When considering studying in the UK, many international students gravitate towards prestigious institutions like Oxford or Cambridge. However, there are several underrated universities in the UK that offer exceptional campus life, affordability, and a plethora of scholarships. This blog explores such universities, focusing on their campus life, resources, societies, and affordability for international students.
1. University of Leicester
City: Leicester, East Midlands
Campus Life: The University of Leicester offers a vibrant campus life with modern facilities. The campus includes the Charles Wilson Building, which houses state-of-the-art laboratories and study spaces. The university’s Student Union provides numerous social spaces, including cafes and bars.
Resources: Leicester boasts the impressive David Wilson Library, equipped with extensive collections and study resources. The university also offers career services with personalized support for internships and job placements.
Societies and Clubs: With over 200 student societies and clubs, Leicester provides a broad range of interests from the Leicester Student Law Society to the Dance Society. The university’s Union runs several clubs for music, drama, and sports.
Extracurriculars: Students can participate in the annual Leicester Comedy Festival, and the university often hosts guest lectures, workshops, and cultural events. The city itself is known for its multicultural festivals and diverse cuisine.
Student Events: Leicester’s student events include the annual Freshers’ Fair, various cultural festivals, and sports events. The university also organizes regular networking events with alumni and industry professionals.
Fees: For international students, undergraduate tuition fees range from £15,000 to £20,000 per year. The university offers several scholarships, such as the Leicester International Scholarship, which can reduce fees by up to £4,000.
2. University of Sheffield
City: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Campus Life: The University of Sheffield features a dynamic campus with a blend of historic and modern buildings. The Students’ Union is one of the largest and most active in the UK, offering a wide range of facilities and social spaces.
Resources: Sheffield is known for its extensive library system, including the Diamond, a state-of-the-art learning and research center. The university also provides comprehensive career services, including job fairs and employability workshops.
Societies and Clubs: The university supports over 300 societies and clubs, including the Sheffield University Students’ Union (SUSU) which offers everything from academic societies to hobbyist groups. Popular clubs include the Sheffield University Union of Students (SUUS) and various cultural and sports societies.
Extracurriculars: Sheffield’s extracurricular scene includes the annual Sheffield Adventure Film Festival and various local music and arts events. The city is renowned for its vibrant music scene and numerous independent shops and eateries.
Student Events: Events include the Sheffield Students’ Union Freshers’ Week, themed parties, and regular guest speaker sessions. The university also hosts an array of cultural and academic events throughout the year.
Fees: Undergraduate tuition fees for international students range from £16,000 to £22,000 per year. The university offers scholarships such as the Sheffield International Scholarship for undergraduate students, which can provide up to £2,500 per year.
3. University of Portsmouth
City: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Campus Life: The University of Portsmouth offers a lively campus with a focus on student welfare and engagement. The campus includes modern facilities like the Eldon Building, which houses art and design studios.
Resources: Portsmouth has the Library and Learning Services, offering extensive resources and support. The university also provides a dedicated Career and Employability Service to help students with job placements and career planning.
Societies and Clubs: Students can join over 150 societies and clubs, from the Portsmouth Law Society to various sports and cultural clubs. The university’s Student Union is active in organizing events and activities for students.
Extracurriculars: Extracurricular activities include the annual Portsmouth Music Festival and various city-based cultural events. The university also offers opportunities for volunteering and involvement in community projects.
Student Events: Portsmouth hosts regular student events including Freshers’ Week, themed social nights, and guest lectures. The city’s vibrant nightlife and seaside location provide additional recreational options.
Fees: International undergraduate tuition fees range from £14,000 to £19,000 per year. Scholarships such as the International Scholarships can reduce tuition fees by up to £3,000 per year.
4. University of Hull
City: Hull, East Yorkshire
Campus Life: The University of Hull offers a friendly and inclusive campus environment with modern amenities. The campus includes the Hull History Centre and a range of social spaces.
Resources: Hull’s Brynmor Jones Library provides extensive study and research resources. The university’s careers service offers support through internships, job placements, and career advice.
Societies and Clubs: With over 100 student societies and clubs, Hull provides various options for involvement. Popular groups include the Hull University Business Society and various sports and cultural clubs.
Extracurriculars: Students can enjoy local festivals such as the Hull International Photography Festival and various city-based cultural activities. The university also hosts a range of sports and recreational activities.
Student Events: Student events include the Hull Freshers’ Fair, themed social events, and various cultural and academic events organized by the Student Union.
Fees: International undergraduate tuition fees range from £13,000 to £18,000 per year. Hull offers scholarships like the International Excellence Scholarship, which can cover up to £4,000 per year.
5. University of Chester
City: Chester, Cheshire
Campus Life: The University of Chester offers a charming campus experience with a mix of historic and contemporary buildings. The campus includes modern facilities and a welcoming student community.
Resources: Chester provides extensive library resources and study spaces. The university’s Career and Employability Service offers tailored support to help students with job placements and career development.
Societies and Clubs: Students can join over 100 societies and clubs, including academic societies and sports clubs. The university’s Student Union is actively involved in organizing events and activities.
Extracurriculars: Extracurricular activities include the Chester Literature Festival and various local cultural events. The city’s historical ambiance and recreational opportunities add to the student experience.
Student Events: Chester hosts a range of student events including Freshers’ Week, themed parties, and various academic and social gatherings.
Fees: International undergraduate tuition fees range from £12,000 to £17,000 per year. Scholarships like the Chester International Scholarship can offer reductions of up to £2,500 per year.
These underrated universities in the UK offer a fantastic blend of affordability, vibrant campus life, and robust support systems for international students. From diverse student societies and active campus events to substantial scholarship opportunities, these institutions provide a welcoming environment for students from South Asia and beyond. By choosing one of these universities, students can enjoy a rich educational experience without compromising on affordability or campus life quality.
