buildings like the Radcliffe Camera library are symbols of academia all over the world, and Harry Potter fans may recognise scenes from the film, such as the Hogwarts Great Hall (filmed at Christ Church College).

The 44-metre-high bell tower of Magdalen College is the tallest structure in Oxford. The University Parks, which border the River Cherwell, are open to the public and have a variety of attractions.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	1
The Guardian Rankings 2023	1
ARWU (2022)	7
QS 2023	4
THE Rankings 2023	1

4. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has some of the world’s most impressive and iconic university buildings. This mediaeval university, founded in 1209, is not only stunningly beautiful, but it is also one of the most distinguished higher education institutions in the world. Cambridge University’s historic grandeur pervades the entire town, motivating students to develop and improve their skills and academic achievements.

Cambridge has 31 colleges, and their magnificent structures can be found throughout the city centre and along the River Cam. One of the most impressive is King’s College and its Chapel, which is known for its Gothic English architecture and large mediaeval stained-glass windows.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	2
The Guardian Rankings 2023	3
ARWU (2022)	4
QS 2023	2
THE Rankings 2023	=3

5. Keele University

Keele University, like Royal Holloway, benefits from being away from large cities and crowds. In its rural setting, the Keele University campus is self-contained and has everything on-site. It is perched on a hill overlooking the northern English town of Newcastle-under-Lyme. Keele is the prototypical university campus, established in 1962, providing all aspects of student life, from teaching and accommodation to shops, leisure, and healthcare.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	52
The Guardian Rankings 2023	32
ARWU (2022)	701-800
QS 2023	751-800
THE Rankings 2023	501-600

6. Queen’s University Belfast

The Queen’s University of Belfast was established in 1849, with roots in the earlier Royal Belfast Academical Institution, which was established in 1810 and is one of the UK’s ten oldest universities.

The red-brick gothic Lanyon Building, which opened in 1849 and is named after its architect, Charles Lanyon, is the campus’s focal point. It is one of the university’s 250 buildings on the estate, which is mostly spread across Belfast‘s south side, near the river that is of central attraction. The majority of student activities take place on University Square, where students can socialise and relax after classes.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	24
The Guardian Rankings 2023	46
ARWU (2022)	301-400
QS 2023	=233
THE Rankings 2023	=198

7. University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is one of Scotland’s four great ancient universities. It is also one of the most beautiful universities in the United Kingdom. Much of Aberdeen‘s 15th-century architecture still stands and is used by students today. Marischal College and King’s College (both in Old Aberdeen) are two of the university’s most well-known structures.

The Old Aberdeen campus of King’s College is considered the city’s historic centre and one of Aberdeen’s most well-known symbols. Aberdeen University’s 11-acre botanical gardens include an arboretum and a collection of 2500 labelled plants.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	37
The Guardian Rankings 2023	13
ARWU (2022)	201-300
QS 2023	=220
THE Rankings 2023	=192

Must Read: Top Universities in UK for International Students

8. Aberystwyth University

Aberystwyth University in Wales rounds out the list of the UK’s most beautiful historic universities. It is one of the country’s oldest higher education institutions, having been founded in 1872. It claims to have founded the world’s first official department of international politics, which was established in 1919 in the aftermath of World War I.

The Old College building, which resembles a mediaeval castle, houses the majority of Aberystwyth University’s administration, as well as the departments of Welsh and education.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	53
The Guardian Rankings 2023	40
ARWU (2022)	–
QS 2023	651-700
THE Rankings 2023	501-600

9. Durham University

Durham University is a relatively young institution of higher education when compared to Cambridge and Oxford, but it is far from new. It was founded in 1832, and its stunning architecture has been described as “one of Europe‘s great experiences for those who appreciate architecture.”

Durham, like Oxford and Cambridge, is divided into colleges at various stages of development. University College, for example, is housed in Durham Castle, which was built in the 11th century, and 100 lucky students get to live and study there.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	6
The Guardian Rankings 2023	6
ARWU (2022)	301-400
QS 2023	92
THE Rankings 2023	=198

10. Loughborough University

Loughborough University, also known simply as “Lough,” is located in a small market town in Leicestershire. The main campus of the university covers 438 acres. In fact, it was once part of the Burleigh Hall estate. The walled Garden of Remembrance, the ornate Bastard Gates, and the Hazlerigg-Rutland Hall courtyard with its fountains are among the highlights of the beautiful university.

University Rankings

Complete University Guide 2023	7
The Guardian Rankings 2023	10
ARWU (2022)	701-800
QS 2023	=256
THE Rankings 2023	351-400

Cost of Studying in UK

Apart from the primary tuition fees, the cost of studying in the UK includes accommodation, Visa, daily expenses, transport, etc. Enlisted are the details about the expenses which one may incur to study in the UK:

• Tuition Fees

Level of Study	Average Tuition Fees (GBP) (Per Year)
UG	8000-9000 GBP (INR 7,10,000 – INR-8,00,000) – up to 30000 GBP (27,00,000 INR)
PG	12000-15000 GBP (INR 10,70,000 – INR-13,00,000) – up to 35000 GBP (31,00,000 INR).

The cost of studying programs like MBBS, clinical degrees, and various engineering branches will be a little more expensive than in other countries.

• Cost of Living

Kind of Expense	Cost in GBP
Fees for Visa Application	348 GBP (INR 35,834)
Housing	500 GBP (INR 51,486) monthly
Transportation	150-200 GBP (INR 15,445 to INR 19,844) monthly
Food	150-200 GBP (INR 14,883 to INR 20,594) monthly
Clothing and Leisure	50 GBP (INR 5,148) monthly
Telephone and Mobile	50 GBP (INR 5,148) monthly

These best campus universities in UK not only offer great views but also a wide range of degree programmes spanning multiple disciplines. Pursuing higher education in the UK will not only help you improve your career skills but will also open the door to a plethora of opportunities. Tuition fees in the United Kingdom can be slightly higher due to the high quality of education provided by the institutes. However, this can be significantly reduced by scholarships or aid provided by both the government and universities.

FAQs

This was all about the best campus universities in UK. If you are someone planning to study in the UK and are confused about which universities to apply to, then get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu to ease your burden!