The Northampton Borough Council paints the city as "the heart of England". Although this is not, strictly speaking, accurate, geographically, politically or socially, it is nonetheless a pretty decent place to study and have fun.

There are loads of bars in the city centre and the shopping is excellent as well, although there is slightly less choice than in larger cities. Culturally, Derngate is one of the largest provincial theatres and regular guests include, Tom (Knickers) Jones, Brian Blessed and Eddie "The God" Izzard. And there is the Royal Theatre and the Forum Cinema - all good for culturally-lacking students.

There's also a good museum with regular quality exhibitions, but the best bit about the town is the restaurants and the quality tea-rooms of middle England. I may seem a bit biased about it, but having spent 2 years studying here, I can't wait to finish my course and do a post-graduate course in the city.