WARWICK NAMED BEST UK UNIVERSITY CITY FOR STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS
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The University of Warwick tops the 2025 Student Side Hustle & Entrepreneurship Index as the best environment to start a business, offering affordable office space (£112/month), fast internet coverage (97%), and strong business school credentials.
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University of Liverpool ranks second, boosted by the highest availability of co-working spaces (5.11 per 100,000 people) and affordable workspace costs (£85/month).
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University of Manchester takes third place, standing out for its 10.2 spin-outs per 10,000 students since 2020, the highest rate among the top universities.
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Oxford and Cambridge both make the top 10 thanks to world-leading business schools and high spin-out rates, despite higher workspace costs.
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Uswitch.com experts share why there’s a surge in student entrepreneurship and side hustles as universities expand startup hubs, grants, and enterprise support programmes.
New Uswitch business savings research has revealed which university cities offer the best environment for student entrepreneurs in 2025.
The Student Side Hustle Index also highlights a score to show the universities providing affordable living, strong business support, and access to startup opportunities – with the campus of University of Warwick taking the top spot.
The table below presents the top 15 best environments for student entrepreneurs to start a side hustle in the UK, based on criteria such as affordability around student campuses, number of co-working spaces and internet speed.
Table 1: Top 15 best universities to start a business
|
University |
Final Score |
Office space cost |
Number of co-working spaces per 100,000 people in local authority |
Average monthly co-working space cost per person |
Internet speed (100Mbit/s) availability |
Spin-out companies founded since 2020, per 10,000 students |
Guardian score for Business & Management 2025 |
QS MBA Ranking Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes Score |
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|
1 |
University of Warwick |
7.66 |
£112 |
1.90 |
£132.71 |
97% |
3.4 |
90.5 |
61.3 |
|
2 |
University of Liverpool |
7.38 |
£85 |
5.11 |
£130.77 |
92% |
5.5 |
79.6 |
41.1 |
|
3 |
University of Manchester |
7.21 |
£85 |
10.51 |
£349.19 |
90% |
10.2 |
82.8 |
56.5 |
|
4 |
University of Bristol |
7.03 |
£119 |
8.50 |
£180.36 |
94% |
8.1 |
81.9 |
N/A |
|
5 |
University of Oxford |
7.01 |
£135 |
4.82 |
£199.88 |
84% |
32.8 |
96.9 |
81.2 |
|
6 |
University of Birmingham |
6.95 |
£112 |
2.37 |
£177.25 |
95% |
5.2 |
72.7 |
60.9 |
|
7 |
University of Leeds |
6.84 |
£104 |
4.61 |
£212.08 |
96% |
5.0 |
75.9 |
53.4 |
|
8 |
University of Cambridge |
6.84 |
£137 |
4.02 |
£224.50 |
96% |
50.6 |
N/A |
80.9 |
|
9 |
University of Southampton |
6.51 |
£135 |
5.40 |
£200.64 |
96% |
3.8 |
70.2 |
58.5 |
|
10 |
University of Sheffield |
6.37 |
£104 |
2.75 |
£139.06 |
94% |
5.8 |
70.3 |
37 |
|
11 |
University of Nottingham |
6.37 |
£131 |
6.04 |
£514.55 |
96% |
5.5 |
73.3 |
56.3 |
|
11 |
University of Strathclyde |
6.37 |
£171 |
3.84 |
£159.12 |
95% |
5.2 |
79.9 |
54.1 |
|
13 |
University of Exeter |
6.21 |
£119 |
5.78 |
£150.50 |
91% |
5.2 |
76 |
35.9 |
|
14 |
University of Wolverhampton |
6.10 |
£112 |
1.42 |
£147.25 |
98% |
1.5 |
88.9 |
N/A |
|
15 |
University of Edinburgh |
6.05 |
£171 |
4.71 |
£192.80 |
93% |
5.2 |
85 |
53.4 |
Source: Uswitch.com/business, Date: 18/09/2025, *in local authorities
Student entrepreneurship is booming
The UK has seen a surge in young people launching side hustles and small businesses, in part due to rising living costs and a growing appetite for self-employment.
The Index shows how varied the landscape is. In Manchester, students have access to the most co-working spaces, according to Uswitch data, with over 10 hubs per 100,000 people. Cambridge, meanwhile, leads on long-term impact, producing more than 50 spin-outs (start-ups created to commercialise university research or innovations) per 10,000 students since 2020.
Wolverhampton and Warwick provide fewer new business opportunities but more affordable office space, averaging £112 a month versus £171 in Strathclyde and Edinburgh.
These differences underline how access to resources, costs, and institutional backing can dramatically shape the entrepreneurial path for students.
Cost vs opportunity: Comparing universities across the UK
While Oxford and Cambridge provide world-class support systems, affordability remains a sticking point, with some of the highest rental costs for offices, at £135 and £137 respectively.
Students in cities like Coventry, Glasgow and Manchester face lower living costs, giving them more space to invest in their ventures.
For example, Coventry’s average office rent (£112) is slightly lower than Oxford’s (£135), and the city offers a growing network of enterprise hubs.
The role of affordability and access
The data shows that the best universities for entrepreneurs strike a balance between resources and affordability.
Access to coworking spaces, startup grants, and mentoring programmes is vital, but students also need manageable living costs to free up capital for their ventures.
With seven in 10 young adults expressing an interest in starting their own business,[1] side hustles and small ventures are becoming an increasingly common way to gain experience while studying. Many graduates go on to continue these projects after university, turning them into full-time SMEs.
Andy Elder, Uswitch business savings expert, said:
“Students today are more entrepreneurial than ever, but the environment can make or break a business. Affordable living, access to startup hubs, and strong mentoring can turn dorm-room side hustles into real companies.
“In 2025, universities beyond the Oxbridge path - Warwick, Manchester, Glasgow - are building ecosystems that give students the foundations to succeed. For young founders, a great idea is just the start; the city you choose can be just as important.”
“For students looking to turn their ideas into real ventures, there are practical steps to make the most of this environment. By choosing the right location, tapping into university resources, and building strong networks, young entrepreneurs can give their projects the foundation they need to succeed. Here are some tips to guide the journey:
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Choose the right location: Look for cities with affordable housing, strong transport links, and active start-up communities. This reduces overheads and opens networking opportunities.
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Leverage university resources: Research if you have any business incubators, or co-working spaces provided by your university. If those aren’t available, take a look at private co-working spaces near your area or campus. You can also explore competitions, grants, and mentorship programs available on campus.
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Build a support network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and alumni who can offer guidance, introductions, and honest feedback.
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Validate your idea early: Test your product or service with real users before investing too much time or money. Feedback from your target audience is invaluable.
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Learn the basics of business: Even a minimal understanding of finance, marketing, and legal structures can save headaches later. Online courses or workshops can help.
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Set up business accounts: Keep your personal and business finances separate by opening dedicated business bank and savings accounts. This makes managing cash flow, tracking expenses, and applying for funding much easier.
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Engage with the local ecosystem: Attend meetups, pitch nights, and networking events. The connections you make locally can open doors to funding, partnerships, and early customers.
“By combining a strong idea with the right environment, resources, and strategy, student entrepreneurs can turn their side hustles into thriving businesses.”