Staff and students gathered at a glittering ceremony in London to discover which of the UK’s top universities would go home with a coveted Whatuni Student Choice Award (WUSCA). First held 11 years ago, the WUSCAs are the only annual awards for UK universities decided by students. With more than 35,000 of their reviews determining the winners across 12 categories, nominees can be sure they have met the approval of the people who know them best.
Here is a round-up of some of the winners – you might want to feature them in your study plans.
University of the Year
For the first time, Nottingham Trent University came out on top in the overall category for University of the Year, having finished second in 2022. As this student review shows, the university is a fantastic place for learning and living, whatever your background.
"Trent is a great place to study because of the variety of people here, the global, cultural, and contextual differences between each student. You have the chance to make so many new friends who come from all walks of life! The tutors are supportive and full of incredible knowledge and ideas, which they are very happy to share and discuss with you. Trent allows and encourages you to develop your identity, thoughts and dreams to be the best version of yourself."
Last year’s winner was this year’s runner-up. University College Birmingham switched places with Nottingham Trent to come second, while Aberystwyth University completed the top three.
International University of the Year
University College Birmingham may have had to settle for second place in the overall category, but its exceptional support of students from outside the UK took it to the top of the class in the International category. As one student described it:
"Diverse and Inclusive. As an International Student, you don't really feel like an outsider and fit right in from day one. The teaching programme, modules and the teachers are excellent and effective."
In a reversal of the results of the University of the Year category, 2022 International winners Nottingham Trent University took second place. Just behind them in third was the University of Strathclyde.
Best Student Support (sponsored by Prompt Marketing)
Feeling supported by your university is extremely important. It’s for that reason that the superb services offered by Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University were recognised with the award for Student Support. The words of one of their students explain why:
"I absolutely adore BGU, and I am so pleased that I chose to study here. The student support that is available is absolutely incredible, and I cannot commend the uni enough for the support that they offer from both the teaching staff and the student advice team. I feel really valued as a student at BGU and seen as a person rather than just another number for their stats. Staff across the whole campus are all friendly and welcoming, and it's always nice to have a chat with them.”
University College Birmingham once more performed strongly, taking second position after winning this award last year. Following them in third was Wrexham Glyndwr University.
Top university for Career Prospects
Rurally based Harper Adams University continued its strong performance in the Career Prospects category, winning for the seventh time in a row. Students are very happy with the impact it can have on their future, as this one describes:
"I know for a fact Harper will open doors for me that no other place could allow, especially through the placement year. The year out working within the agricultural industry gives the opportunity to learn and gives a comprehensive understanding of the industry. The placement year not only teaches us about agriculture but the interview process that comes with getting a new job. I can say it’s really boosted my confidence, and I feel once I’ve graduated I will be ready to go out and into the real world."
Two winners of other awards finished off the top three, with University College Birmingham in second and Bishop Grosseteste University third.
Best university for Halls and Student Accommodation
Accommodation is a greater concern than ever for international students, with quality options in high demand. If you want a place to stay that will feel like home, look no further than Halls and Student Accommodation winners, Bishop Grosseteste University. Take the word of one of its students:
"It was a great location for first years to navigate around the uni. It was comfortable and kept clean and organised with management!"
Great accommodation experiences were also had by students at runners-up Loughborough University and third-place Bangor University.
The top Students’ Union
Students’ Unions are another great source of support at university. They help anyone who needs them while serving up a lot of fun. This year, voters ranked the University of Sheffield union as the best for the fifth successive time. In the words of one student:
“The student union go out of their way to make uni life better for students as well as continuously finding better opportunities and events to engage with everyone!!”
Other highly recommended unions are at second-place Cardiff University and the third-place University of Strathclyde.
Best university for Postgraduate studies (sponsored by Havas Education)
Another success came for overall winners Nottingham Trent University in the Postgraduate category, underlining how the institution is rated by students regardless of their study level. One international student made clear why they deserved it:
“The university has provided so many opportunities to explore different cultures through the Global Lounge and by organising Global Week. The support provided for students during assessments in particular is very helpful. Other than that, the university provided guidance every step of the way in terms of accommodation, opening a bank account and other things that are a part of an international student's life in a new country. It’s been a great experience overall.”
Postgraduate students also gave high scores for their experience at the University of Chester and the University of Suffolk, which came second and third respectively.
Want to know more? Read the complete guide to all award winners and the full rankings in each category. If you’re even more inspired to attend a top British university, discover more about studying in the UK.
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