It's well known that students like beer and music — and now it appears that they're also making their university choices based on these things.
Liberty Living conducted a survey of over 3,000 students and found that over half (52%) would rather go to a "cool" university than one that is top of the league tables but in a quieter location.
The survey found that a high number of craft beer pubs (48%) was the top reason for a university being considered "cool," followed by the number of record shops (29%), and a thriving art scene (23%).
Liberty Living set out to find out exactly which UK universities are the "coolest" based on these measures.
The ranking took into account the number of record stores, craft beer pubs, and vintage clothes shops in each city, as well as each university's art and design score from the Complete University Guide.
It appears the north is the place to be, as seven of the top 10 coolest universities are found in the north and midlands.
Scroll down to see the 10 coolest universities in the UK, ranked in ascending order along with some of the best places to check out in the respective cities.
10. Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
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• Vintage shops: 15
• Art and design score: 93.8
• Record stores: 7
• Craft beer bars: 17
Heriot-Watt led the way for Scottish universities. It also beat out close competitors the University of the Arts London and Leeds Beckett University to clinch the final top ten spot.
Anyone in the know should take a peruse around Summerhall, a creative arts space with bars and cafes, followed by a cocktail at the hidden speakeasy Hoot the Redeemer (pictured).
9. Northumbria University, Newcastle.
• Vintage shops: 17
• Art and design score: 92.5
• Record shops: 15
• Craft beer bars: 27
Northumbria University is one of two universities in Newcastle and both made this list. The city is home to a thriving art gallery scene with highlights including the Biscuit Factory, Northern Print, Mushroom Works, and Vane.
Apparently the "hippest" neighbourhood to live in is Ouseburn (pictured), also known as Newcastle's "cultural quarter," where a number of music venues and trendy bars reside, such as the Cumberland Arms.
8. Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool.
• Vintage shops: 22
• Art and design score: 84.5
• Record shops: 7
• Craft beer bars: 32
There are plenty of cool hangouts for students living in Liverpool, including Bold Street Coffee, Kazimier Gardens, and many more craft beer establishments like the Dead Crafty Beer Company and Black Lodge Brewery.
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