Campus vs City Universities – Which is Best for You?

What’s the difference between a campus and a city university?

Campus universities have most of their buildings and facilities located in one area. These will generally include lecture halls, study spaces, Students’ Union, library and accommodation, all handily located within minutes of each other! Its main student residences will likely be located on the campus itself, but there may be other university-owned accommodation within commuting distance.

A campus university can be anything from a small cluster of buildings to something resembling a small city. The essentials will always be provided, but some may house extra attractions such as cinemas, museums and even hair salons!

A city university will have a central hub where its main administrative buildings are located, but the rest of its facilities will be scattered throughout the city. This means you may need to travel across town for lectures and seminars. City universities still provide student accommodation – you will likely be able to choose from one of several residences throughout the city.

Campus universities: the pros

The most obvious advantage of a campus university is convenience. You’ll be able to set that later alarm safe in the knowledge that your lecture hall is just a hop, skip and a jump away. Plus, you’re guaranteed access to all the amenities you need within minutes, whether it’s an emergency pint of milk from the on-campus shop or a caffeine hit from the café.

You’ll also usually have access to an on-campus gym and a doctor's surgery. You will still need to pay a membership fee to use your university’s gym, but this is likely to be cheaper than off-campus alternatives.

Studying at a campus university may also make it easier to socialise with other students. You’ll have easy access to society events and communal study spaces. Some universities also have on-campus nightclubs and restaurants.

Being within walking distance of everywhere you need to be will also help you cut down on travel costs!

Campus universities: the cons

Having access to everything you need in one place can be both an advantage and a disadvantage of studying at a campus university. Though it’s likely that the city itself will be nearby, you may find yourself less motivated to venture further afield if you never really need to, which may lead to a less rich student experience.

If you do opt for a campus university, be careful not to get stuck in a rut! Dinners at the on-campus restaurant followed by drinks at the SU and nights out at the neighbouring club may get monotonous after a while, so be sure to make time for trips into the city.

City universities: the pros

Studying at a city university is a great way to get properly integrated into the local community and experience all your city has to offer. Far from having to make a special trip into the city to visit its most well-known coffee shop or marvel at its architecture, you can do all this on your way to a morning lecture.

You’ll also have the opportunity to cast your social net a little bit wider. While university buildings are not typically open to the public, you’ll be able to mingle with locals or students from other institutions in off-campus cafes and bars.

City universities: the cons

If you choose to study at a city university, you’ll obviously need to factor in the extra time and money for commuting to and from your lectures. Transport costs can be substantial if your accommodation is especially far out (though many university cities offer student discounts!).

You’ll also benefit from extra security when studying at a campus university, since estate patrols will operate throughout the entire campus. This means it’s a good idea to take extra safety precautions if you’re studying at a city university, such as not walking home alone from a late night out.

To wrap up, both city and campus universities can provide excellent opportunities for students, and which you opt for depends on your personal preferences. Campus universities are fantastic for those who prioritise convenience, while city universities can provide a more authentic city experience and integration with the community.