I think that maybe geographically dependent.

I went to uni in Nottingham and the clientele was a mix of middle-age stag/hen parties and the older working class - I never saw or heard of students going other than as a toilet stop.

But that's a city with a selection of good and reasonably priced pubs, whereas in say London it makes sense due to just how much cheaper it is.

They are incredibly good at targeting their pubs. In Leeds there are ones that are aimed at students, ones aimed at day-time drinkers, ones aimed at night-life and dancers - all based on where the pub is located.

Sam Smith’s for the win in London. In Bath, Wetherspoons had one of the better real ale selections for a while, but there are now plenty of craft places (albeit more expensive).

Wetherspoons is very popular with students in Nottingham. Every time I go in the Gooseberry Bush it's half students.

I should've added that my observations were only from the city centre pubs, Uni of students (not Trent) and are a fair few years old.

Maybe the 9k fees have really taken a toll, but I struggle to get why anyone would go to a spoons when you've got The Organ Grinder and The Hand & Heart only 8 minutes away...