[izzzy]

I have offers from both uni's to study Politics & Philosophy and i can't decide where to go.

LSE: AAA
Bristol: AAB
Edinburgh: BBB
( Glasgow: ABB
Sheffield: AAB /ABB with B in Extended Project )

so it's really either firming LSE, insuring Bristol. Or firming Bristol, insuring Edinburgh (because it makes no sense to insure a higher offer, i've been informed).

I'm aware that no one can make my decision for me, but I'd really appreciate some opinions, preferably from people who currently go to/have recently studied at either uni, or if they have experience of both cities.

I recently spent 2 days in each city; I feel at home in Bristol, and that's where I've always wanted to go, London is mad and exciting and I like it, but slighty alienating as well I thought. Everyone at the uni seemed really kindof straight and very very studious. As I suppose you'd expect. I have no career plan and I feel I'd be under slightly less pressure at Bristol. Not that I can't deal with pressure but I'd rather not pay thousands to have a stressful 3 years in London. (saying all this, I haven't been to an official Bristol Visit Day whereas at LSE there was.. maybe Bristol people are just as internship-focused?)

BUT It seems like such a waste of an opportunity to turn down LSE! Maybe it'd be worth it? How much better is LSE than Bristol really , is it the opportunity of a lifetime that I should just go for ?

Thanks in advance! I don't have long to decide..

[george1023]

Hi, I don't go to either, but I am going to Bristol next year, so I know a bit about it. Personally, I would struggle with that decision as well if I were in your shoes, but it really just depends how much you don't want to go to London. Especially for those sort of subjects, LSE has an incredible reputation, and is really in a different league to Bristol: Normally between unis like these the difference is so small that it wouldn't actually make a difference to your study or employment afterwards, but I think for this kind of subject there might be a slight difference. However, similarly, I could have applied to Imperial College London rather than Bristol for physics, between which there is a similar sort of difference, but I didn't want to study in London, so I didn't apply there. Therefore, I would say if you really don't wan't to study at LSE, then go to Bristol-it is still a fantastic university and you will certainly enjoy it. Remember though if you wanted a bigger safety net than AAB then you could firm LSE for AAA and insure Edinburgh for BBB, just a thought as it would be another option. At the end of the day, when the decision is between unis like these, the most important thing is where you would most enjoy studying. Unfortunately I cannot fill you in on what that department is like at Bristol, but that is also quite an important factor, so hopefully someone else can... (I have been to the uni several times though and the uni and accommodation really is great)

[avash27]

Hiya, I'm currently a first year Pol/Phil student at LSE and I really love it! Yes, there is a lot of hype about how stressful the atmosphere is and how most people are only career oriented and don't do much else, but my friends and I are living proof that those are not the only types of people who go to LSE. I am friends with all my course mates, we get along great, and we definitely do not compete with each other. Pol/Phil is more of a laid-back course - yes it is difficult, but it's not super competitive like Econ or Law, and we all are happy to help each other out whenever anyone needs it. You can easily avoid the competitive atmosphere by avoiding those types of people altogether. I have found so many like-minded people who are interested in getting a good education but also appreciate going out, having fun, and doing lots of things other than studying.

If you're worried about not getting a typical student experience, you can join the AU! We have nights out every Wednesday, and generally have a really great time (we have a big event in December called Carol where every team dresses up in different costumes and hangs out all day on campus, at clubs, etc, and the AU Ball in March which is a more "formal" event but still amazingly fun). There are also countless societies you can join where you'll more than likely find people who share your interests.

Trust me, I know a LOT of people here who have no idea what they want to do later in life, and are just taking their degree one step at a time. LSE isn't only full of crazily studious people - the ones who like having a life outside of school exist as well!

Hope I've provided a bit of helpful insight. If you do have any other questions about the course, life at LSE/in London, or anything else, just let me know!

Hope to see you here next fall!

[dslc]

(Original post by izzzy)
I have offers from both uni's to study Politics & Philosophy and i can't decide where to go.

