What International Students Say About Studying in the UK

In the StudyPortals International Student Satisfaction Awards 2014,the United Kingdom ranks as the eighth top study destination in Europe. The awards were based on almost 7,000 students who rated their study experience using the world’s largest database of international student experiences, STeXX.eu. The UK received a final overall score of 9 out of 10, based on 444 international students who shared their impressions about studying in the UK. Student satisfaction for the UK has increased compared to 2013, when the country ranked 12^th. The Student Satisfaction Awards offer valuable insights into the overall education experience of international students enrolled at universities in the UK.

Fifteen universities in the UK received a Student Satisfaction Award. Five of them were awarded with the Certificate of Outstanding Student Satisfaction, achieving an average rating of more than 9.5 out of 10. Cardiff University placed first, followed by Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Edinburgh. The University of Exeter and University of Nottingham also received the “outstanding” award. Eight more universities in the UK were rated as “excellent” and two UK universities received a “very good” rating.

Praise for study options and resources at UK universities

International students agree that studying in the UK provides access to one of the most varied offerings of study program specializations in Europe. They report being very happy with the diverse study options, flexible schedule and part-time job opportunities. A number of students also emphasized their satisfaction with their personal and professional development while studying in the UK, especially highlighting opportunities to improve their English language skills.

Students are generally satisfied with the teaching methods and the extensive experience of the academic staff at universities in the UK. Facilities and classrooms are well equipped and answer specific student needs.

“It has every single facility a student could dream of. In addition, there are free language courses for those exchange students that might need them.” – student from Spain

“The Erasmus program was for me – an undergraduate student – a chance to increase awareness, skills, confidence and results for communicating effectively, accurately and respectfully across cultures. Living in a country that differs significantly from my own country, provided me with all kinds of experiences; experiences that stimulate you to socialize with others, to pore questions, to discover new methods and ways to doing things, to appreciate different perspectives, to be flexible and to determine what is of relevance, based on new insights.” – student from Greece

“A big university with loads of resources in terms of computer use, printing, library services, etc. The staff are friendly and willing to help, and the Guild of Students organizes lots of different activities and holds clubs for every taste, from photography to Asian gastronomy.” – student from Spain

Appreciation of the UK’s “international atmosphere”

Most students also consider the UK a great study location in which to benefit from an international atmosphere and make friends from every part of the world. Students enjoy British cities and culture, the rich social life and diverse university activities. International students in the UK tend to comment less on academic aspects compared to other international students in Europe – and this may reflect the greater importance of social and cultural factors for those studying in the UK. Students also regularly mention the good transportation infrastructure, which ensures easy travel around the country and abroad.

“A cosmopolitan city, so many cultural activities and manifestations to participate in. There were many international students coming from different backgrounds, therefore an opportunity for comparing yourself to them and realizing your strengths and weaknesses. I really felt like a student while walking on the streets of the huge campus, in the bars or engaging in many activities organized especially for students.” – student from France

“UCL is located in central London and it is a vibrant university full of friendly and intelligent students. Lot of societies and sport clubs to join to. There is constantly something going on: social activities, conferences, cultural fairs etc. The co-operation between university and industry is very good and organized.” – student from Estonia

The challenge of finding student accommodation in the UK

Because of the high population density and big numbers of students, student accommodation in the UK is not always easy to find and may be pricy, especially in areas closer to city centers. The quality of accommodation is also seen as rather low, and reviewers complain about rooms in bad shape or student hostels that are too far from university campuses. Other reasons not to recommend studying in the UK include complaints about inadequate services and unmotivated university staff, another effect of the large number of students in the UK.

Finally, the rainy weather was another source of less positive experience – but this should be a well-known fact already!

To find out more about the Student Satisfaction Awards and universities in the UK, visit the StudyPortals country overview. Those interested in studying in the UK can also browse more than 11,000 English-taught master’s programs, and over 4,600 bachelor’s programs.