Laura Prescott, studying for a Masters in Magazine Journalism on what it's like to study in England's newest city.

Being a student in Preston

The University of Central Lancashire (Uclan) attracts over 35,000 students every year, so it’s definitely doing something right. And to quote the student anthem, things can only get better as massive redevelopment plans are underway. The Queen acknowledged Preston’s heritage and innovative nature as the “administrative centre” of Lancashire, by choosing it as the only town to be granted the coveted city status in 2002.

It may not be as pretty as other university cities like York or Lincoln, but don’t let that put you off. You may get off the train at Preston station looking to check out their open day and not get that ‘good feeling’ you’re after, but give it time and you will.

Preston does have many attractive attributes. The 19th century buildings dotted about offer some fine examples of architecture, and when the sun is shining they look spectacular. However, what it lacks in beauty it more than makes up for with its down to earth atmosphere - Preston is very much a Northern city with proud industrial roots.

Study time

Alongside the usual methods of teaching (lectures and seminars) the university advocates a practical approach to learning which pays off, with 95 per cent of graduates entering employment or further study within six months of graduation. Uclan has built up a good reputation in a number of subjects. It is widely recognised as a leading centre for the teaching of journalism, and the sports courses are amongst the best of those provided in the northwest.

Uclan also has a great IT service, not only providing students with the usual provisions such as an email address, but also offering other resources such as its own internet learning facility ‘WebCT’, where module information and online lecture notes can be accessed and ‘remote access’ means you can to retrieve your own files stored on the university system.

The £15m media centre which opened in January 2007 provides top-notch performing arts and media facilities akin to those used in the industry, as well as an area devoted to nurturing new and graduate business ideas. It is investments like this that explain why, in the last National Student Satisfaction Survey, it was announced that Uclan students are the most satisfied technology students in the country.

Playtime

Uclan understands that students go to university for more than just an education, and they have made sure their leisure facilities are as up to scratch as their teaching provision. The shiny (literally) new Students’ Union was unveiled in 2005 and is now an up and coming venue. The likes of Klaxons, Hot Chip and Jose Gonzalez have all either visited or are due to. There are also club nights dedicated to every musical taste, and pastime (the latest themed night dreamed up involves being prepared to go, and swap a piece of clothing with the person next to you on the sounding of a horn!) And of course, there’s the fortnightly comedy club which was opened by Peter Kay himself.

Teetotalism may have originated in Preston with the temperance movement, but rest assured there are plenty of watering holes. Off campus, in the main shopping area are the usual bars and chain pubs like Scream and Weatherspoons for that Sunday morning fry-up, alongside independent joints such as the Cocktail factory.

Times recommends

• Five essential tips for your year abroad
• Are students killing television?
• Reading masses discover British Library