A SURVEY of campus living costs has concluded that Durham University represents the best value for money for students.

The study, carried by the estate agents Haart, found that in terms of combining high quality education with affordable living costs, Durham University was the best choice in the country.

Durham, which is ranked fifth in academic tables and a member of the Russel Group of elite universities, is regarded as something of a bargain at an average rent cost of 62 per week.

This compares with Cambridge, the UKs second ranked university and the most expensive place to live in the country - where you would expect to pay around 97.25 a week in rent.

Newcastle University, which is ranked 18th in the nations academic league table, is also one of the most affordable, costing 64.75 a week..

The cheapest place to live while studying for a degree at a Russell Group elite university in the UK is Liverpool, where your weekly rent will cost just 54.25.

In terms of beer prices, students are urged to head for low cost Cardiff, where a pint costs just 2.25 compared to 3.60 in London.