It has some of the oldest universities in the world - Cambridge is heading for its 800th anniversary in 2009; Oxford conjures up similar images of ancient halls and time-worn stone spires.

The British Council also works hard to promote the British 'brand' of education, emphasising that time-honoured reputation while at the same time accentuating the contemporary side of British tertiary institutions.

The council's annual education fairs generally draw crowds of well over 20,000 each February in a showcase of the country's 170 higher education institutions and 400 further education colleges, offering thousands of degree and postgraduate courses.

But Britain's appeal cannot all be explained away as marketing spin. The breadth of cultural and academic experience on offer in a relatively familiar environment - to Hong Kong students at least - makes the country hard to beat.

The cosmopolitan, modern hub that is London may be what many Hongkongers associate with Britain today, but the capital in no way represents the country as a whole. Despite its small size, Britain boasts broad cultural diversity, both from its indigenous nations and the various immigrant communities that sprang up during the end of the empire.

Adding to the cultural diversity, Britain draws postgraduate students from every corner of the globe and in many universities tutorials are likely to have as many students from overseas as there are locals, if not more.

Geographically, as well, the country changes dramatically from the south to the north, and between the east and west coasts, with cities experiencing quite different climates.

Even students at London universities would be well advised to take the opportunity to see some of the other faces modern Britain hides away.

Some universities are located in the heart of historic towns and cities, with facilities spread over a variety of buildings scattered around the urban area.

The ancient Scottish university of St Andrew's (founded 1413), for example, is set in a tiny coastal town in Fife, best known as being the home of golf. During term-time, students can account for roughly half of the local population.

Others are campus universities with purpose-built facilities in green-field sites. Although that may place everything conveniently within walking distance and make it easier to get by on a tight budget, some are located a reasonable distance outside the city.

Most of Britain's universities, though, are much younger than the likes of Oxford and Cambridge. During the late 1980s and early '90s, the number of universities mushroomed as a host of former technical colleges were upgraded to widen school-leavers' access to degree-level education. While they may lack the pedigree of old-school institutions, a number of these have since gone on to become leading centres in specialised areas such as design or innovation.

Such diversity means students have a lot more to bear in mind than just the university's reputation in their chosen subject. It is important to know as much as possible about an institution's character and setting in order to ensure a good match.

The British university system relies on a much higher degree of individual, student-driven study - particularly at the postgraduate level - than Hong Kong students may be accustomed to.

Students should not expect to be spoon-fed information, but rather need to be aware that they should come to classes prepared in advance and ready to debate the subject at hand.

Some universities do run more in-depth induction courses to prepare them for this change, and many also offer language support for students whose first language is not English.

Once you have narrowed your options down, you would be advised to approach the British Council for in-depth advice about the differences between institutions. Detailed knowledge and guidance are invaluable in making the right decision.

No amount of pre-departure briefings, however, can prepare students for everything they will experience when they arrive in a foreign land.

The wilder side of British student life - not something cultural attaches tend to advertise - can be something of an eye-opener for Hong Kong students.

A recent study found mainland Chinese students and teaching assistants had been taken aback by how different life in Britain turned out to be compared to their expectations.

Lager louts and yob culture, wild alcoholism and rudeness featured prominently in their impressions of 21st century Britain - not the Jane Austin-esque gentlemen they had been hoping to come across.

Although postgraduates tend not to be guilty of the same largesse as British undergraduates, drinking culture is as definitive an aspect of university life as dim sum is to families here.

Be prepared to meet members of your tutorial group in the nearby pub or union bar to discuss the finer points of the week's class over one, two or - perhaps occasionally - several beers.

Web links - Britain

The British Council is the Britain's international cultural relations organisation founded in 1934. It has offices in 233 towns and cities in 109 countries worldwide and started work in Hong Kong in 1948

UKCOSA (the Council for International Education). Gives advice on studying and living in the UK, including information such as visa requirements and whether you can use the state health system

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service). Information on higher education