Resources

Introduction
Situated in the beautiful rural Shropshire countryside is Harper Adams University, a truly blessed University specialising in farming, agricultural studies, managerial studies, veterinary nursing and equine management courses.  

For two years running Harper Adams has been honoured with the Whatuni University of the Year award.

If your wanting to gain an education while keeping your carbon footprint low, HA’s green score on the Good University Guide is exceptional and you can be assured the University is committed to a cleaner environment. The student roll sits around 5000 and the student mix is relatively equal across the genders and PT/FT students with a higher proportion of undergrads to post grads.       

Location, Location, Location
Rural universities don’t get much better than the blissful countryside and community campus of HA. Shropshire is renowned for it’s beautiful and varied landscape and the University will tell you, its idyllic location is a key factor to its continued success.

In terms of transport there are shuttle links for commuting students from nearby Newport

There are also three train stations within reach, connecting students to the bigger towns and cities.  The university is ranked number 3 in the UK’s safest Universities category, which again is testament to the rural setting.

If green fields and fresh air were your desired characteristics in a University then HA should be a serious consideration. I mean does your University have a farm? The campus at HA includes a working farm with a range of livestock and various onsite labs to support student research.

HA is a beautiful blend of lush greenery, traditional buildings complemented with modern architecture.  

Student Experience
There is a lot to be said for country life and a quick visit to whatuni.com forums will give you a general feel for the quality experience many current and past students have experienced.  The community spirit and general friendliness across campus is well received. 

The Student Union represents a modern and dynamic University.  A mix of sporting clubs and social events are always well planned out with the termly balls a real highlight to the end of a Semester of academia. Again student feedback and reviews suggests the SU is great at supporting its students and embracing new ideas.  A key feature that many rate HA’s excellence on.   

Social Life
The campus may sit in the middle of beautiful countryside but this in no way impedes on the social aspect of HA.  Besides the superb events put on by the SU, the town of Newport resides just a bus ride away.  Although not a huge UK city, the town has everything a student would need.  There are a variety of pubs and clubs situated along the high street with Revolution taking the top spot as a favorite student destination.  Telford is also an option and again a variety of shopping and nightlife can be found.  Many students who choose HA do so due to the rural atmosphere and although the campus does not boast the big city trendy bars and pubs, many students at HA relish its community social spirit and lack of in your face city life. 

Academic Awards
HA has accumulated an impressive trophy collection over the years and in recent times has enjoyed much success, particularly in Student Satisfaction.  The University has also been recognised in The Times Higher Education Awards for International strategy, Marketing and Leadership. and now Student Experience.

Accommodation 
Although private student accommodation is limited around campus and the surrounding towns there are gems to be found.  One student feeding back on a recent student forum was currently living in a barn conversion so there are landlords willing to rent to students around the surrounding areas, in cool and well tended-to accommodation. First years however are very fortunate in the accommodation provided by the University.  All the essentials are included such as utilities, Internet, weekly laundry and cleaning.  The general consensus on student forums is that the accommodation is of a very high standard and there remain few disgruntled students. Security is also good and students here enjoy a low crime rate that is recognised by the Good University Guide.  The university also lovingly maintains their housing stock meaning year on year students remain pleased and appreciative of their initial accommodation. 

In Summary
Harper Adams is a definite consideration for a high quality and forward thinking University. It’s rural location but strong links to local towns gives HA a unique balance. The student support is exceptional and creates a great foundation for its students in addition to the superb teaching and learning. The social aspect and Student Union are well acknowledged for their quality and variety.  As a top three ‘University of the Year’ placing would suggest, HA should be a serious consideration for any student looking to receive a high standard higher educational experience.