Britain’s Best University Night Out: The Best and Worst University Cities

Nights out are a huge part of the university experience, aren’t they? They’re where friendships are forged and memories are made—memories that will have you smiling (or cringing) long after you’ve put away your party shoes. But let’s be honest, going out in a new city can feel a bit daunting. Thankfully, with proper security measures like CCTV and visible security staff, you can focus on the fun without constantly worrying about your safety.

But which university city is the best for a student night out? The team at Get Licensed have looked into the proportion of bars, clubs and pubs, the percentage of venues rated over three stars, and the average prices of a taxi and a pint of beer. They’ve also delved into the level of safety in each city, looking at resident’s worries about being mugged, attacked, walking home alone at night and the overall safety index score. Let’s dive in.

Top Cities For University Night Out

Durham has been crowned the best city for a university night out, scoring 9.44/10

1. Durham (Score: 9.44/10)

Durham takes the crown as the best city for a university night out, and honestly, it’s no surprise. This city excels across the board, especially when it comes to safety. In fact, Durham ranks first in every wellbeing factor we looked at. And if that’s not enough to convince you, consider this: 95% of its bars and clubs are rated three stars or above. Whether you’re in the mood to dance the night away or just chill with a pint, Durham offers both quality and peace of mind.

• Safety: Ranks 1st in all wellbeing factors.
• Quality: 95% of bars and clubs rated 3 stars or above.

2. York (Score: 7.97/10)

Next up is York, a city that’s as safe as it is picturesque. York scores high in safety across the board, making it a secure spot to let your hair down. Whether you’re worried about muggings or just want to walk home without fear, York has got you covered. Plus, with a confidence score of 69/100 for walking alone at night, you can focus on enjoying your evening out.

• Safety: Top 5 in all safety factors.
• Mugging Concerns: 19/100.
• Walking Alone at Night: 69/100.

3. Newcastle upon Tyne (Score: 7.92/10)

Rounding out the top three is Newcastle upon Tyne, the undisputed champion of pubs. With 176 pubs per 100,000 people, you’re spoilt for choice here. Whether you’re looking for a cosy corner or a lively atmosphere, Newcastle’s pub scene won’t disappoint. It’s the perfect place to grab a pint and chat with friends in a friendly, laid-back environment.

• Pubs: 176 per 100,000 people.
• Bars and Clubs: 43 per 100,000 people.

Worst Cities For University Night Out

London takes home the title of the worst university night out, scoring only 1.36/10

1. London (Score: 1.36/10)

And now, the city that unfortunately takes the bottom spot—London. Yes, the capital is vibrant and full of life, but it’s also seriously expensive. With pint of beer averaging £6.50 and taxis not far behind at £1.95 per kilometre, a night out in London can leave your wallet feeling a bit too light. Plus, the proportion of bars and clubs relative to the population is surprisingly low, making it harder to find a spot to hang out without being elbow-to-elbow with everyone else.

• Pint of Beer Cost: £6.50.
• Taxi Cost: £1.95/km.
• Bars and Clubs: Low proportion relative to population.

2. Coventry (Score: 2.44/10)

Coventry comes in second to last, largely due to safety issues and a lack of pub density. With just nine pubs per 100,000 people, your options for a casual night out are limited. But what’s more concerning is the high level of worry about being mugged or robbed—this city ranks low in safety, which can definitely put a damper on your night.

• Pubs: 9 per 100,000 people.
• Mugging Concerns: 64/100.

3. Birmingham (Score: 2.56/10)

Not far behind Coventry is Birmingham, another city that struggles with safety concerns. With a low safety index of 36.16/100, Birmingham isn’t the most reassuring place for a night out. Whether you’re worried about being mugged or attacked, the stats here don’t offer much comfort. It’s a shame because the city has a lot to offer—just not in the safety department.

• Safety Index: 36.16/100.
• Mugging Concerns: 63/100.

The Cities with…

Most Bars and Clubs:

Going clubbing with your mates after a hard day of studying is one of the key aspects of the university experience, so a wide array of clubs and bars is ideal for students. Plymouth takes the top spot, with 62 bars and clubs per 100,000 of the city’s population.

Best Rated Venues: 

When heading out on a night out, you’ll want to know your chosen club or bar is clean, safe, and good value for money. High Wycombe has the highest proportion of bars and nightclubs, with 100% rated three stars or above.

Most Pubs: 

If you prefer a quieter night out than clubbing, pubs offer the perfect opportunity to socialise with your uni mates in a more relaxed setting. Newcastle upon Tyne has the highest proportion of pubs, with 176 per 100,000 people.  

