Central England University - Student Life

Housing: Lots of private sector housing; listings and contact details from accommodation services or advice centre.

Eats: Number of cafes and Moor Lane venue caters for pre-booked functions. Birmingham famous for its Balti houses; also has traditional pub food, trench, italian and oriental.

Drink: Union bars have regular drinks promotions.

Nightlife: Union has extensive and varied ents programme. In city, popular bars, nightclubs, large gay quarter, cinemas, theatres and comedy venues.

Locals: Very friendly, diverse community; best to avoid subways or walking alone at night.

Sports: 2 new sports centres.

Travel: Cheap regular buses and metro train services.

Financial help: Some limited help available.

Jobs: Work in union and in city; reasonable rates of pay.

Annual living costs: The minimum amount students say you need to live on each year (covering all living expenses but excluding tuition fees) is £7000.

Best features: Eclectic and thriving student community.

And worst: Split campuses means a lot of travelling. More info? Contact president UCE Union of Students, Jason Hartley, 0121 331 6811.

Past students: Alfred Bestall (the creator of Rupert Bear), Judy Sunson, Kathy Cook (olympic athletes), Betty Jackson (fashion designer), Larry Cartoause (cartoonist), Zoe Ball (radio presenter), Kirsten O'Brion (Children's TV), Nigel Mansell (ex-F1 driver), Frank Skinner (comedian).