The UK Higher Education sector, from students to professors, came together to celebrate success and achievement at the annual Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA) in London hosted by renowned actor and comedian Lenny Henry. Celebrating its 12th year as the premier student-adjudicated awards ceremony for universities, institutions were excited at the prospect of being crowned winners in one of the 12 categories, notably University of the Year and International University of the Year 2024.
With over 35,000 student reviews collected from those who know the institutions best, awards were handed out to deserving institutions in the following categories:
- University of the Year
- International University of the Year
- Career Prospects
- University Facilities
- University Halls
- Lecturer and Teaching Quality
- Student Support
- Student Life
- Students Union
- Postgraduate
- Small or specialist institution
- Submission Award (Career Coaching and work placement)
As an international student, we know you’re looking for universities that excel in important areas for you. We picked some key winners to help you research and evaluate your options for studying in the UK.
University of the Year
Having picked up the bronze medal in 2022, 2024 was the year for the University of Sheffield, who took the top spot on the podium as the University of the Year. Students noted the welcoming environment, quality education and student life as major plus points. One student’s perspective underlines this:
The University of Sheffield provides a conducive environment for academic excellence. The faculty members are not only knowledgeable but also approachable, fostering an atmosphere of collaborative learning. The coursework is rigorous but fulfilling, and I appreciate the resources available to support my studies, from state-of-the-art libraries to interactive online platforms.
The University of Chester were runner’s up in the category with students noting its student-first approach and excellent facilities. Third place for 2024 was taken by the University of Lincoln, which has featured in the top three of several WUSCA categories in the past.
International University of the Year
While the University of Chester may have missed out on the overall crown, its reputation as a premier institution for international students in the UK was confirmed through the award of this category win. The university was acknowledged for its support and facilitation of international students:
The University of Chester is a very welcoming place, especially for international students. Ever since I came here, I never once felt excluded. Everyone is super nice and will try their best to help the students out. They also prioritise your mental health so if you are struggling with something, you can reach out to any of the services provided and they will help you immediately! This university helps me to feel like I belong.
Second place in the category went to the University of Lincoln, while the third spot was taken by the 2023 University of the Year, Nottingham Trent University.
Best Student Support
One of the most critical aspects of studying abroad is receiving the support and guidance you need from a university. This is essential for a good experience and for being able to settle into a new environment. According to students, no institution does this better than the University of Chester:
The University excels at being student-friendly through the helpful and affable manner of its staff members who usually go out of their way to assist and guide students. The teaching standards are very good with dedicated and knowledgeable academic staff members who deliver lectures and tutorials and are concerned about students' overall wellbeing and welfare.
Last year’s winner of the category Bishop Grosseteste University came in a creditable second, while Arts University Plymouth took the third place.
Best Career Prospects
Studying abroad is a significant investment of time and money. You want to be sure that the university you choose provides good graduate outcomes and career prospects. In 2024, Harper Adams University took this title for the eighth year running. Students consistently rate the university for the prospects offered by the institution:
Harper is an incredible rural university. We have an incredibly close and caring community. Student mental health, well-being and success are at the heart of it all. We are all distinguished and recognised as people rather than just a statistic. Our careers are built here and all our industry types that students decide to study intertwine, meaning we also learn from one another making us more versatile in our job roles of choice. Harper cares for the future of our careers, education, and the environment. Being a stepping stone in success, not just for students but society.
The silver medal in the category went to the University of Suffolk, with the University of Chester making another appearance in the top three to take bronze.
Best Student Life
You want a good experience with studying abroad, with the opportunity to try new things and meet new people. Student life has a lot to do with this and so a university which rates highly in this category is always a good option. Winning in 2024 is the University of Sheffield:
The SU is incredibly welcoming and has just about any society or sports team you could wish for as well as a multitude of great facilities and shops/cafes. The disability support service is also incredibly helpful.
The other highly rated universities in this category are the University of Liverpool in 2nd place and the University of Lincoln in 3rd spot.
Best university for Postgraduate studies
If you’re a student looking to pursue a postgraduate degree you want to be sure that your chosen university can support you and provide an environment optimised for your success at this study level. Making another appearance for 2024 and winning the postgraduate category was the University of Chester, moving up one place from their runner-up spot in 2023. The University of Lincoln took the second spot with one student remarking:
The University of Lincoln is in the centre of the city which makes it easy to be located. It is walking distance from the main bus station. The university has neat lecture theatres which makes learning fun. Also, a well-structured library for students to do their research. It has a student support centre that assists students anytime. The lecturers are friendly and approachable and respond to emails quickly.
The third spot for the postgraduate category went to Bournemouth University.
Hopefully, you’ve got a better idea of some of the institutions in the UK that students endorse as good options for your degree. Remember you can read more about all of the winners and all the rankings on the Whatuni website. You can also find out more about the top student cities in the UK and explore more UK institutions.
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