Best Universities For Nightlife 2024: UK City Guide

Wondering what the best universities for nightlife are in the UK?

While it would be silly to base the decision to go to a specific university on its reputation for nightlife alone, we all know the social aspect of uni is often considered one of the most important for students when it comes to weighing up where they may wish to study.

If you're interested to discover which UK cities are home to the best universities for nightlife, you're certainly not alone - it's normal to wonder whether your home for the next few years offers enough to keep you entertained.

This has long been a priority for prospective students, with one even taking to The Student Room forum back in 2013 to write: "Don't get me wrong, I do want to get a good degree class but I'll be away from home for three years and want to have fun. I love parties therefore I need to be surrounded by a buzzing nightlife" - fair enough!

We're here to do all the hard work for you by taking a look at the UK universities which are consistently rated some of the best for nightlife, as well as giving some recommendations for the top student nights out that each one offers.

Best Universities For Nightlife

University of Liverpool

According to UniversityCompare, the University of Liverpool takes the victory for 2024/25 for its social scene, with students giving it an average rating of 4.54/5 - impressive!

The bustling city which is home to music legends and some of the friendliest people you'll meet is unsurprisingly a firm favourite amongst students for its unbeatable social scene.

It may not be the place locals choose to venture to, but students love Concert Square thanks to its array of bars and nightclubs all within walking distance of one another offering a wide range of different student nights.

If you love a cheesy throwback and can see past a sticky dancefloor, Popworld is the place for you. In your first year, you'll inevitably stumble across the likes of Heebie Jeebies, McCooleys, Brooklyn Mixer and Level. But it's also worth branching out and heading to the Baltic Triangle where you'll find everything from 24 Kitchen Street to Cains Brewery (which hosts the one and only Bongo's Bingo). Aptly named Shit Indie Disco at the Electrik has also become a go-to for students, so if you want to get your Arctic Monkeys and Oasis fix, you know where to go.

For chilled bar vibes or drinks in the sun, head to Kazimier Garden or The Merchant.

A classy cocktail night with a stunning view of the city can be had at Oh Me Oh My's rooftop garden.

University of Leeds

Yet another city proving that northerners dominate when it comes to nights out, the University of Leeds is no stranger to being ranked one of the best universities for nightlife.

One student's raved about the university's social scene via UniversityCompare, saying: "Our Union was voted the best student Union in the UK - with good reason! We have a fab café/bar/beer garden in the Union called Terrace with really affordable and good food and drinks.

"Fruity is the union's Friday club night and it's full of cheesy but fab pop/2000s music and cheap and cheerful drinks! You can't really go wrong with a night out at Fruity.

"Leeds as a city has the best nights out, but this isn't news to anyone! Biggest range of clubs and nights out ever - from disco and funk at Hifi and Warehouse, to R&B at Backroom, there's rock/pop punk at Key Club and Attic and Belgrave Music Hall. Oh, and PRYZM, but we don't talk about PRYZM..."

Any Leeds alumni will likely back this and praise Leeds' wide range of clubs and bars suited to all music tastes. They'll also agree with that last point on PRYZM - avoid at all costs...

If bars are more your thing, make sure to visit Call Lane - home to the likes of Oporto, Neon Cactus, and Call Lane Social.

Newcastle University

What would a 'best universities for nightlife' guide be without the toon?

Unsurprisingly, Newcastle University consistently makes it into the top five best unis for nightlife in the UK. It was voted the second best city in the UK for student nightlife this year by StudentCrowd, beaten only by the University of Liverpool.

With £1 drinks a staple of many clubs and student-friendly bars, you can be sure to enjoy a fun-filled night out without breaking the bank. Jungle at Tup Tup each Thursday is great for RnB and hip hop fans (if you want an excuse to dress up and don't mind spending a little extra), Soho is renowned for trebs - consisting of three shots of vodka and a mixer (drink responsibly!) - and Digi is a rite of passage whether you opt for Feral Fridays or Saturday night's Pandemonium event. Tuesday night's Bop at The Cut is perfect for fans of house, disco and techno. Enjoy!

University of Glasgow/University of Strathclyde

According to both UniFresher and The Uni Guide, these Glasgow-based unis are two of the best when it comes to nightlife. It goes without saying, really - Scots love a party.

The Uni of Glasgow was ranked third in a list of the 'hardest partying unis in the UK', while Strathclyde boasts one of the best student unions in Scotland according to students.

Offering a great atmosphere, cheap drinks and fun quiz nights, Strathclyde's union is never a bad idea.

Sub Club - which serves as the oldest underground nightclub in the world still in operation - made it into Resident Advisor's Top 10 list of nightclubs in the world, so it's absolutely one for Glasgow-based students to add to their lists of clubs to visit.

Bamboo Glasgow is a favourite amongst students and offers incredible deals on drinks along with a fantastic atmosphere, featuring three spacious rooms and plenty of star DJ guest appearances.

Firewater is the place for lovers of indie and rock, while SWG3 on the West End is dubbed a 'legendary warehouse rave venue'. Fans of live music will likely love Nice ‘n Sleazy, and those who like a bit of everything - from karaoke to foam parties - will never be bored at The Garage.

Uni Nightlife Ranked

As you can imagine, there are countless other cities renowned for their buzzing nightlife - these are just four that are repeatedly rated for being home to some of the best universities for nightlife in the UK.

Others which typically make top 10 lists include the likes of Manchester, Swansea, Sheffield, Bristol, Huddersfield, Aberystwyth and Birmingham. Those which don't fare so well and are frequently ranked some of the worst unis for nightlife include the likes of Portsmouth, Northampton, Guildford, Worcester, Dundee and Luton (sorry guys).

But wherever you go, it's worth remembering that you can have a good night out virtually anywhere across the country - it's all about the company!