A recent report by Edumentors identified the ten most densely populated universities by assessing the number of students, faculty, and staff in relation to the total campus area (measured in km²). Unlike conventional rankings that emphasize academic reputation or financial resources, this study highlights the challenges posed by limited space, including restricted access to essential resources, study environments, and overall student well-being.
Overcrowded campuses affect more than just class sizes; they influence multiple aspects of student life. With limited space, it becomes increasingly difficult to secure a quiet study area, common spaces feel more congested, and stress levels among students tend to rise.
“Overcrowded campuses aren’t just about packed lecture halls; they shape every part of student life. Finding a quiet study spot gets harder, common areas feel cramped, and stress levels rise.”
“When space is limited, managing resources well becomes essential. Universities need to adapt, making sure students have the room to learn, connect, and thrive,” Edumentors stated.
Here are the ten most densely populated universities in the world:
Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Sapienza University of Rome ranks as the most densely populated university globally, with more than 272,000 people per square kilometer.
This institution has the largest student body among the top 10, accommodating over 112,000 students within a compact 0.44 km² campus.
University of Manchester, UK
The University of Manchester ranks second, with a population density of 165,000 individuals per square kilometer. Unlike Sapienza, where students make up the majority, Manchester’s campus hosts 46,000 students alongside 11,000 staff members within 0.35 km².
University of Edinburgh, UK
At third place, the University of Edinburgh has a density of 149,700 people per km², with over 52,000 individuals occupying a 0.35 km² campus. Students account for approximately 79% (41,000), while faculty and staff make up the remaining 21% (11,000).
University of Göttingen, Germany
The University of Göttingen holds the fourth position, with 102,000 people per km². Although its total population is lower than that of Edinburgh, it has the highest proportion of administrative personnel among European universities on this list, employing 8,825 administrative staff members.
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
With over 80,000 individuals per km², the University of Copenhagen is ranked fifth. The campus, spanning 0.58 km²—larger than Göttingen’s—has a nearly equal distribution of academic staff (4,421) and administrative personnel (5,541).
University College London, UK
University College London is ranked sixth, with a population density of 67,900 people per km². UCL also has the highest number of academic staff among the listed universities, totaling 9,910.
Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
At seventh place, Harvard University has a density of 50,800 people per km². Among US universities on the list, Harvard boasts the highest staff-to-student ratio, ensuring strong support services while optimizing space utilization.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA
UCLA ranks eighth, with a population density of 48,500 people per km². The institution accommodates the largest total campus population among US universities in the study, exceeding 82,000 individuals.
Additionally, UCLA has the highest number of administrative staff in the dataset, with 32,000 employees, representing 39% of its total campus population.
National University of Singapore, Singapore
Ranked ninth, the National University of Singapore has a density of 33,700 people per km². Its student population exceeds 38,000—similar to that of the University of Copenhagen—but is spread across a larger campus area.
Imperial College London, UK
Imperial College London completes the top ten, with 30,000 individuals per km². Although it has the smallest overall population among the listed universities, it effectively manages space for both research and teaching within its 0.97 km² campus.
