You get lower rents than London while staying within its easy commuter reach, on a modern campus that is the town's centre of gravity. It suits students who want to base themselves near the capital without paying capital prices.

• The University of Hertfordshire (de Havilland and College Lane campuses) anchors the town.
• London King's Cross is only about 25-35 minutes by train.
• Rents are lower than in London while you stay in easy reach of it.

Social life is campus-focused, built around the on-site club and student bars, with many big nights out taken into London. The town itself is quiet, so the university does the heavy lifting.

• The Forum Hertfordshire is the on-campus club and gig venue.
• The Galleria outlet and town pubs cover the rest, with London a short train ride for big nights.
• The Studcasa Hatfield group is useful for lift-shares and events.

Hatfield is cheaper than London but within its orbit, so cooking in and using local passes keeps costs down. Eating out leans on chains and the outlet centre.

• Budget around GBP 800-1,250 a month.
• A Uno bus term pass keeps local travel cheap.
• Cook in, as the town relies on chains and the Galleria for eating out.

On-campus halls are the simplest first-year choice, with shared houses around the campuses and in Roe Green. Old Hatfield is prettier and quieter if you want a change of scene.

• On-campus halls at College Lane and de Havilland are the simplest first-year option.
• Roe Green and the roads around the campuses have shared student houses.
• Old Hatfield is prettier and quieter, near Hatfield House.

Fast trains to King's Cross are the town's main advantage, with the university's own bus company linking the campuses. Nearby St Albans is a quick trip.

• Great Northern trains reach London King's Cross in about 25-35 minutes.
• The university-owned Uno buses link the campuses and town.
• St Albans and Welwyn Garden City are a short bus or train ride.

The University of Hertfordshire is the sole main host, with particular strengths in aerospace and computing. Terms follow the usual UK calendar.

• The University of Hertfordshire is strong in aerospace and computing.
• Terms run late September to June.

Since Brexit, EU citizens no longer have free movement, so most non-Irish students need permission to study. For an exchange of up to six months you can often come under the Short-term study route or simply as a Standard Visitor, depending on your nationality and course length. For a full year you will need a Student visa sponsored by your host university.

What applies depends entirely on your passport, so confirm with the university and official UK government guidance early. The Student visa needs a CAS reference from your uni, proof of funds and usually the immigration health surcharge, so budget both time and money for it.

• Exchange under 6 months, often Standard Visitor or Short-term study
• Full year, Student visa with a CAS from your uni
• Irish citizens, no visa needed under the Common Travel Area
• Budget for the immigration health surcharge on longer visas

Eating out centres on the outlet centre and chains, so nearby St Albans is worth the short trip for markets and history. Hatfield's stately home adds a touch of grandeur.

• Eating out centres on the Galleria and chain restaurants.
• Nearby St Albans has one of England's oldest street markets, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Hatfield House, a grand Jacobean home, is worth a wander in term time.

The town splits between the modern new-town centre, the campuses and historic Old Hatfield. Many students look to nearby St Albans for a livelier base.

• The campuses (College Lane, de Havilland) for convenience.
• Old Hatfield for historic charm.
• Nearby St Albans for a livelier, prettier base if you commute.

London is minutes away, with plenty of Home Counties days out nearby. The Harry Potter studio tour is a local highlight.

• London is about 25-35 minutes by train.
• The Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour at Leavesden is about 30 minutes away.
• St Albans (Roman ruins and cathedral) is about 10 minutes, and Cambridge about 40-60 minutes.

Base your social life around campus and London rather than expecting a busy town. A couple of travel cards make the frequent trips affordable.

• Build your social life around campus and London, as the town itself is quiet.
• Get an annual Uno bus pass if you live off campus.
• A 16-25 Railcard makes frequent London trips affordable.