Bristol University - Student Life

Housing: Halls in Stoke Bishop. House/flat shares in Clifton, Cotham, Redland or Hotwells; average pays £60 a week (most have to pay for 52 weeks/year); look in Bristol Evening Post or through the Accommodation Office.

Eats: Union restaurant and burger bar, Cafe Zuma; £2 for all-day breakfast. Good local takeaways. York Cafe in Clifton serves one of the best fry-ups and is a popular hangover hangout.

Drink: Epi (Union) bar or hall bars; beer £1.30+ a pint. Smiles bitter popular local brew, sold widely but especially at The Highbury Vaults. Cider in Coronation Tap. Kings Street/Clifton popular but expensive.

Nightlife: Lots of national bands, comedians etc in SU; local/student bands in pubs (eg Bristol Bridge, Kings Arms). Locals: Quite friendly. Hard to get insurance if living in St Pauls.

Sports: University sports centre at Woodland House (too small though); pool attached to Union; 46 sports clubs. Sports grounds 1 mile from halls, 4 miles from SU.

Travel: University scholarship schemes. Lift shares available.

Financial help: Access funds. payments of £20-£200.

Jobs: Student employment officer at SU helps find work.

Best features: City and social life; good teaching.

And worst: A little pricey.

More info: Alternative prospectus available from the SU (0117 954 5867).

Past students: Sue Lawley (BBC), Susan Engels (actress, RSC), Frances Horovitz (poet), Hugh Cornwell (lead singer with The Stranglers), Paul Boateng MP (Cabinet Minister), David Hunt MP, Alistair Stewart (newsreader), Lembit Opik MP, George Daws, Emily Watson (actress).