Revealed: Where to make the best of friends at university

United Kingdom, 1 September 2022: Following this year’s A Level results day, students across the country are preparing for their transition into university life, with recent research from Yugo revealing the top 10 university cities for making friends for life.

With many school leavers undoubtedly anxious about what lies ahead, those destined for Edinburgh, Southampton and Bristol are most likely to make best friends forever. According to the research, 98% of respondents who studied in those cities claimed that five years down the line, they are still in touch with their besties from university.

The study, commissioned by global student housing brand and operator, Yugo, has highlighted that whilst Freshers Week and social events play a role, where students study may in fact have the largest bearing on how long they remain friends with their university peers.

The good news is that 60% of the 1,500 former students polled are still friends with someone they met on their first day of university.

Over half (54%) said they met one of their best friends in student accommodation, and the top three ways of making friends at university were found to be by socialising with as many people as possible (64%), taking part in Freshers Week (57%) and joining societies (48%).

According to the study, mutual friends, open days, and house parties were also cited as good ways to meet, as was living close to campus.

Former students of Lincoln, Liverpool and Glasgow Universities admitted to being slack when it comes to maintaining old friendships, with only 82% stating that they are still in contact with a friend from university.

The top 10 UK student cities for making best friends forever, according to the research:

• Edinburgh
• Southampton
• Bristol
• Exeter
• Cambridge
• Lancaster
• Plymouth
• Bournemouth
• Nottingham
• Newcastle

Abby Bentley, Global Brand and Marketing Director at Yugo said:

“Making friends is a crucial part of any new student’s university experience and the importance of this shouldn’t be underestimated. As the research shows, many people continue to stay friends with their university peers and keep in touch years later, which is really great to see.

“At Yugo, we play an important role in building communities that support students through a key period in their lives. Our spaces host a variety of social events, including BBQs and games nights to bring our students together. We recognise the positive impact that a good social life has on students’ overall university experience, which is why we actively support our students this area through our Live Your Best Life program.”

Our unique pillars of YugoEco, YuPro and YuGrow are constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of today’s students, ensuring that we are always there to support them.”