HALF of all current undergraduates chose their university based on the quality of the nightlife, according to research.

A study carried out by the University of Hertfordshire found that the "kudos" of the university was important for 60 per cent, the facilities were a draw for 57 per cent and the quality of the shopping was a crucial factor for 15 per cent.

While the perceived quality of the course was important to almost all students, (82 per cent), only 26 per cent of students chose their university on the basis of the subject alone.