Here’s What Each UK University Town Is Apparently Into, From Manchester’s Bondage Obsession To Canterbury’s ’Dragon Toy’ Habit

With Freshers’ Week back in full swing, thousands of students are starting to settle into university life, meeting new people, and presumably, making some questionable decisions for the plot along the way.

And now, Lovehoney has revealed exactly what some of the UK’s biggest university towns are apparently getting up to behind closed doors.

The sexual wellness brand analysed its sales data to find out which university towns have the most distinctive tastes when it comes to everything from sex toys and lube to costumes and bondage – and some of the results are surprisingly specific.

Manchester came out on top in six different categories, including costumes, toys, and bondage.

Mancs appear to have a particular appetite for everything from strap-ons and dildos to more realistic toys, while bondage accessories such as paddles are also especially popular in the city.

Meanwhile, London has claimed the title of the UK’s butt plug capital, while Bristol has a preference for toys measuring more than seven inches.

Over in York, students appear to have a thing for dressing up, with police costumes proving particularly popular, while Canterbury is apparently leaning into its literary heritage with a taste for “Romantasy” – including dragon and monster toys.

And if you thought Liverpool might be the place for a more traditional university experience, think again. The city came out on top for novelty play, with items including games and dice proving particularly popular.

Oxford vs Cambridge is... not particularly close. Of course, no university rivalry would be complete without a little Oxbridge competition. And if the data is anything to go by, there’s a fairly significant gap between the two.

Cambridge ranks second overall in the university-town table and is apparently almost three times more likely than Oxford to buy adult toys and lingerie. It also takes the top spot in the UK for nipple tassel purchases.

Oxford, meanwhile, languishes towards the bottom of the table, ranking 38th overall. According to Lovehoney, it sits in the lowest five per cent of UK towns when it comes to pleasure retail.

Only Cardiff, which ranks 40th, came lower.

Although, before Freshers’ Week gets completely out of hand, Lovehoney's sexual health expert has some more practical advice.

Sarah Mulindwa, a Sexual Health Nurse, said: “Freshers Week is an exciting time when lots of young people start living independently for the first time. They meet new people and potentially explore new sexual relationships. But my biggest piece of advice is to prepare before the night begins.

“Carry your own condoms, know where your local sexual health service is and talk openly about boundaries and protection before you’re caught up in the moment.

“It’s important to enjoy yourself, but remember that you never owe anyone sex, and you should never feel embarrassed about prioritising your health.

“If something doesn’t go to plan, don’t panic or avoid getting help – sexual health professionals have heard it all before, and we are there to support you, not judge you.”

Additional thumbnail photo credit: wundervisuals/Diem.ph (iStock)