On hot summer days like we’re having at the moment, the last thing you want to hear when you’ve got your windows open at night is traffic noise from a major A road.
That, however, is just what some Russell Group university students will be having to contend with at the moment.
But, where are the worst places for noise pollution?
Well, The Tab analysed data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) – via property website Crystal Roof – to find the student roads with the most traffic noise pollution.
So, here are some of the Russell Group student areas with the worst noise pollution.
60 to 64.9 decibels (dB)

Crwys Road in Cardiff via Google Maps
Six streets in Russell Group university student areas fell into this category, with the average decibels being as loud as background music, general conversation or laughter.
- Crwys Road, Cardiff
- Wilbraham Road, Manchester
- Derby Road, Nottingham
- Iffley Road, Oxford
- Lawrence Street, York
- Chillingham Road, Newcastle
65 to 69.6 dB

Neville’s Cross Bank in Durham via Google Maps
Increasing slightly, we have five Russell Group student area roads in this category where noise is approximately as loud as a toilet flushing or a washing machine running a cycle.
- Neville’s Cross Bank, Durham
- Gorgie Road, Edinburgh
- Headingley Lane, Leeds
- Smithdown Road, Liverpool
- Ecclesall Road, Sheffield
70 to 74.9 dB

Burgess Road in Southampton via Google Maps
We only have one street in the top category for Russell Group areas with the worst noise pollution.
This level of sound is thought to be as noisy as a vacuum cleaner or a busy playground.
So coming in first place, we have Burgess Road, Southampton
Featured image via Google Maps/Canva