UK’s unhealthiest universities revealed, and why staying well at uni is harder than ever

New research ranks the healthiest and unhealthiest UK universities, highlighting where students struggle most to stay well

Getty

Published: January 7, 2026 at 11:15 AM

Save

Students are ordering more takeaways than ever, gaining weight faster than the national average, and often living in areas with limited green space or sports facilities. Now, a new study has revealed which UK universities make it hardest, and easiest, for students to stay healthy.

Ad

Weight-loss experts at Chemist4U have created a University Health Index, ranking 126 UK universities based on access to healthy food, sports facilities, green spaces, wellbeing support, air pollution and mental health indicators. The findings highlight just how much a university’s surroundings can shape student health.

With first-year students gaining up to 6.8kg in a single year, a phenomenon often called the “Freshers 15”, the results offer a timely snapshot of student life in the UK today.

Why staying healthy at university is getting harder

More than 75% of popular takeaway and restaurant meals in the UK are classed as unhealthy, and students are four times more likely to order takeaways than the average Brit. Almost half say they order at least three times a week.

Combined with tight budgets, academic pressure, late nights and easy access to ultra processed foods, it is no surprise many students struggle to prioritise their wellbeing, especially during their first year away from home.

The top five healthiest universities in the UK

OXFORD, UNITED KINGDOM - NOVEMBER 14: General view of the University Church of St Mary the Virgin at Oxford University on November 14, 2025 in Oxford, United Kingdom. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Oxford University came out on top (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

According to Chemist4U’s University Health Index, these institutions offer the most supportive environments for student health, thanks to strong access to sports, green space and healthier food options.

1. University of Oxford

Oxford tops the ranking with a score of 8.85 out of 10. Students can choose from 313 sports clubs and activities, 37 outdoor sports facilities and 64 parks within one km of campus. Air quality is also relatively good, with a pollution score of 4.91.

2. University College London (UCL)

UCL ranks second with a score of 8.74. The campus is surrounded by 53 parks and 53 healthy food shops within walking distance, alongside 65 outdoor sports facilities and 218 sports clubs.

3. Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes places third, scoring 8.38. Students benefit from 281 sports clubs, 24 outdoor facilities and 26 nearby parks, making it one of the strongest environments outside the University of Oxford itself.

4. The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh ranks fourth with a score of 8.31, offering 357 sports clubs and activities and 74 parks within one km, although air pollution levels are higher than some other top-ranked universities.

5. University of Plymouth

Plymouth completes the top five with a score of 8.30. It boasts 375 sports clubs and activities and 35 outdoor sports facilities, though it has more limited access to nearby parks.

The bottom five unhealthiest universities in the UK

Screenshot 2026-01-07 at 11.15.15

It's bad news for Birmingham Newman University (Photo: Birmingham Newman University)

At the other end of the scale, the study found several universities where students face far fewer opportunities to stay active or access healthy food.

1. Birmingham Newman University

Birmingham Newman ranks as the unhealthiest university in the UK, scoring just 3.34 out of 10. There is only one healthy food shop within one km, four outdoor sports facilities and 13 sports clubs. The area also records one of the highest air pollution scores in the study at 9.40 and has no nearby parks.

2. Leeds Trinity University

Leeds Trinity places second from bottom with a score of 4.55. Students have access to just seven indoor and seven outdoor sports facilities and 31 sports clubs, compared with 290 at the neighbouring University of Leeds. Air quality in the area is also poor, with a pollution score of 9.36.

3. University of Staffordshire

With a score of 4.85, Staffordshire ranks third unhealthiest. The university offers limited sports facilities, just 37 sports clubs, no parks within walking distance and only two healthy food shops nearby.

4. Wrexham University

Wrexham University scores 4.90, with very limited sports infrastructure and no parks within one km of campus. Students also have access to just five healthy food shops.

5. Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

Queen Margaret ranks fifth unhealthiest with a score of 5.15. While it offers slightly more sports facilities than some lower-ranked universities, access to green space and healthy food options remains limited.

Expert advice for students trying to stay healthy

Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy and obesity expert at Chemist4U, says university life can easily encourage unhealthy habits.

University can be a perfect storm for unhealthy habits, which is why many students find themselves gaining weight in their first year

Jason Murphy, obesity expert

“With newfound independence, academic pressures, late-night study sessions and easy access to takeaways and cheaper ultra processed foods, health often takes a back seat, but this is also a golden window to build good habits that stick for life.”

He advises focusing on small, realistic changes rather than drastic overhauls.

“Start with the basics such as aiming for three balanced meals a day, keeping healthy snacks like fruits or nuts on hand and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated,” he said.

“When it comes to fitness, consistency beats intensity. 30 minutes of walking, stretching or a short gym session a few times a week is enough to make a difference.”

Why university environments matter

The findings underline how strongly a university’s surroundings can shape student behaviour. Access to green space, affordable healthy food and low pressure ways to stay active all contribute to better wellbeing.

As Jason Murphy puts it, “Universities should see health as foundational, not optional. That means creating accessible environments where healthy choices are the easy ones.”

For students and parents alike, the rankings offer a useful insight into how life at university can impact health, long after freshers’ week is over.

Read more:

Ad

Authors

MadeForMums team

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...