Exeter College

History: Established as Exeter Tech in 1953 and became Exeter College in 1970, the first tertiary college in England. Since 1988, it has also taught higher education.

Address: Four city-centre locations as well as two custom-built training and skills centres on the Marsh Barton and Sowton Industrial Estates on the edge of the city.

Ambience: Nearby city attractions such as the Cathedral Green and Quayside. There are also beaches for surfing, and Dartmoor for walking and cycling, both within an hour's travel.

Who's the boss? Greatly experienced in further education, Yeovil Town football fan Richard Atkins has been principal since 2002.

Prospectus: 01392 205 232 or request one here.

UCAS code: E81

What you need to know

Easy to get into? Should be - keen on widening participation.

Foundation Degrees: Aircraft engineering; aviation operations management; coaching and fitness; creative digital video; early years; engineering; fine art; graphic communication; health and social care studies; journalism and practical media; leadership and management in the air travel industry; performance production; photography and digital arts; public services; sports therapy; and television production.

Vital statistics: Large tertiary college organised into three areas: the 'sixth', vocational education and training, and access and community education. At HE level, HND/HNC courses, foundation degrees and a full degree in business management. HE courses are validated by Universities of Exeter, Plymouth, Kingston and UCP Marjon.

Added value: Building programme gives students the chance to experience state-of-the-art technology and facilities, including top class learning resource centres, a purpose built drama theatre and specialist vocational skills centres, such as the construction, motor vehicle and hospitality, hair and beauty centres. Close working relationships with the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter and membership of the Faculty of Partner Colleges at the University of Plymouth.

Any accommodation? Yes, but it's mainly for international students. The college will put you up with a host family for £100 per week, bills and meals included. Opal Exeter accommodation offers 51-week lets from £110 to £135 per week with utility costs included.

Cheap to live there? Rooms in a shared house can cost from £65 per week but most will set you back between £80 and £95.

Transport links: Close to city's bus and train stations and two-and-a-half hours from London by train. Exeter International Airport's not too far away.

Fees: £5,995 per year for all full-time higher education courses. Part-time courses are charged by the module.

Bursaries: A Bursary Scheme funded by the government offers £1,200 per year to those with the greatest financial need.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: Exeter is a student city, with Exeter University providing venues for nightlife and many major bands playing at the Great Hall. Numerous bars, clubs and pubs for all tastes.

Price of a pint: £3 for your standard pint of lager in Exeter.

Sporting reputation: No entry in the BUCS league of universities and colleges, but a brand new sports hall is due for construction in 2014.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.