Leicester University - Student Life

Housing: Halls, self-catering flats. SU runs flat-finding service and property management scheme; look on noticeboards.

Eats: SU refectory (seats 1000+), large university restaurant, numerous coffee bars around campus; meal from £1.50+. Leicester notable for indian food; rise of mexican, cajun restaurants - good atmosphere. Try Jo Rigatonis (italian), Crazy Cayotes, Chilli 2 Hite all £8-£10.

Drink: SU bars cheapest in city (£1.30 pint lager, less on Sundays and happy hour).

Local breweries: Hoskins, HOB (notable real ales), Everards (large Midlands brewery).

Nightlife: SU nightclub (The Venue) and club (Element) cater for all tastes, day and night. In-house ents weekly; bands incl Catatonia, Shed Seven, Space, Sixpence None the Richer.

Locals: Most are friendly. All areas are fine to get home by taxi; Highfields can be dodgy for contents insurance.

Sports: 2 large university sports grounds, 2 miles from campus; well-equipped sports hall, 2 gyms on campus; training and fitness classes.

Travel: Regular bus service from halls to campus. Leicester central, well connected for trains (London St Pancras 1 hr). Good SU travel agent.

Financial help: Good, administered by well-staffed welfare department. SU hardship fund and Vice-Chancellor's fund; grants above £200 are rare.

Jobs: Union bar/shop staff; other part-time work plentiful in Leicester. Union student employment centre; other agencies in town are student friendly. About 50% work in term time; most want work out of term time but hard to find.

Best features: Brilliant campus and entertainments.

And worst: None!

Good news: New commercial outlet, Redfearn kitchen, upgraded computer equipment, modems and software.

More info: President SU, Tel: 0116 223 1111, Fax: 0116 223 1112, Vice President Tel: 0116 223 1123.

Past students: Bob Mortimer, Professor John Ashworth, Professor Laurie Taylor, Professor Alan Walters, Professor Malcolm Bradbury, David Puttnam, J H Plumb, C P Snow, Michael Nicholson, Sue Cook, John McVicker, Jeff Hoffman (astronaut), Philip Larkin, Sir John Robertson (High Commissioner to India).