I haven't visited any of the universities I've received offers from, except UCL where I had an interview. I've tried to research them, mostly from reading students opinions and the way the course content differs, but really there are pros and cons to all the uni’s.
I would put UCL as my firm, but I am worried about the stress, expense of studying in London and especially for my 2nd and 3rd years in which a lot of precious time could be spent having to get up early and travel far. I want to have enough time for going out, joining societies etc and still get at least a 2:1, but I feel going to UCL may cause me to miss out on the other great things about going to uni. I've read that the SU at UCL aren't very strong, people don't go out much and I really want that kind of studenty atmosphere to meet people, I am worried that I may be confined to the people doing my course and those I live with. Halls at UCL are another problem as they place you randomly and I am picky about wanting a single room near the uni but in a lively social hall/area etc. :/
Bristol offered me the same as UCL, but surely the reputation of UCL precedes that of Bristol? And considering Psychology is not the most highly regarded of subjects, I feel I should study it at a uni that will give me the best options and look the best to prospective employers. Or would someone who got a 2:1 at UCL not actually be in a better position than someone who got a 2:1 at Southampton?
My other options are Southampton, Exeter and Birmingham, all which I can't see any problem with. And seem to be rated equally in different respects. I've heard the SU at Exeter is good, Birmingham has great nightlife, and all 3 just seem to have that great campus student atmosphere which I probably won't get at UCL or Bristol.
However the Southampton course seems a bit soft on experimental and statistical methods, would this be looked upon disfavorably?
I wish I'd gone on the open days but I don't have enough time to go to all of them now so it would be a great help if someone could tell me a little bit about studying psychology at the uni's i've mentioned and if they think it would suit me.
Thanks guys