Students give ARU Peterborough top marks
University receives exceptional scores in the International Student Barometer
University House at ARU Peterborough
ARU Peterborough has received glowing praise from its international students following their participation in the world's largest international student experience survey.
The university, which opened in 2022 and welcomed its first international cohort in January 2023, took part in the latest International Student Barometer (ISB), which is a global survey that gathered feedback from over 170,000 students across 24 countries.
Among the respondents were the international students at ARU Peterborough from countries including Ghana, India, Italy, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe, and an impressive 96% said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their overall experience at the university.
ARU Peterborough achieved a perfect 100% satisfaction score in several key categories including overall support, good teachers, course content and the welcome they received, saying there’s a friendly attitude towards international students at the University.
Students also gave full marks for feeling safe and secure on campus, the University’s eco-friendly attitude, the campus environment, and its buildings. ARU Peterborough’s newest building, The Lab, has already been named the Best Building in the country for its positive impact on those who use it.
In addition, ARU Peterborough students gave 98% scores for the quality of lectures, course organisation, learning support, tutor communication, the university’s learning spaces and overall happiness.
The same percentage said the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) rating was an important factor when deciding where to study. ARU received a Gold TEF award in the most recent UK-wide review of teaching standards, placing it in the top 22% of universities in the country for the quality of its education.
“While most of our students come from the local region, including the Greater Peterborough area, we take enormous delight in welcoming students from around the world to our city. Our international students bring with them a wealth of perspectives and experiences that benefit the University and the wider community.
“We know Peterborough is a vibrant, inclusive city and it’s wonderful that our international students feel so at home here. We think we’re building something truly special at ARU Peterborough and to see that reflected in such positive feedback from our students is really rewarding.”
Professor Ross Renton, Principal of ARU Peterborough
“We are delighted that ARU Peterborough is being recognised as a top-class university, both within the UK and globally. Our city is a welcoming place and we are delighted to have such great feedback from our international students confirming this.”
Councillor Nick Thulbourn, cabinet member for growth and regeneration at Peterborough City Council
“It’s heartening to see Peterborough recognised globally as a place where students feel supported, safe, and inspired.
“These survey results reflect the pride we take in our community and the bright future we’re building together through education, innovation, and inclusivity.”
Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough
“Peterborough is a great and welcoming city — ambitious and full of potential. ARU Peterborough is now central to that story. I’m delighted that its international students agree and enjoy their time studying here.
“This feedback is also a testament to the whole team at ARU Peterborough for delivering high quality courses and creating such a supportive student experience.”
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and PeterboroughARU Peterborough is a partnership between Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Peterborough City Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.