THE University of Bradford is using reverse psychology to encourage people to study in the city.

Its new film, Don’t Go To Bradford, lists some of the ways people outside the district criticise the area, before highlighting what Bradford has to offer young students.

The video, which is shared on social media and on the university’s website, was filmed by Revolution Viewing in locations including North Parade, Lister Park and the National Media Museum.

It is an attempt to draw attention to a city often “overlooked” by students who are more drawn to Bradford’s neighbours, Leeds and Manchester.

The video starts with students listing reasons people told them not to come and study in Bradford, from it being “grim” and a “dull Northern city” to claims the campus would be rubbish and there was nowhere for students to go in the evening.

Student Sonia Sanghera, who appears to be sheltering from the rain under an umbrella, then shouts “what do they know?!” before the camera pans out to reveal she is in fact dancing in City Park’s fountains on a sunny day.

There are clips of students on campus, in the student union building and using the gym facilities. They are also shown experiencing the burgeoning independent quarter by drinking in The Record Cafe, visiting the National Media Museum, cycling in the Yorkshire Dales, shopping in The Broadway and Salts Mill and rowing on the lake in award-winning Lister Park in Manningham.

The university is celebrating its 50th anniversary and released the video the week before A-level results are released.

Emma Bridge, the associate director for marketing and communications at the university, said: “Bradford is an exciting and vibrant city and our students love being here.

“As a university destination, Bradford can sometimes be overlooked by being sandwiched between Leeds and Manchester so we wanted to create a video which demonstrated what a brilliant place Bradford is to study and live in.”

Kersten England, Bradford Council’s Chief Executive, said: “It’s great to see young people who come to study in Bradford promoting the city in this way. It shows what a diverse and dynamic city Bradford is.”

Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “I thought the students’ video was excellent.”