At this time of huge challenge and headwinds for the higher education sector where there is talk of universities in financial distress and even the possibility of mergers, there is much for the keen #HigherEd Spotter to keep an eye on. Fortunately there is a fun and handy way to do this. The first series of I Spy Universities was launched on Wonkhe some years ago – the classic editions are still available – and back in 2024 we released an updated suite of the ever-popular handy-sized books for university spotting enthusiasts everywhere.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, each I Spy book offers interesting facts, information and HESA data about every UK university and are a fantastic way for HE wonks of all ages to learn and discover the higher education world around them.

The newly expanded I Spy Universities book series is sure to be an even bigger hit in the sector as it brings all the fun and nostalgia wonks will remember from their youth bang up to date.

 Keen spotters can also choose more detailed titles for a range of higher education features too:

• I Spy Universities Funded by Wealthy Benefactors
• I Spy Graduation Balls
• I Spy Universities and Their Theme Parks
• I Spy Unusual Academic Dress (as ever, produced in partnership with experts at the Burgon Society)
• I Spy Student Record Systems (and other IT Systems) – Current Bestseller!
• I Spy Examples of Free Speech Issues
• I Spy University Research Ships
• I Spy Cats in University Libraries
• I Spy Purpose Built Student Accommodation
• I Spy Deans
• I Spy So-Called “Bullshit” Jobs in Universities (Discontinued)
• I Spy University Chaplaincies
• I Spy Management Consultants Working for Universities
• I Spy Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers
• I Spy Foreign Influences on Campus
• I Spy Celebrity Honorary Graduates
• I Spy Universities with Prominent EDI Policies
• I Spy University Sub-Committees and Working Groups
• I Spy University Mottos 
• I Spy University Puppy Rooms
• I Spy Doctoral Training Centres
• I Spy Institutions No Longer on  the OfS Register

As if that weren’t enough I Spy related fun, the following titles are due to be published soon: I Spy Campus Ghosts and Hauntings, I Spy Famous University Gigs, I Spy Arts and Humanities Courses, I Spy AI and I Spy University Beers, Wines and Spirits.

Spot it, spy it and score it to become a super-spotter (100,000+ points) and we’ll send you a much-prized certificate and spotter’s badge (subject to availability which means we probably won’t).

Whether individually or as  university leadership team, this exciting series will guarantee endless hours of higher ed spotting fun and discovery.*

And do let us know if there are other I Spy Universities books you would like to see.

*Or it might not. No refunds when disappointed.