Leeds and Sheffield Universities have '˜best student social life in the country'

UNIVERSITIES in two Yorkshire cities have both been ranked in nation's top ten and rated as having the best student social life in the country, a survey has revealed today.
Leeds UniversityLeeds University
Leeds University

Sheffield University retained its spot in third while Leeds has climbed three places to sixth nationally in the latest Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey. Both were the among the joint highest ranked institutions for social life along with Newcastle and Cardiff Universities.

York was the third highest ranked university in Yorkshire and 23rd out of 117 institutions nationally.

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Loughborough University is ranked top for student experience and Harper Adams University, in Shropshire, - which entered the rankings for the first time came second. The survey polled more than 15,000 undergraduates on 21 areas of student life including the structure of courses, quality of the library and community atmosphere. Sheffield University’s Students’ Union has been voted the best in the UK for the eighth year in a row while the Leeds University Union was joint second.

As well as being Yorkshire’s highest ranked university in the survey Sheffield was also rated joint top for having a good community atmosphere and for the number of students who would recommend the University to a friend. Sheffield, which has more than 300 student clubs and societies, also came joint third in the ‘good extra-curricular/societies’ category.

Prof Wyn Morgan, the university’s pro-vice chancellor for learning and teaching said: “We are delighted to be ranked so highly for our exceptional student experience once again.

“Choosing to go to a particular university is more than an investment in your career.

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“It also provides you with a life changing opportunity to broaden your horizons, develop socially and academically and transform your future.”

Leeds University was ranked in the top ten for the sixth year in a row. Students questioned rated the university’s campus environment, student union, social life and extra-curricular activities and societies as being particularly strong.

Prof Vivien Jones, the university’s pro vice chancellor for student education, said: “What shines through yet again is the contribution and active role that students and the union play in making this university a dynamic, ambitious and popular place to study.

“Because of our size and diversity, we offer not just a fantastic choice of degree programmes but also a huge range of inspiring experiences and activities.

“We put knowledge and opportunity at the heart of all that we do, so that we prepare and equip our students with the very best skills and experience to succeed.”