Situated some 200 miles to the north-east of London, and the country’s 12th largest conurbation. Hull is located in a part of England remarkably free from pollution, overcrowding and high-rise building. With a rich maritime history stretching back over many centuries, Hull's association with the sea is reflected in buildings and museums which commemorate the city’s traditions and William Wilberforce’s long battle against slavery.

Within easy reach are other major historical cites and a varied coastline, yet London or Edinburgh are only three hours away by train, while the great sporting cities of Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool are no more than an hour or two distant.

Kingston-Upon-Hull (the city’s full formal title) became Britain's premier east-coast port as early as the 12^th century and consolidated its position after the Industrial Revolution. Whaling and distant-water fishing have come and gone; but as the City prepares for the 21st century its long-established connections with continental Europe are particularly important. P&O North Sea Ferries, for example, sail daily from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge, from where there are excellent rail and road connections to all parts of continental Europe.

Until the 19^th century those concerned with commerce by sea came to Hull. On the brink of the 21^st century its remains a major port, but has also become a thriving commercial centre with excellent links to the rest of Britain via Humberside Airport, rail services and a first-class motorway system, including, of course, the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge, for fast links with the rest of the country. The City remains small enough to be welcoming friendly and safe - with many locally owned small shops or arcades - while also developing its modern facilities to accommodate the national chain stores and shopping malls Students in Hull normally shop in the areas nearest to the University. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, clothes, as well as the butchers are easily available. Takeaways and restaurants, laundrettes and hairdressers are all within walking distance and the prices are low.

Hull offers a range of recreational opportunities for all tastes; pubs, clubs and restaurants in profusion, whatever your preferred style of music or menu; museums and art galleries, the New Theatre's varied programme of international ballet, drama or opera, and the award-winning Hull Truck Theatre. One of the major attractions in Hull is in October when the Hull fair begins. Known as the largest travelling fair in Europe, the Hull fair attracts visitors from near and far.

A combination of the local clubs and University facilities offers participants all the usual sports or recreational activities; for spectators the City has Super League rugby, Football League soccer, Premier Division ice hockey, and motorcycle speedway.

A short journey from Hull and a popular place for a night out, is the market town of Beverley with its magnificent Minister. Beverly’s Westwood, a large area of ancient wood, pasture and common land, is the focus for more secular activities ranging from picnics to horse racing, from golf to winter sports.

Only a little further afield, unspoiled countryside and the coast are two of the region’s great natural attractions. To the north, the coastline culminates in the headlands at Flamborough, famous for their chalk cliffs, caves and rocky bays. In complete contrast, Spurn Point's bird sanctuary fades into the Humber as a mile-long spit of sand, rarely more than a few yards wide.

Between the extremes lie three of the country’s resorts Withernsea, Hornsea and Bridlington with its long beaches and busy harbour. Stretching inland are the Plain of Holderness, as peaceful today as it has been for generations, and the Wolds, characterised by rolling agricultural lands supporting the small village communities that developed around the imposing country houses with which the region is so richly endowed.

Living in Hull has many attractions, not least experience of life in a modern British city without the expense or anxieties of life in the larger urban centres of Britain, the United States of America or Australia. Students can enjoy the serene and beauty of the countryside as well as the hustle and bustle of the city Most students live in the areas surrounding the University. Local travel is easy and inexpensive; I0 minutes by bicycle or bus will take you from the most ‘distant’ student residences to the University; 15 minutes from the campus to the City centre.

Hull is a friendly city, rich with varied cultures represented by the University student population. The University of Hull is a vital component of the city and is represented by students from 112 different countries. Students and the local community integrate well together and for many Hull has become a second home.

Author : Cecilia Pereira-Yates, University of Hull

This article first appeared in Educational Courses in Britain & America