university
nouna place where you study for a degree (UK and US); UK speakers say “uni”
University is the safe word for a degree in the UK. Friends say “uni”.
University vs college
Both words are right, but they change with the country. Choose the one your reader expects.
2 wordsaudio · quiz
Quick answer
In the UK, university is the usual word for degree study. College often means further education after age 16. In the US, college is a common everyday word for undergraduate study.
college
nounUK: often a further-education or sixth-form school for ages 16+. US: a common word for undergraduate study.
College changes with the country: after school in the UK, a degree in the US.
The difference at a glance
| Word | Type | Means | Example | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| university | noun | a place where you study for a degree (UK and US); UK speakers say “uni” | She studied law at university in Manchester. | |
| college | noun | UK: often a further-education or sixth-form school for ages 16+. US: a common word for undergraduate study. | My brother does a plumbing course at college. |
See each one in a sentence
noun
university
Examples
She studied law at university in Manchester.
Which university did he go to?
Common mistake
Not: I go to university of Leeds.
Say: I go to the University of Leeds.
In the full name, add the: the University of Leeds.
noun
college
Examples
My brother does a plumbing course at college.
I'm going to college in Texas next year.
Common mistake
Not: I'm going to a further-education college in London to study medicine.
Say: I'm going to university in London to study medicine.
In the UK, medicine is normally studied as a university degree, not a college course.
Pick the right word
Fill the gap
Read the sentence, then choose the word that fits.
Now use them yourself
Write or say two sentences, one with each word, in a real conversation.