West Herts College - In Depth

Founded: 1874. Site: Watford town centre and 3 other sites (2 in Watford; 1 in Hemel Hempstead).

How to get there: Watford Junction railway station and Watford underground station 15 mins' walk.

Awarding body: Hertfordshire University.

Main undergraduate awards: BSc, BA, FD.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years sandwich.

Library & information services: Learning centre on each site: 63,000 books, 400 periodicals; plus electronic resources and databases through virtual library; items may be borrowed from other colleges and universities in Hertfordshire. Annual expenditure on information provision, £40 per (FTE) student. 300 computers (all with internet access) in learning centres, access 11+ hours/day; access to electronic journals etc from home. IT support at each campus; all new students have induction to library and to learning centre; IT courses for eg internet, PowerPoint, search engines.

Careers: Information, advice and informal placement service.

Student advice & services: Money advisory service, careers guidance, accommodation help.

Amenities: Social centre. In Watford, concert hall, live theatre, cinemas, restaurants.

Sporting facilities: Football, bowling, swimming and other sports facilities in Watford.

Accommodation: No college accommodation. Help finding lodgings in and around Watford from accommodation assistant. Average rent £70 per week in a shared house, £80 lodging with a family.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £7000 for full calendar year (excluding tuition fees) recommended by college.

Financial help: Total available: £42,000 government access funds (90 students helped); £30,000 own funds (500+ students helped). Special help available for single parents.