Oxford Brookes University students are paying the highest drink prices in the UK, according to a university guide.

The Push Guide to Which University 2005, published today, puts the average price Brookes students pay for a pint at £2.42, while Oxford University students enjoy some of the UK's cheapest drink at £1.53.

The average cost of a drink at pubs, clubs and student bars in towns across the UK has risen by 58 per cent over the past seven years to £1.89.

The guide is researched and written by students and recent graduates. Brookes students are also harder hit by housing costs -- paying £72.35 a week, compared with £67.44 at Oxford University. Most Brookes students rent privately, while 90 per cent of Oxford students get college accommodation.

One area where Brookes gets its nose in front is employment prospects. While seven per cent of Oxford University graduates are unemployed after six months, five per cent of Brookes students are still seeking work.