This critique relates to a specific part of the 2004 prospectus containing to student comments about keele, but it is also relevant to prospective postgraduates. For the sake of clarity as obvious as this may seem, I would like to point out that Keele's prospectus is not necessarily alone in the world of prospectuses in what it has to say, and that Keele's is simply one example.

Around January 2003, the Department of Academic Affairs sent a campus-wide e-mail asking for undergraduate and postgraduate students to come along and give a short statement of what they thought about Keele. I have little doubt to believe that the statements given are made up, but it seems obvious that Keele's spin doctors will only have picked the ones that most positively portray as many aspects of University life as possible. It is the purpose of this page to provide a devil's advocate point of view, to give a more unbiased, if brief, account.

"I would definitely recommend living in Halls - that's where I made my closest friends." - Emma Branston, finance student
True. I have been lucky to have lived on campus every year so far, and each year has been positive in a different way. The Lindsay halls have long corridors of up to 15 people per floor. The down-side is that you all have to share one ill-equipped kitchen and are often likely to have meals at strange times, but on the plus side you get to meet some interesting and friendly characters. Hawthorns is the most out-of-the-way residence, and you're less likely to get to know other students apart from your immediate neighbourhood. Of course, you're likely to meet idiots, and one of the problems of living in a hall full of random people for a year is that you have to put up with them. However, these are thankfully in a minority, and the risk is absolutely worth taking. Postgraduates seem to be much more relaxed and friendly, and I have known quite a few - and only two idiots spring to mind in particular.

Come to Keele!" - Sam Buckley, wants to run a flee circus
Whether you take this latter part to be funny or just stupid, the general sense of students is of being laid back and wanting to have a good time, reflected in this comment quite well. Beware, however (and believe me I am in a good position of authority to say and see this) that each subsequent year seems to be more anal and less willing to make friends outside their small group. The moral of this little tale: to make friends AS SOON AS POSSIBLE after going to Keele. Even if you start a week late, you may find that people have already formed their social groups and you'll feel an outsider. Postgrads: this is less the case, mainly due to the fact that postgrads are much friendlier and open. Visit the KPA on your own, for example, and you'll get into a conversation with someone, even if it's the bar-staff.
     Regarding "come to Keele": Always check the independent rating of the departments you're interested in. The government carries out regular audits of the quality of the equipment, research, modules on offer and teaching practices (see here for more). An overview of what the government says about Keele can be seen here (what is assessed) and here (which marks are awarded for what). The most up-to-date actual marks for all subjects within Keele can be found here, and a directory of all UK universities to compare with can be found here. Department ratings go from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest).

To be completed

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