Don't knock it. I lived in a University Town for 3 years and it was great. The uni influenced a lot of what happened in the town and, I've got to say, there was a sort of academic "boost" that you don't get everywhere. The quality of life was enhanced by the great number of students and professorial staff that made up a portion of the population.
Mind you, it also helped that there was a beautiful cathedral, a castle, a tree-lined river with old stone bridges, old-fashioned shops and attractive residential areas. Durham City is a lovely place.
