Anthony Lawton in his second year studying for a BA in Creative Writing and Identity gives us the lowdown on what it's like to study in the former wool capital.

Being a student in Bradford

Like a cellar wine, Bradford just gets better with age. It has to be seen to be appreciated, and I soon became happily acquainted with the architectural delights and relaxed pace of the former wool capital.

The city hosts a good selection of shops, including two indoor markets and The Kirkgate Centre - a taste for every bud where the living is cheap and easy.

If you’re feeling a bit flush, then Leeds is 20 minutes away by train from Forster Square station.

Bradford Interchange, the city’s main bus/rail station, is a ten minute walk from the main campus. With the UBUS, easy access to motorways and Leeds & Bradford Airport on the doorstep, the world is your sphere.

A pint of beer here will cost between £1-£3, cinema tickets cost between £4-£6, nightclub entry fees vary from £5 upwards and with £5 plus for a meal (depending on where you want to go and what you want to eat) your taste buds and wallet can get some delightful relief!

Study time

Bradford has up to date resource and research facilities. I was particularly impressed with the self service swipe card entry system for taking out, renewing and returning books in the main campus library.

Private rooms are available on demand for group work, offering the perfect environment to practice your communication skills, iron out the creases or put your cards on the table before any looming deadlines.

The university PCs have multiplied like rabbits. In busy periods it can be hard to get a seat in the main communal areas), but underground or over ground, wandering free should always net your place at the stations!

If you have a laptop, you can plug in free to the universities’ wireless network. I found this facility a great way to surf the Internet and do some vital research in-between lectures, without having to pay the subscription fees or have a contract with an Internet Service Provider.

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