Ryan FowlerThe University of Warwick has been named the best UK university for student entrepreneurs in 2025, according to new research from Uswitch. The findings, part of the Student Side Hustle Index, highlight which university cities provide the most supportive environments for students launching small businesses and side projects alongside their studies.
Warwick topped the list with a final score of 7.66, followed by Liverpool (7.38) and Manchester (7.21). The ranking assessed affordability around student campuses, availability of co-working spaces, internet speed, and startup support. Uswitch said the results show a growing entrepreneurial spirit among students driven by rising living costs and a desire for self-employment.
The study found that Manchester offers the highest number of co-working spaces, with more than 10 per 100,000 people, while Cambridge leads in research-led enterprise, producing more than 50 spin-out companies per 10,000 students since 2020. Universities such as Wolverhampton and Warwick scored well for affordability, with average office rents of £112 per month, compared with £171 in Strathclyde and Edinburgh.
Uswitch’s analysis also showed that while Oxford and Cambridge provide world-class resources, their higher costs limit accessibility. In contrast, cities such as Coventry, Glasgow and Manchester combine lower costs with strong enterprise ecosystems, helping students invest more directly in their ventures.
Andy Elder, business savings expert at Uswitch, 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.”
Uswitch noted that seven in ten young adults are interested in starting their own business, with side hustles and small ventures becoming a key route to gain experience and financial independence. Many of these student projects go on to develop into successful small and medium-sized enterprises after graduation.
