What should you choose: City Uni or a Campus Uni ?

There are two types of Universities in the UK. The first type is the Campus-based Universities like Lancaster University, University of Birmingham or the University of Bath, where all the facilities are in one place. The Campus-based Universities are primarily located far away from the town centre in a countryside setting.

The other type is City-based Universities like City University London are located in the city's centre, and the facilities are spread out across the city. City Universities get more integrated with the rest of the society.

When you select your University, you automatically choose the place you will live in for a year. But which is better? A city-based university or a Campus-based University?

Let's try to evaluate both pros and cons of both types.

Campus based University

Pros:

1. Everything is within walking distance. Be it lecture theatres, support wings, gym, accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants, takeaways, book store, and all other facilities are within the same campus. When you have 9am - 5pm classes like I did, having all the walking distance facilities was such a blessing.
2. You can access facilities like Computer Lab, Library and Printing 24*7. During exam times, this will come in very handy. Some days I used to stay back in the library till 6am and head back to my room which was a 10-minute walk inside the campus.
3. Friends as neighbours. When I was living in Graduate college at Lancaster University, we had weekend game nights in the social hub and some breakfast days. Ultimately, you build a sense of community within the campus.
4. It is very safe. Almost all the Universities have 24*7 concierge on campus with security systems to monitor activities. If you have any issues or concerns, they are one call away.

Lancaster University is a Campus-based University. I chose to go to a campus-based Uni because I like to live in the countryside. Everything was inside one campus, so it was easier for me to focus and plan my other activities.

Cons:

1. High prices. The accommodation on campus is a bit expensive when compared to off-campus accommodations. I spent £700/ month on-campus housing, but I got apartments from £350/month when I moved out after the contract.
2. Nightlife on campus is okayish. You will end up travelling to the city for parties.
3. There are not many things to do on campus apart from studying and basic socialising.

City based University

Pros:

1. Great nightlife. There are a lot of options for restaurants, bars, pubs and other world-class attractions.
2. Love exploring? You will like city-based universities. Either by walk, biking or tubes, you will travel to different places to access the University's additional facilities.
3. You will discover a lot of places, and it is suitable for relaxation.
4. You will never be bored. There will be 1000's options for your sudden day-out plans.

Cons:

1. Not everything is near your doorstep.
2. During exam times travelling in a crowded tube or bus rides might put you off.
3. If you want to stay in an apartment with a 24*7 concierge facility, it is costly. But not all neighbourhoods are safe and friendly.
4. All your peers and classmates will be living all around the city. So, it will be tough to collaborate during group assignments.

Here you go.

Both types of Universities have both pros and cons, but it all comes to your preferences and lifestyle. If you want to head out for a weekend getaway, you can use the fantastic UK public transport. It is inexpensive, and the transportations are very interconnected. So, it doesn't matter if you live in a Campus-based university or a city-based university.

Some might disagree with my perspective, but in the current COVID situation, it would be best if one chooses a Campus based university than a city-based university. I was staying on-campus when COVID 19 lockdown started in March 2020. There were university officials who checked on us every day to make sure we are comfortable and healthy. That was such a blessing.

Finally, I think location shouldn't be the only factor to select your right University. There are 9 other vital things to consider as well. Read more → 10 things to consider before you choose your Master's University.

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