Bristol, University of

Overall ranking: Came 15th out of 124 in the Complete University Guide for 2014.

History: Founded in 1876 as University College Bristol. Received a royal charter from Edward VII in 1909.

Address: Based in the heart of buzzing Bristol, close to the beautiful Georgian Clifton Village, the bustling harbourside and the boutiques and museums of Park Street.

Ambience: Beautiful, historic city with a vibrant social and cultural scene and countryside across Brunel's famous suspension bridge. Clifton and Redland are still student areas, but steep rents push students further afield. The university sprawls across Georgian squares and grey blocks. The city is large enough to provide a range of clubs, bars and restaurants, yet small enough to feel a sense of community.

Who's the boss? Professor Eric Thomas, an obstetrician and gynaecologist.

Prospectus: 0117 928 9000 or request one here.

UCAS code: B78

What you need to know

Easy to get into? Competitive with at least eleven applications per place.

Vital statistics: Over 12,000 undergraduates and more than 5,000 postgraduates. A substantial number of students come from private schools but the university has been making strict attempts to widen access. Bristol is one of 24 Russell Group universities, dedicated to the highest levels of academic research.

Added value: Strong academic reputation across the board. One of the largest Students' Union buildings in the country. Well-established student drama scene.

Teaching: Came 59th out of 124 for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide.

Research: Placed 13th out of 124 in the Research Assessment Exercise.

Graduate prospects: Ranked 10th with 80.8 finding graduate level employment.

Any accommodation? Plenty. University residences range from £69 per week for a small self-catered room to £146 per week for a catered en-suite.

Cheap to live there? Not very. There's great variation in private rents, with the average being around £80 per week for a flat near the main university precinct. Cheaper areas are available further from the University.

Transport links: Excellent road and rail links. Handy for the M4, M5 and second Severn crossing, and 20 minutes from the international airport.

Fees: Yet to be confirmed for 2013 entry but likely to remain at £9,000 for full-time home undergrads. Overseas fees vary depending on course.

Bursaries: There are a number of tuition fee waivers available for eligible students from households with an income lower than £25,000, plus bursaries and scholarships based on specific criteria. See here for more details.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: Several union bars including the recently refurbished Bar 100. Club nights, plays and live music on campus. The legendary Anson Rooms have played hosts to David Bowie, Radiohead, Blur, Coldplay and Pulp to name a few. A range of popular venues from Oceana and Rehab, to the 02 Academy for gigs and indie nights.

Price of a pint: You're looking at around £2.80.

Sporting reputation: Good- currently at 14th place in the BUCS league.

Calendar highlight: This year's Summer Ball is bringing Cirque du Soleil to Bristol to add even more dazzle to the traditional fireworks and fairground. Plus great music from headliners Everything Everything. Meanwhile the Orbital Summer Ball is to be held in Bristol Zoo with full access to all the animals!

Notable societies: Foodies will enjoy the Cheese, Chocolate and Pancake societies (not all at once sadly) while LipDub gives students the chance to have fun lip-syncing to videos with hundreds of people. Sporty? Try Dodgeball for something little different.

Glittering alumni: Simon Pegg, actor; David Nicholls, author; David Walliams, comedian; James Blunt, singer; Derren Brown, illusionist; Sue Lawley, broadcaster; Paul Boateng, former chief secretary to the Treasury; and William Lewis, former Telegraph editor.

Alternative prospectus: Check out Bristol's board in The Student Room here.