London University (Student Life)

Accommodation: Inter-collegiate and college-run halls available for most first years and some third years. Accommodation offices at both college and university level run head-lease schemes. Loot (published daily) lists all types and prices of rentals. Students live in all parts of London, from Mayfair to Brixton.

Eating: Every type of food you could possibly wish to try is served somewhere in London. Hunt around and meals for under a fiver are easy to come across eg Centrale W1 (italian), China Rendezvous W1 (chinese), Cote a Cote SW11 (french), Food for Thought WC2 (vegetarian).

Drinking: Everywhere expensive except for SU bars (about £1.80 a pint). Some cheaper pubs out of the centre.

Nightlife: Cheapest ents at SUs. ULU has top bands. London has the best opportunities to see every film, play, exhibition released and most outlets have student concessionary rates. Even the West End shows offer reduced, last-minute tickets to students; see Time Out.

Sports: Nearly all have grounds and boathouse etc; on site only at Royal Holloway, everyone else has about 30 mins journey. Some facilities on site at some colleges; the best and cheapest indoor facilities are at ULU (including swimming pool).

Travel: London travel expensive but 30% student discount on monthly and seasonal travelcards. For travel awards etc see the individual colleges.

Financial help: Available from each college.

Jobs: Most SUs offer paid work; also an enormous number of part-time jobs available. Often it is a case of going into premises and finding out as many do not advertise.

Best features: Opportunities; reputation; size.

Worst features: Expensive to live in London.

Good news: Many more student discounts now available.

Past students: Loads - see individual colleges.