The Top Ten Booziest Universities
University life is often associated with long nights studying and early morning lectures, but let’s face it – for many students, it’s also about the social experience. And what’s more quintessentially British than celebrating the end of a gruelling exam period with a pint at the local pub?
In a revealing study of student drinking habits across the UK, we’ve uncovered some surprising statistics. Would you believe that students at one university spend a staggering 50% more on alcohol than the average UK student?
To bring you this comprehensive list of the booziest universities, we’ve combined data from NatWest’s latest annual Student Living Index and Pint Price. Our ranking is based on the amount students at each university spend on alcohol monthly, giving us a unique insight into which institutions are truly embracing the “work hard, play hard” ethos.
So, whether you’re a prospective student looking for a lively social scene, a current student wondering how your uni stacks up, or just a curious observer, we’re about to dive into the top ten universities where students are most likely to be found raising a glass (or several) to higher education.
University of Glasgow
Average monthly spend: £50.70
Equivalent to 18 pints of beer per month
That's about four and a half pints a week
University of Leeds
Average monthly spend: £50.70
Slightly cheaper drink prices mean this equates to just under 19 pints
University of Leicester
Average monthly spend: £60.10
A significant increase from £14.40 in 2021
Now £16.80 over the student average
Cardiff University
Average monthly spend: £57.40
Equivalent to 19 pints of beer per month
Up from 11 pints in 2021
Newcastle University
Average monthly spend: £38.60
Despite lower spending, students get more for their money
Equivalent to 23 pints per month (two more than in 2021)
University of York
Average monthly spend: £68.50
Equivalent to 22.8 pints based on average drink price of £3
University of Nottingham
Average monthly spend: £69.80
Just under 23.5 pints per month
University of Exeter
Average monthly spend: £72.10
Equivalent to 24 pints per month
Dropped from 2nd place two years ago
University of Liverpool
Average monthly spend: £73.80
Almost 26 pints per month
Nearly doubled from 14 pints two years ago
Durham University
Average monthly spend: £59.70
Equivalent to 28.5 pints per month (at £2.10 per pint)
£16.40 more than the average UK student
Total annual spend on alcohol: £716.40
Interested in living in one of these cities? Find your perfect room at Accommodation for Students today.
