Laura,

If you like the course at Reading, take no notice of Greg Stephens (;>)

OK, Reading itself has now become rather expensive as part of the Thames "silicon valley" but its a great social, campus-based university (the whole university is set in parkland a couple of miles south of the city) with a very large number of onsite halls of residence (I recommend Wantage Hall). The English department has a good reputation. There has always been a good folk club there and many others around the city.

Why do I know? Because I spent three excellent years there as an undergraduate and three more part-time there as an externally-based postgraduate.

Peace

moo