Bradford is the cheapest place in the country to be a student, says a new university guide.

Both the University of Bradford and city won a glowing report in the Virgin 2007 Alternative Guide to British Universities, which lifts the lid off student life in cities across the UK.

According to the guide, due out later this month: "Bradford is curry central and the cheapest university city in the country."

The guide, which claims to be the insider's guide to everything students need to know about every university and college in Britain, offers an in-depth view of every aspect of university life from teaching quality and accommodation to pubs, clubs and eating out. University of Bradford's Adrian Pearce, Dean of Students, said: "Now more than ever before, students need to be sure that they are getting the best value for their money.

"Bradford gives them exactly this. It ensures that their money goes further and that they will be able to take advantage of everything that student life and the city of Bradford has to offer."

The university also won praise for its graduate employment record of 82 per cent, which is second only to Cambridge, according to the guide.

And the city was given the thumbs up for student life which it said was close-knit and 'studenty'.

According to the guide: "Bradford is not London, nor is it Milton Keynes, nor yet is it Leeds.

"Bradford may challenge the southern picture of where England is/should be, but what it offers undergraduates is a very studenty, close-knit, pub-based, curry central experience, uninhabited by issues of wealth and class."

The guide is based on feedback from students and on the very latest surveys, independent audits and statistics in terms of what you actually get - teaching quality, student satisfaction and job prospects at the end of a course.

Piers Dudgeon, now in his tenth year of compiling and producing the Alternative Guide, presents independent audits and statistics intended to provide and one choosing their university with a comprehensive analysis of entry requirements, student satisfaction and costs.