Firstly, it is imperative to not allow personal taste to cloud your judgement. The first question should be: will a range of people who live in this area want to rent this property out? The property is not for you to live in; it is for tenants to rent for a fixed period.
Talking to a letting agent will allow you to gain an appreciation of the area in which you intend to buy. They will know the specifics of the market, including which properties are in high demand. A general rule of thumb (although this may vary from area to area) is that purchasing a smaller property in a town (such as a one-bedroom or studio flat, or two-bedroom apartment) is almost always a sound investment. This does of course vary from property to property.
Buying to let for the student market is certainly a viable option in university towns. However, student rents are generally lower, and it may be worth bearing in mind the condition of the property after years of student occupancy.