Beyond the Books: How a City's Soundscape Impacts Student Success

London Vs Oxford: Two Very Different Soundscapes

New research conducted by purpose-built student accommodation provider aparto has revealed a surprising contrast in student life across the UK: London ranks as the loudest city for students, while Oxford emerges as one of the quietest.

 

From traffic and nightlife to construction and sirens, the capital’s non-stop energy leaves over half of London-based students regularly waking at night. In contrast, Oxford offers calmer residential areas where noise is minimal, giving students a better chance at restful sleep and focused study.

 

This contrast highlights a bigger question: how much does the “soundscape” of a city shape student success?

 

Why Sound Matters More Than You Think

University stress is already high, with essays, deadlines, and exams to contend with. Add disruptive noise to the mix, and it’s no surprise that:

 

  • 56.4% of students are woken up at night by noise

  • 31.9% say it directly affects their ability to study

  • 61% believe it impacts their mood
     

These figures show that noise is more than just an annoyance; it’s a real factor in student wellbeing and academic performance.

 

The Student City Noise Index

To get a full picture, aparto created the Student City Noise Index, combining:

 

  • Noise complaints per capita (via Freedom of Information requests to local councils)

  • Nightlife density (pubs and clubs per 1,000 students)

  • Student population size

  • National survey results from 1,000 UK students
     

Together, these measures reveal how cities stack up on noise, and what that means for daily student life.

City Snapshots: The Spectrum of Sound

  • London (The Loudest): London students report regular noise from nightlife, construction, and busy streets. While some see the energy as inspiring, others find it disrupts sleep and study. One student shared: “It’s a big city, so it’s common,” and disturbs them “a few times a week, especially on weekends.”

  • Manchester: With a buzzing nightlife and constant city activity, Manchester is exciting but not always calm. One student admitted: “It can be fun and exciting over weekends. It’s great for social life. However, my concentration can be slightly affected.”

  • Leeds: Social and lively, Leeds feels the busiest during weekends and major events. Quieter student areas like Headingley give balance to those needing a break from the noise.

  • Cambridge: Known for a bustling daytime atmosphere, particularly near train stations, Cambridge still offers plenty of quieter areas. One student told us, “Mornings are noisier due to commuters and school students, but it balances out later in the day.”

  • Coventry: Students here note sirens and construction, but overall noise levels are manageable. Many say it’s energetic without being overwhelming.

  • Hatfield: Smaller and calmer, Hatfield offers students a more peaceful environment with only occasional disruptions.

  • Oxford (The Quietest): Residential areas are notably calm, making Oxford one of the best cities for concentration. “The outskirts are usually quite quiet,” noted one student.

 

The Hidden Costs of Noise

Noise isn’t just about what you hear. It influences how you feel and perform:

 

  • Sleep Disruption: Over half of students wake up due to city noise, affecting energy levels and concentration.

  • Academic Focus: 73.5% said their campus was moderately to extremely noisy during the day, making study sessions harder.

  • Mental Wellbeing: 61% admitted that city noise impacts their mood, adding to stress and anxiety.

  • Social Trade-Offs: While nearly 80% agreed their city is popular for nightlife, fewer than a quarter would recommend it to someone looking for a quieter study environment.

Actionable Advice: How Students Can Manage Noise

While students can’t always control the city they live in, they can take steps to manage its impact with these pieces of advice:

 

  • Choose The Right Accommodation: Look for residences with quiet zones, study rooms, or soundproofed spaces. Many modern student accommodations, like aparto, are designed with wellbeing-first layouts.

  • Time Your Study Sessions: If your city is noisiest in the evenings (as 44% of students reported), consider doing focused study earlier in the day and using nighttime to unwind.

  • Use Noise-Cancelling Tools: Headphones, earplugs, or even white noise apps can reduce distractions!

  • Personalise Your Environment: Set up a study space away from windows facing busy streets, or add soft furnishings to dampen sound.

  • Embrace Balance: Remember that not all noise is negative. Some students find the background buzz motivating. Use it to your advantage when social energy helps, and retreat to quieter spaces when focus matters the most.

Conclusion

A university city isn’t just about the libraries, lecture halls, or nightlife; it’s also about the soundtrack of your life. From London’s constant hum to Oxford’s calmer rhythms, a city’s soundscape shapes sleep, concentration, and stress levels.

For students choosing their next step, it’s worth asking: Will the noise of my city hold me back, or help me thrive?

At aparto, our student accommodations are designed to support every preference, with quiet zones, wellbeing-first layouts, and vibrant communal areas for social connection and silent study alike.

aparto student offers more than just a place to stay; it nurtures a lively global community with stylish, all-inclusive student accommodation across the UK, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. They organise exciting events and provide top-quality amenities to help residents connect and relax. With a focus on delivering a memorable student experience, aparto is the ideal place to live, learn, and grow.