Royal Agricultural College (Student Life)

Accommodation: Single study bedrooms in college; digs, cottages and flats locally for second and third years. Cotswolds are expensive but most landlords will give a 10-month let.

Eating: College meals well priced (£3.50 for 3-course meal) but eating out becoming increasingly expensive locally. Many good restaurants and reasonably priced takeaways around town.

Drinking: College bar not subsidised but holds weekly promotions (pint from £1.60) and is great meeting place. Many good 'college' pubs around the area.

Nightlife: College hosts 5 formal balls during the year; SU 'Tythe-do's' every Friday with disco (in the Tythe Barn Union Bar) are great fun. The Rock (small local club in centre of town) has an Ag night every Wednesday and all years attend. Oxford, Cheltenham, Bristol and London all within easy travelling distance.

Sports: Most mainstream university sports catered for on campus; well-equipped fitness centre, floodlit all weather pitch. Active and successful rugby club. College beagles are well supported by a Hunt Supporters Club and meet twice a week in season.

Travel: Bursaries available. Most students have a car due to the college's rural location.

Jobs: Difficult in term-time, though some manage part-time jobs. Paid holiday work such as lambing and harvest jobs popular.

Annual living costs: The minimum amount students say you need to live on each year (covering all living expenses but excluding tuition fees) is £5500 (in college accommodation) and between £6000 (in private accommodation).

Best features: Old-boy network, social scene, balls, the size of the college and the friendly environment.

Informal names: RAC, Cirencester, The Royal, Ciren, Royal Ag College.

More info: Enquiries to SU Chairman 01285 652531, ext 2219.