We asked AI to tell us the least cool unis and the results are controversial

Northern students, look away


It’s nearly that time where many of you will be starting uni, continuing uni or reminiscing uni. It’s September and we all still get that “back to school” feeling (no matter how old you are). So far, we have uncovered which unis are the coolest according to AI and which unis are the most fun according to AI. But, the time has come to uncover the harsh truth… the least cool unis according to AI. The following list is quite surprising and certainly unexpected. Obviously, AI will not determine the time you will have at uni – let’s see what the robot has to say.

University of Birmingham

least cool unis ai

This answer shocked me as everyone I know who went to Birmingham has raved about the nightlife and the variety of clubs. However, AI describes this university as “a bit quieter compared to others in the Russell Group”. Which, I think many will disagree.

University of Southampton

Located near the coast, the University of Southampton is known for it’s several parks, green spaces, waterfront and landscape. Although the university adds to the city’s cultural and intellectual life, AI believes that it is a “decent-sized city” but “less vibrant”. Ouch. This is because the other cities have “larger student populations” and “more diverse social scenes” compared to Southampton.

University of Leeds

least cool unis ai

Again, this answer really surprised me. Especially when Leeds is known for it’s infamous Otley Run and Leeds Festival. Leeds Uni has a variety of clubs and is quite popular for its nightlife, music and live entertainment – so it’s surprising AI disagrees. According to AI: “Leeds is a lively city, but some students might feel that the university’s social scene is more focused on academic life rather than extracurricular activities.”

University of Sheffield

I really don’t think AI knows what “not fun” means because I’ve heard of many Sheffield students constantly going out and having a blast. Sheffield offers many nightlife options and has many trendy bars, pubs and clubs. However, according to AI, “some students might find it less bustling compared to larger cities”. Which I will let Sheffield students decide on that for themselves.

University of Exeter

This is my university! As a current Exeter student, I can see how Exeter uni can be branded as “least fun” compared to other unis due to our early pres and early closing times for clubs. However, Exeter uni students do know how to party, drink and celebrate everything (even if it is the smallest life event, like going to your 9am lecture). This is what AI had to say: “Exeter is a smaller city and might not offer the same range of social activities and nightlife as larger urban areas”. Yes, Exeter is a “smaller city” compared to others, but that doesn’t stop us from being fun.

University of Newcastle

I’m sure AI has never visited Newcastle because this would not be on their list for a “less fun” university. So, this is what AI has to say about Newcastle: “While Newcastle is known for its vibrant nightlife, the university itself might be perceived as having a more focused academic environment with less emphasis on social activities”. As a non-Newcastle student, I cannot vouch for this but I’m sure many Newcastle students would not agree and would probably argue that they are the most fun uni compared to others.

University of Liverpool

least cool unis ai

Although I have never visited Liverpool or Liverpool uni, but I have heard how wild and crazy the nights out can be. Yet, AI seems to think Liverpool uni is a bore? Like Newcastle, AI says that Liverpool is “vibrant, but some students might find the university’s campus life and social scene less energetic compared to others with larger student populations.” With AI, calling Liverpool “less energetic” I think this comment would be massively disagreed with.

University of Leicester

I haven’t heard much about Leicester but know of people who have gone to visit for a night out with their mates. According to AI, “Leicester is a medium-sized city with a more relaxed vibe” – this is a nice comment from AI. However, AI went on to say that the “nightlife and social activities might not be as extensive as those in larger urban areas”. AI continued to say that Leicester uni “has a range of activities but might not have the same level of vibrancy as some of its larger Russell Group counterparts”.

University of Durham

No shade to Durham students but I was expecting Durham to be on there… Anyway, AI said that Durham is “known for its strong academic reputation”. Which is true, but “Durham can sometimes be seen as quieter, with a more traditional and less dynamic student social scene”. Although I have never visited Durham uni, I haven’t heard much talk about its nightlife, socials etc. Going to let Durham students fight this one.

University of Aberdeen

Up in Scotland, I have heard that Aberdeen is known to be quieter and not as bustling compared to other cities. AI said that Aberdeen is a “relatively smaller city” and that “Aberdeen might offer fewer social activities compared to universities in larger urban centres”. I’m sure Aberdeen may be seen as “quieter” but I guess the students can still have their fun.

University of St. Andrews

least cool unis ai

Another Scottish uni is being shaded here. I know that St. Andrews is supposed to be gorgeous and very pretty, but I don’t know much about its nightlife, activities or outings. AI said that St. Andrews is known for its “academic excellence and picturesque setting, it’s often considered quieter compared to larger universities in bustling cities”. This comment doesn’t seem as savage to the other ones as I’m sure many St. Andrews students would agree about it being “quieter”.

University of Lancaster

Lastly, we have Lancaster. Just up North, AI says that Lancaster is a “smaller city” and that their “social life is often considered less intense compared to universities in larger urban areas”. Lancaster still holds many pubs/clubs like The Sugarhouse, Stonewell Tap, Glow and Dalton Rooms – so don’t be too put off by AI about how much fun you can have in Lancaster uni.

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