Facilities: Engineering department is well invested in, new equipment everywhere you look and lots of space. Labs and equipment are open for use during working hours, and open access to the electronics, 3D-printing and manufacturing spaces shows that personal projects and hands-on, self-driven learning are encouraged. Student support: In my experience staff are always contactable and helpful. Student support is active and visible in public spaces like the library and the union. Every module has a feedback mechanism. Good extenuating-circumstances policy. Student life: Pretty close-knit within courses and halls, very social all round. Location: It’s a student city, and the campus is right in the centre with accommodation spread throughout. Every venue and attraction is walkable, and Portsea Island is flat as a pancake so a bike is ideal (uni buildings have racks). Good train links to everywhere in the UK except the South West (two changes). Especially good for London if that’s your thing (about £10/1 hr direct to London). Campus look and feel: Mix of modern and older buildings, depends on the school/department. Very good gym/sports facilities, only a few years old and a good student discount (Ravelin Sports Centre). Some sports have access to the Royal Navy’s HMS Temeraire sports facilities. Students’ Union: No bar in there, but there’s a merch shop. Societies run through the union. Careers fair is hosted there. Overall: Good uni, would recommend.

Best: Open Access to Labs and facilities, with helkpful lab techs for advice. Open book exams to test application not memory. Worst: none to think of.