Re: Banks, etc…
Can't vouch for other banks/building societies, but HSBC have treated me very well since I first switched to them* at the start of my degree (*from the Halifax).
HSBC's student, graduate and small business accounts/services/facilities are well thought out and flexible, offering a good array of relevant services.
Equally importantly, they've always been very open and easy to deal with/talk to - even the managers.
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fwiw…
http://www.youthinformation.com/infopage.asp?snID=566