Yesterday I received an offer from Cambridge to study Natural Sciences. I wasn't really expecting to get an offer (though obviously I'm happy that I have done) and I was already really looking forward to doing Physics at Manchester.
I loved Manchester when I went there for my interview and knew that it would be one of my final two choices, but now I have to choose between there (A*AA offer) and Cambridge (A*AAA).
I know to some people it would seem like a clear cut choice and a lot of people wouldn't even think about rejecting an offer from Cambridge. However the only reason I can think of going to there is just because "it's Cambridge". I prefer the course at Manchester, the city, the department...
The very high pressure/intensity working environment doesn't really appeal to me and I think I'd have more fun at Manchester. Would it be a stupid move to turn down Cambridge's offer and put Manchester as my firm? Would I be wasting what is potentially the chance to get an education that will hold me in much better stead later in life?
EDIT - I should have made this clearer: I am NOT just thinking about my social life being better at Manchester. I am not trying to imply that i wouldn't have a social life at Cambridge. I was basically asking if it's worth doing a course I don't like as much at a city I don't like as much in order to have potentially better opportunities later in life.
UPDATE
A few people have asked me what I ended up doing so I thought I would update this thread. I did go back and visit both places in the end and after many sleepless nights I firmed Cambridge. Manchester didn't impress me as much the second time around and whilst I still think I would possibly have enjoyed the environment more at Manchester, I'm going to university primarily for education, and Cambridge is where I will receive the best education. I've put Birmingham (AAA) as my insurance as if I miss the Cambridge offer I will more than likely have missed the Manchester offer too.
Thank you to everyone who contributed!