Uni is an incredible time of your life, and if you’re gearing up to apply, waiting for offers or just looking for a bit of inspiration, look no further than these brilliant TV shows – all set at university institutions across the UK. Whether you have them on in the background as you study, or you’re looking for something to watch with your flatmates as a bit of a bonding experience, these shows are perfect for prospective and current students alike. Enjoy!
1. Fresh Meat (2011–2016)
If there’s one show that truly encapsulates the uni experience, it’s Fresh Meat. Created by Peep Show writers Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, this Channel 4 comedy-drama follows six freshers navigating their first year at a Manchester university. It perfectly balances hilarious moments with awkward social interactions, disastrous relationships, and the general chaos of student life. From Jack Whitehall’s posh and clueless JP to Zawe Ashton’s effortlessly cool but secretly insecure Vod, the characters feel real and relatable. If you want a taste of what uni might actually be like—messy, funny, and full of mistakes—this is the one to watch.
2. Trinity (2009)
For those who enjoy a mix of drama and mystery, Trinity is a hidden gem. Set at the fictional Trinity College, the show follows Charlotte (Antonia Bernath) as she investigates her father’s mysterious death while adjusting to her new surroundings. The series dives into secret societies, power struggles, and dark conspiracies within the elite university setting. If you’re into a more gothic, scandalous take on student life, Trinity is worth a watch.
3. Glue (2014)
Though Glue isn’t strictly a university drama, it follows a group of older teens, some of whom are heading off to uni, dealing with a murder mystery in their small town. Created by Skins writer Jack Thorne, this E4 drama offers a darker, more intense take on young adult life, exploring friendship, ambition, and the stark differences between rural and university lifestyles. It’s gripping, emotional, and full of complex characters.
4. The Secret History of Our Streets: The University Years (2023)
A more recent entry, this documentary-style drama blends real student experiences with scripted elements, highlighting how university life has changed over the years. Covering topics like student activism, financial struggles, and the pressures of academia, this show offers an insightful and often emotional look at what being a student in modern Britain really means.
5. Normal People (2020)
Okay, so this one isn’t set in the UK – it’s set in Ireland, but we couldn’t not feature the Sally Rooney adaptation that captured so many hearts. Billed as a ‘psychological romance’, the series documents the mundanities and complexity of life as a young adult, as a student and beyond. Featuring Paul Mescal as Connell and Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne, this is a great watch… but you might need some tissues!
Get ready to binge watch these series, and let us know over on Instagram what you think…
