York University (Student Life)

Accommodation: Campus rooms all same price; some family flats in new complex. Uni and SU housing list; private accommodation costs £200 a month.

Eating: Campus food fairly cheap (£3 for a meal). Excellent pubs food; good selection of restaurants, varying prices.

Drinking: £1.50+ a pint on campus (£1.35 spirits). In town, pubs vary: reasonably priced, good traditional ales.

Nightlife: On campus, good variety (small scale, as no large venue). In town, clubs from dancey to plain cheesy; lots of laughs but not for the serious clubber. Popular student-run cinema on campus; in town 1 popular, 1 arthouse cinema.

Locals: Friendly; no serious student/local hostility but some areas best avoided Fri/Sat nights.

Sports: State-of-the-art astroturf pitch, mediocre sports centre. No swimming pool on campus but some close. Facilities improving.

Travel: STA shop on campus, good discounts and promotions. Free SU minibus for local evening travel; reasonable rates from regular buses and taxis.

Financial help: Union and university helpful.

Jobs: Many students work in term time, good opportunities in pubs/clubs, shops, restaurants and SU (ents, doorstaff, driving); holiday work available on campus and in town.

Best features: Ethos, which makes it relaxed, friendly, liberal and welcoming encouraging diversity and providing opportunities.

More info: Get students' Alternative Prospectus. Contact SU Reception on Tel: 01904 433724

Past students: Tony Banks, Michael Brown and Harriet Harman (MPs), Harry Enfield and Victor Lewis-Smith (comedians), Moray Welsh (cellist), Paul Roberts (pianist), Genista McIntosh (National Theatre), Trevor Jones and Dominic Muldowney (composers), Tom Gutteridge and Sebastian Cody (TV producers), Greg Dyke (ex-Director General BBC), Christine Hamilton, Adam Hart-Davis.