Bristol, University of

University of Bristol

Age: 102

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 square, grey blocks. The city is large enough to provide a range of clubs, bars and restaurants, whilst small enough to feel a sense of community.

Vital statistics: Over 12,000 undergraduates and more than 5,000 postgraduates. A member of the elite Russell Group of research-led universities. A substantial number of students come from private schools, although the university is making attempts to widen access.

Added value: Strong academic reputation across the board. One of the largest SU buildings in the country. Strong student drama scene.

Easy to get into? Competitive. Courses ask for between240 and 380 UCAS points. 11 applications per place.

Glittering alumni: Simon Pegg, actor; David Walliams, comedian: Marcus Brigstock, comedian; Sue Lawley, broadcaster; Paul Boateng, chief secretary to the Treasury; Bill Fullagar, Chairman of NHS Blood and Transplant; Professor Richard Cogdell FRS, elected Fellow of the Royal Society.

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

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

Teaching: Came 48th out of 116 for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide.

Research: Came 13th out of 115 in the Research Assessment Exercise.

Overall ranking: Came 11th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Nightlife: Several union bars including the recently refurbished Bar 100. Club nights, plays and live music on campus. Great shakes in Bristol.

How green is it? Not great - came 68th out of 138 universities graded by People & Planet for their ‘Green League 2011’, an assessment of environmental performance.

Any accommodation? Plenty. University residences range from £80 per week for a small self-catered room to £138 per week for a catered room with a basin.

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

Sports ranking: 13th in the BUCS league table.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time undergrads commencing study in September 2011. As of September 2012, the university plans to charge the maximum fee of £9,000 per year.

Bursaries: There are tuition fee waivers of up to £3,500 available for eligible students, as well as bursaries and scholarships based on specific criteria. Visit the website for more details.

Prospectus: 0117 928 9000; www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectusrequest

UCAS code: B78