East Anglia (UEA) - Student View

The focal point is the Square, next to the Union and flanked by other important buildings and features; everyone congregates on the steps and in the summer it's so busy you can't see the ground for people whiling the time away with their mates.

A campus university set in 300+ acres of mostly green land with a large picturesque lake overlooked by some of the residences. The buildings, although a little grey, are architecturally listed. The centre of Norwich is 30+ minutes' walk or 10 mins on one of the frequent buses - but you never feel isolated from the city. Easy to get to the Norfolk Broads and less than 2 hours to London (trains half-hourly).

University facilities always improving; newly extended library is well-stocked, although you may need to be early for popular course texts. However, increasingly lecturers use the internet as a teaching resource and there are vast numbers of computers around campus - plenty of terminals for everyone and online access in all campus bedrooms. Relatively easy to change course during first term; just clear it with academic adviser.

Lottery-funded Sportspark made sport even better, while still including the needs of the average student type; students get free access to Sportspark (although fee for use of pool or fitness centre).

As to entertainment: there is something to do on campus, besides going to the pub, every night of the week. Together with Norwich Waterfront (also owned by the SU) the union LCR is the premier venue in East Anglia for live bands ... just check the back of the NME. All genres of music on a regular basis, with regular sell-out chart discos and retro events.

Student population is diverse; well known for variety of international students and number of mature students. It is well integrated, students are attracted by high academic standards and research achievements, while still maintaining the stereotypical student ambience.

Degree structures make it easy to pick a degree that suits your own preferences and to add subjects to your course. Well-known for law, environmental sciences, history of art and English literature (particularly creative writing which has produced many successful novelists).

Large and successful SU aims to improve students' quality of life as much as possible by providing great entertainment, cheap beer and a professional support structure; refurbished bar (capadity 1500). SU also helps with housing, jobs, academic appeals, personal problems and more; and it funds over 100 different clubs and societies, sporting and non-sporting.

A good place to study because, while academic standards are high, students realise there is more to life than study and drink more beer per person than at any other university!