University of Leeds ranks among best in student survey

It has moved up three places to sixth in the latest Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey today.

It was also joint top for the best student social life along with Cardiff, Sheffield and Newcastle Universities.

It is the sixth year in a row that Leeds University has been ranked as offering one of top ten student experiences in England. The survey polled more than 15,000 undergraduates on 21 areas of student life including the structure of courses, quality of the library and community atmosphere. Loughborough University was ranked top. Leeds was ranked higher than Cambridge and just behind Bath and Oxford.

Students questioned rated the Leeds University’s campus environment, student union, social life and extra-curricular activities and societies among its strengths.

Prof Vivien Jones, the university’s pro vice chancellor for student education, said: “What shines through yet again is the contribution and active role that students and the Union play in making this university a dynamic, ambitious and popular place to study. Because of our size and diversity, we offer not just a fantastic choice of degree programmes but also a huge range of inspiring experiences and activities. We put knowledge and opportunity at the heart of all that we do, so that we prepare and equip our students with the very best skills and experience to succeed.”

Sixth place follows the 2015 National Student Survey results, where 90 per cent of final year students at Leeds said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall quality of their course.

Toke Dahler, union affairs officer for Leeds University Union said: “It’s brilliant news that for yet another year Leeds has ranked so highly as a students’ union. We work tirelessly with our partners in the university to make sure students are loving their time at Leeds and getting the most out of every opportunity that university life has to offer.”

Five reasons why Leeds University is one of the best places to study, according to a new student survey:

• Good social life – joint 1st nationally

• Good campus environment – joint 3rd

• Good library and library opening hours

• Good activities and societies - joint 3rd

• Good student union – joint 2nd