Rating universities on facilities: QS Stars

Top facilities fuel your academic edge, spark personal growth, and set you up for the future. The best universities are often those who invest in your whole journey, not just your degree – ensuring you’re living and learning in a secure, comfortable, and inspiring setting. When a university invests in great facilities, it's a clear sign of its commitment to giving you a quality education and the best spaces for you to study.

You can therefore use QS Stars to discover universities which have invested in their facilities and on-campus provision. For example, De Montfort University in the UK has received a 5 Star rating for its facilities. 

With QS Stars, institutions are assessed for their facilities and receive points, compiled from the following: 

Sports facilities  

As well as keeping you fit and healthy, sports often involve teamwork and cooperation, enabling you to forge strong connections and develop your interpersonal skills. Points are awarded towards institutions for each of the following sports facilities: swimming pool, indoor or outdoor fitness gym, indoor sports court, outdoor sports court, or sports field.  

Campus facilities  

State-of-the-art campus facilities provide the necessary tools and environment for effective learning and in-depth research, allowing you to maximise your academic potential. But it’s not all about learning. Points are awarded for universities that have each of the following on-campus facilities: cafeteria/restaurant, bookstore, social room, support centre for minority group and religious facilities.  

Student accommodation  

University-managed housing typically provides security measures to ensure your safety. Points are awarded to universities that offer enough rooms in student residences to accommodate all first-year undergraduate students. For universities without in-house halls of residence, agreements with local housing facilities can also be considered. 

Library expenditure  

Investment in library facilities ensures that you have access to a vast array of resources and multimedia content necessary for your studies. The term ‘library expenditure’ encompasses all costs related to the library, including physical materials such as books and DVDs, as well as e-learning materials like databases, online journals, and purchased online training courses, for the previous fiscal year. Points will be awarded to institutions who have invested a certain amount per student towards total library operating expenditure within a year. 

Health support services  

Availability of emergency care or referrals to emergency services can be lifesaving in critical situations and provide peace of mind for you. This indicator assesses the presence of a medical centre on or near campus that offers medical assistance to students. For institutions to earn points, the centre must be equipped with basic medical supplies and staffed by at least one doctor or nurse, working in a medically equipped facility. 

Student clubs and societies  

Joining student clubs and societies is a game-changer for your uni life – they add so much fun and depth to your overall educational experience. Universities are awarded points for offering a wide variety of active student clubs and societies, such as hobby and special interest clubs, educational and religious societies, and sports teams. 

Technology in the classroom 

Equipping classrooms with tech isn’t just about gadgets – it's about boosting engagement and accessibility and ensuring we all have the skills to thrive in today’s tech-driven world. t We award points to institutions based on the availability of computer-equipped teaching spaces, printing services, modern audiovisual equipment in teaching spaces, specialised equipment in labs, and coworking and meeting spaces with Internet access for hybrid learning connectivity.