Cheapest Pint:

If you’re on a tight budget at uni, you’ll want to find an affordable place to kick back with your mates, relax, and have fun without breaking the bank. Middlesbrough is the uni town with the cheapest pints, averaging £3 per drink.

Cheapest Taxi Fare:

Knowing you’ll be able to afford a safe and convenient way home after a night out is essential for students, especially if it’s affordable. Three cities—Hull, Lancaster, and Middlesbrough—share the cheapest taxi price at £0.75 per kilometre.

Safest City: 

Knowing you’ll be safe when going out in your chosen city is crucial, as students are often more vulnerable to crimes such as burglary and muggings, especially if you’re new to an area. However, you won’t have to worry too much if you’re in Durham. It has the highest safety index score on the list, at 80 out of 100.

Lowest Fear of Mugging:

Students are often at high risk of being mugged or robbed as they’re more likely to be out and about late at night, and drinking can make you more likely to take risks that could make you a target for muggings. Durham also tops the ranking as the city with the lowest fear of being mugged or robbed, scoring 9 out of 100.

Lowest Fear of Attack:

On a night out, you’ll want the reassurance that you won’t fall victim to violent crime. Students are often seen as an easy target as they’re perceived as having less life experience. Durham also leads the pack regarding the fear of being attacked, with an index score of 19 out of 100. 

Safest Walk Home:

Knowing you’ll be safe walking home alone after a night out gives you peace of mind, reducing the stress you might already feel while keeping up with your coursework or exam revision. Durham has the highest index score of 76 out of 100 regarding confidence in the safety of walking alone at night. 

How to Stay Safe on a Night Out

Before you head out, here are a few tips to ensure your night remains fun and safe:

1. Charge Your Phone

It might seem obvious, but make sure your phone is fully charged before you head out. It’s your lifeline to staying in touch with friends or calling for help if needed.

2. Watch What You Drink

Drinking in moderation is key. Make sure you eat beforehand and alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Never leave your drink unattended. To prevent drink spiking, always keep an eye on your drink and be cautious in social settings.

3. Stick Together

There’s safety in numbers. Stick with your friends, and if you need to split up, make sure everyone knows where you’re going.

4. Keep Your Valuables Safe

Keep your valuables out of sight and in a secure place, ideally in a zipped pocket. And remember, never leave your bag unattended!

5. Respect Others

Alcohol can cloud your judgement, so always treat others with respect. If someone seems uncomfortable, back off. Never touch anyone without their consent—simple as that.

For more tips on enjoying a secure nightlife and making the most of your evenings out, check out our guide on tips to enjoy a secure nightlife.

How Get Licensed Makes Your Nights Out Safer

At Get Licensed, we believe every night out should be fun, memorable, and safe. As the UK’s leading provider of security training, we ensure venues are staffed with qualified professionals who know how to keep things safe and enjoyable.

Why This Matters:

When you’re out with friends, the last thing you want to worry about is safety. Thanks to our rigorous security training, the staff at your favourite spots are trained to handle any situation—whether it’s crowd control, preventing theft, or ensuring everyone plays by the rules.

Our Commitment:

• Top-Notch Training: We train door supervisors, security guards, and CCTV operators to handle any scenario.
• Empowerment: Our courses equip security professionals to act swiftly and appropriately.
• Collaboration: We partner with venues to uphold the highest safety standards, so you can enjoy your night worry-free.

So, the next time you’re out in one of the UK’s best (or even worst) university cities, remember that Get Licensed is working behind the scenes to keep your night out fun, secure, and hassle-free.

Methodology

To compile our rankings, we analysed university cities based on several factors:

• Bars and Clubs per 100,000 people: Data sourced from Tripadvisor.
• Percentage of Bars and Nightclubs Rated 3 Stars and Above: Also sourced from Tripadvisor.
• Pubs per 100,000 people: Data from useyourlocal.
• Average Pint of Beer Cost: Data from Numbeo.
• Average Taxi Cost per 1km: Data from Numbeo.
• Safety Index Score: Data from Numbeo.
• Concerns About Being Mugged or Robbed: Data from Numbeo.
• Concerns About Being Attacked: Data from Numbeo.
• Feel Safe Walking Alone at Night: Data from Numbeo.

Population figures were based on 2021 estimates from City Population. All data were normalised to provide a fair score out of 10 for each city. Data was correct as of 14/08/2024.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a wild night out or just a quiet drink with friends, knowing the best and worst university cities can make all the difference. Keep these rankings in mind, stay safe, and most importantly, enjoy your time at university—you’ve earned it!