[HDNG]INTRODUCTION:[EHDNG][PARA][BULL] The College is part of University of London and students are entitled to use its facilities.[EBOLD][PARA][BOLD]For general information about London:[EBOLD] see [ULNE]University of London[EULNE].[BOLD] [EBOLD]Wye College specialises in the teaching of agricultural, business, environmental and related subjects - [ITAL]basically a lot of farmers[EITAL]. So, although it's a part of London University, it is set in rural Kent, worlds away from the capital's polluted centre. Established in the 15th century, [ITAL]the College has a definite Oxbridge air[EITAL], with long traditions and built around grassy quads. There are many 19th century additions and new redbrick sections. Wye itself is nothing more than a village and the nearest town Ashford, 4 miles away, isn't much more, although when it becomes an international rail terminal for the Channel Tunnel, things will inevitably liven up.[HDNG]ATMOSPHERE:[EHDNG][PARA][ITAL]With so few students, in order to remain anonymous at Wye College, it would be necessary to dress up like the Masked Avenger. This can lead to considerable claustrophobia and impenetrable cliques, which is perhaps why so many students get away each weekend. Lots of them have cars, so it is quite easy to do. Young farmers have never been known for their political correctness and there are a lot of unshaven beer and rugby types... and that's just the women. However, there is a move towards students being concerned with conserving the environment rather than simply using it.[EITAL][ITAL][HDNG]TOWN:[EHDNG][EITAL][PARA][ITAL][STAT][BULL] Population (Ashford): 15,000 [BULL] London: 52miles [BULL] Canterbury: 10miles[ESTAT][EITAL][PARA]The College is in the heart of the Kent countryside, surrounded by small villages, such as Wye, and next to a conservation area. This is the Garden of England - [ITAL]what better place to learn how to make things grow? [EITAL] Ashford, the nearest town, has plenty of shops for daily needs, [ITAL]but it's not a lively place.[EITAL] Students tend to head for the bright lights of London for an improved social life.[HDNG]TRAVEL:[EHDNG][PARA][BOLD]Trains:[EBOLD] BR station at Wye, 1/4 mile from college, and trains to France from Ashford International circa 1997.[PARA][BOLD]Coaches: [EBOLD]National Express to London (ú7, 1:35hrs, 7/day).[PARA][BOLD]Buses:[EBOLD] Buses from Ashford to the campus run till 8pm and cost ú1.[PARA][BOLD]Car:[EBOLD] [ITAL]Very handy to go out in the evening[EITAL] as the last train from Ashford leaves at 11pm. Ashford is connected to London by the A20 and to Folkestone on the coast, by the M20. The A28 runs to Canterbury and then south towards Hastings.[PARA][BOLD]Bicycles:[EBOLD][ITAL] [EITAL]Bike sheds are provided and the surrounding area is very flat. [ITAL] Theft is pretty minimal[EITAL].[HDNG]LIBRARIES and COMPUTERS:[EHDNG][PARA][STAT][BULL] Books: 35,000 [BULL] Periodicals: 600 [BULL] Study places: 110 [BULL] Computer workstations: 72[ESTAT][PARA]The specialist library supports the College's studies.[HDNG]CAREER PROSPECTS:[EHDNG][PARA]Inevitably, students tend to be employed in agriculture, horticulture and environmentally related fields.[HDNG]FAMOUS ALUMNI:[EHDNG][PARA]Sir Roy Griffiths (author, 'Care in the Community'); Rebecca Stevens (first UK woman to climb Everest); and many celebrated farmers.[HDNG]FURTHER INFO:[EHDNG][PARA]Prospectuses for undergrads and postgrads.