LSE: AAA
Bristol: AAB
Edinburgh: BBB
( Glasgow: ABB
Sheffield: AAB /ABB with B in Extended Project )

so it's really either firming LSE, insuring Bristol. Or firming Bristol, insuring Edinburgh (because it makes no sense to insure a higher offer, i've been informed).

I'm aware that no one can make my decision for me, but I'd really appreciate some opinions, preferably from people who currently go to/have recently studied at either uni, or if they have experience of both cities.

I recently spent 2 days in each city; I feel at home in Bristol, and that's where I've always wanted to go, London is mad and exciting and I like it, but slighty alienating as well I thought. Everyone at the uni seemed really kindof straight and very very studious. As I suppose you'd expect. I have no career plan and I feel I'd be under slightly less pressure at Bristol. Not that I can't deal with pressure but I'd rather not pay thousands to have a stressful 3 years in London. (saying all this, I haven't been to an official Bristol Visit Day whereas at LSE there was.. maybe Bristol people are just as internship-focused?)

BUT It seems like such a waste of an opportunity to turn down LSE! Maybe it'd be worth it? How much better is LSE than Bristol really , is it the opportunity of a lifetime that I should just go for ?

Thanks in advance! I don't have long to decide..

I just wanted to say congratulations on your offers, every single one is fantastic - you should be proud. Certainly take consideration of the hubbub of London and whether that is for you but wherever you end up is going to provide you with fantastic career prospects.

I wish you all the best.

[warwickorbristol]

(Original post by izzzy)
I recently spent 2 days in each city; I feel at home in Bristol, and that's where I've always wanted to go, London is mad and exciting and I like it, but slighty alienating as well I thought. Everyone at the uni seemed really kindof straight and very very studious. As I suppose you'd expect. I have no career plan and I feel I'd be under slightly less pressure at Bristol. Not that I can't deal with pressure but I'd rather not pay thousands to have a stressful 3 years in London. (saying all this, I haven't been to an official Bristol Visit Day whereas at LSE there was.. maybe Bristol people are just as internship-focused?)

Go to Bristol unless you know you want a career in the City but you're just not sure doing what. Why not just enjoy 3 years with probably the best balance of lack of responsibility and freedom you'll get for the rest of your life.

[Raj K]

LSE!! my sister goes there..it's great apparently !

[winning11]

(Original post by avash27)
Hiya, I'm currently a first year Pol/Phil student at LSE and I really love it! Yes, there is a lot of hype about how stressful the atmosphere is and how most people are only career oriented and don't do much else, but my friends and I are living proof that those are not the only types of people who go to LSE. I am friends with all my course mates, we get along great, and we definitely do not compete with each other. Pol/Phil is more of a laid-back course - yes it is difficult, but it's not super competitive like Econ or Law, and we all are happy to help each other out whenever anyone needs it. You can easily avoid the competitive atmosphere by avoiding those types of people altogether. I have found so many like-minded people who are interested in getting a good education but also appreciate going out, having fun, and doing lots of things other than studying.

If you're worried about not getting a typical student experience, you can join the AU! We have nights out every Wednesday, and generally have a really great time (we have a big event in December called Carol where every team dresses up in different costumes and hangs out all day on campus, at clubs, etc, and the AU Ball in March which is a more "formal" event but still amazingly fun). There are also countless societies you can join where you'll more than likely find people who share your interests.

Trust me, I know a LOT of people here who have no idea what they want to do later in life, and are just taking their degree one step at a time. LSE isn't only full of crazily studious people - the ones who like having a life outside of school exist as well!

Hope I've provided a bit of helpful insight. If you do have any other questions about the course, life at LSE/in London, or anything else, just let me know!

Hope to see you here next fall!

haha, this has reassured my decision, thanks for the post

[izzzy]

(Original post by dslc)
I just wanted to say congratulations on your offers, every single one is fantastic - you should be proud. Certainly take consideration of the hubbub of London and whether that is for you but wherever you end up is going to provide you with fantastic career prospects.

I wish you all the best.

Thankyou very much