'Every student should spend a year in halls of residence'

Deciding on going to university is one thing; choosing which university to go to is a completely different matter. I particularly wanted to go to a university in the Midlands because being in the heart of England has plenty of advantages. For me, it is ideal because, living in South Wales, I'm far enough away from home to have my independence, yet close enough to come home pretty sharpish if I need to.

Deciding on going to university is one thing; choosing which university to go to is a completely different matter. I particularly wanted to go to a university in the Midlands because being in the heart of England has plenty of advantages. For me, it is ideal because, living in South Wales, I'm far enough away from home to have my independence, yet close enough to come home pretty sharpish if I need to.

The university itself is a fine place to study. Aside from its academic achievements, the other aspects of the university (welfare, career and so on) are also very good. The students union of any university is the second home to all students, and mine is no exception. As well as being home to the union paper, radio station and shop, it has over 80 societies to suit every interest, including a fantastic theatre society.

The catered halls are stunning Edwardian houses in the nearby village of Oadby. Every student should spend a year in halls because you really will have a great time and meet some of the best friends you'll ever make.

A 20-minute walk from the campus will find you in the centre of a small, yet perfectly formed city. Nottingham and Birmingham are just a short train ride away so there is no excuse not to spend your student loan!

Sport is a major aspect of life in the city that is home to the famous Leicester Tigers. Nearly every sport is catered for. Theatres, museums, leisure centres – you name it, Leicester's got it.

Now for the best bit; the night life. There are two universities in Leicester (the University of Leicester and De Montfort University) and so the population is 10 per cent students. The city is well aware of this and is home to countless bars and clubs, many of which have a student night during the week.

But you don't have to traipse to town for a good night out as many students flock to the union. Again, being in the Midlands means that many other towns and cities are at your fingertips when it comes to planning a night on the tiles.

The one major downside to being a student is the cost. I will have approximately £11,000 worth of debt when I graduate. This is a problem for every student all over the country and one that needs to be embraced with the support of organisations such as the NUS (National Union of Students). Students learn to count pennies as carefully as Ebenezer Scrooge, which does sometimes put a dampener on things, but because everyone is in the same boat, you learn to live with it pretty quickly.

If you go to university purely to get a degree and a "better job", then you are missing out on so much. Going to university has been the best thing that I've ever done.