Coventry University

Better nightlife is in Birmingham just 20 minutes away by train, also shopping if you're into that stuff. I loved the brand new Coventry University Sports Centre, which was brand new when I went there, so I spent a lot of time there and they had good pilates, aikido etc classes.

No experience, except by visiting other students. I only visited "Singer Hall" of the university accommodation and it seemed nice, everyone had their own room and it was quite clean and nice looking. I heard that the membership for the excellent new university sports centre was included in the rent in most cases.

At least I did not have any difficulties, but I studied business subjects in English before too and lived in Ireland. The lecturers were clear and didn't have problems with communication during lessons. The local accent and ethnic groups around Coventry have a certain accent but I learned to listen to it pretty soon. If you know English, the language is not going to be a problem, and if you don't know English yet, then you will surely learn it there..

Pretty hard to open a bank account if you're just an poor student not working.. :D But I succeeded to open a cash account in the end, but it took 5 weeks of running around offices getting documents and booking appointment.. I guess they are quite busy in October when all the students come in..

Birmingham Airport is really near and direct train and bus connection is available. Central location in England, good if you want to travel, also Coventry has its own airport and good connections by train too. Warwick castle was very nice, make sure you visit it! The universitys International office arranges trips to UK places and abroad too. Don't loose your nerves on the first few week with the enrolment and introductions and hassle, because it's a big school. The introduction week for international students is a nice way to meet the exchange students, and all the student union activities get you close to the British too. But be active, they won't come walking to you if you won't make an effort.. :D Go with an open mind and don't expect anything, just take it as it comes and make the best of it.