Before I start I'd just like to say that I'm not making this thread to brag about getting a Cambridge offer and considering turning it down, I just want some advice/another perspective on the situation.
In AS I got good grades and so I was encouraged to apply for Cambridge just to see what happened, my parents were also keen as my dad and granddad both went to Cambridge as well. I didn't particularly want to go but applied anyway because I thought I probably wouldn't get an offer.
Now I'm faced with a dilemma as I've received offers from Cambridge (Natural Sciences Biological) and Exeter (Biological Sciences) and I don't know what to do.
At the open day I fell in love with Exeter University and the city, the course is ideal for me as it leans slightly more towards the ecological/zoological side than most universities, the course allows for a choice of lots of different options in the second/third year so I could tailor the degree more specifically to my interests and also I could take a module in French which I would love to do. Another couple of bonuses of Exeter is that they've offered me a scholarship and it is much much closer to home than Cambridge.
But then I feel like I'm crazy to want to turn down Cambridge but the simple fact is I don't want to go there. I didn't like the atmosphere and I completely detest the ceremonies and traditions. Not to mention the workload is insane and I think I would find it hard to keep up playing an instrument and having a social life as well. I don't actually like the idea of a Natural Sciences course either, I find the options too broad and I wouldn't be able to tailor the degree as much as I would at Exeter. Cambridge is a long way from home and I just didn't feel 'right' there. Also I don't like the idea of eating in hall every night, I want to be able to cook for myself (Although that's a much more minor consideration)
Overall the only reasons I would choose cambridge would be because 'It's Cambridge!' i.e. the reputation and because the buildings are pretty. Is it worth sacrificing my happiness for three years for that reputation? I feel sick with jealousy of people I know at exeter/who are going and I don't know why I should feel like that because I CAN go, but I'm finding it impossible to reject the Cambridge offer.
Any advice is appreciated, apologies for the random stream of consciousness.