It’s basically gospel, so here are the most popular Russell Group unis according to TikTok

Choosing a uni isn’t just about fancy league tables and grad schemes. You’ve got to consider vibes, aesthetics, nightlife and obviously, TikTok opportunities. We live in a world where TikTok is at the centre of everything – you’re either making them or chronically watching them.

So, you need to know where your uni stands when it comes to TikTok opportunities and filming locations. These are the most popular Russell Group unis, according to TikTok and how many videos they’ve each got under the tag.

10. University of Glasgow – 2,354 videos

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It’s one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK, but it’s not exactly blowing up on TikTok. Glasgow students are possibly too busy studying or more likely, had too many pints of fun to be arsed.

9. University of Nottingham – 2,390 videos

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It’s known for its huge campus and even bigger club nights, but Notts is clearly nothing special on TikTok, which is surprising considering Welcome to Notts is literally the first sound every fresher uses.

8. University of Manchester – 2,422 videos

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Home of vintage fashion, indie gigs and the best nightlife in the country (sorry not sorry) to be one of the most popular Russell Group unis on TikTok too.

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It seems like Manchester students are gatekeeping the chaos but I can assure you, you’re in for a wild ride.

7. Newcastle University – 2,445 videos

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Edging Manchester ever so slightly Newcastle University was used in just under 2.5k videos. Probably because all the videos are taken in Jesmond.

6. University of Leeds – 2,623 videos

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Someone needs to document the chaos of Hyde Park and the Otley Run – and Leeds students are working on that supply and demand.

5. University of Birmingham – 2,850 videos

Maybe it’s the current bin strike, perhaps it’s the redbrick charm. But the University of Birmingham comes fifth out of the most popular Russell Group unis. It’s not the main character, but it ranks higher than Newcastle and Manchester so students there’re either actually quite cool or chronically online.

4. University of Edinburgh – 3,649 videos

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It’s aesthetic, and it’s the home of what are you wearing Wednesdays. No wonder Edi is in the top three most popular Russell Group unis. Moody academic vibes and unmatched fashion? The Scottish capital was made to be filmed through a grainy filter.

3. King’s College London – 4,595 videos

Odd choice for second but King’s is home to iconic backgrounds, trending coffee spots and endless city content. You can recreate so many famous scenes around the campus.

2. University of Cambridge – 20,000 videos

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Not surprised, it’s basically a period drama with ring lights and revision breakdowns down there. Cambridge has over 20k videos on TikTok and from huge libraries to formal fits, people love to ogle at the life of a Cambridge student from a dingy couch and Pot Noodle. It’s basic research. 

1. University of Oxford – 33,500 videos

Beating its rival, the University of Oxford topped the list of most popular Russell Group unis and rightly so. It’s something straight of of Hogwarts and its ancient halls and rowing montages are worlds apart from most of our uni experiences. If I went there, I’d want to brag too. Literally one flash of your archaic halls on TikTok and you’re going viral, no questions asked.