Harper Adams top-rated for sport and SU activities

Posted 4 December 2014

Harper Adams University is rated by students as one of the UK’s best universities for sporting and other social activities, it was revealed today. 

In the results of the third annual Which? University student survey, which sought the views of more than 12,500 undergraduate students, Harper Adams is named as one of the 12 top-rated universities for sports, and six top-rated for variety of student union activities.

This is the second year running Harper Adams has been top-rated in the sports category. 

“It’s great to hear that we’ve been rated so highly again,” said Andy Jefferies, the university’s support officer for sports, societies and participation. “All the extra-curricular activities at Harper Adams, from our highly successful rugby and shooting teams right down to our less mainstream clubs such as ballet and modern dance are all given the same support and infrastructure to succeed. 

“The club executives are given training to help them run their clubs and the university and students’ union help to fund their efforts, support their work-sport balance and reward their successes. We’re all hugely proud of the sporting opportunities and successes here and believe that our students bring the ‘Harper spirit’ to every sport they engage in.”

The Which? University student survey does not rank the best and worst scoring universities in order, but instead lists the universities that are in the highest and lowest scoring groups. 

To determine the top-rated sporty universities, Which? University asked if sport was a large part of university life, with a wide range of organised sports teams, clubs and facilities open to all levels.

To find the top universities for varied student union activities, Which? University asked how varied a range of activities the student union offers, catering to lots of different student interests, including well-attended student nights, and societies and clubs. 

Reviews on the Which? University website rate the students’ social life as one of the key “upsides” of the Harper Adams Experience. 

“Although the campus is small there are always enough places to socialise and play sport in your own time - almost too many options. The SU is awesome - very unique feel and always hosting big names and good parties!” writes one student, anonymously. 

Another adds: “A country feel with a close community. Amazing SU organising lots of events - big name DJs artist in the bar; Jaguar Skills, Scott Mills, Rudimental, Greenlight, just to name a few. Local nightlife is good … but not too far from Stafford/Shrewsbury. Lots and lots of societies. Freshers fortnight like no other university!”

YouthSight, on behalf of Which?, interviewed 4,519 students in their second year or above, online between 9th and 29th October 2014. This data was merged with the previous year’s survey, which interviewed 8,053 students in their first year or above, online between 8th July and 8th August 2013. Students who were surveyed in 2013 were not surveyed in 2014. 

The survey results are now online at www.which.co.uk/studentsurvey

View the Harper Adams profile here.