[bistonut]

I'm torn between Manchester and Durham for physics. For the past half a year, when people said where my main choice was, I'd say Durham since it has a good reputation, and keeps people like my grandma who don't know anything about unis happy, as it sounds somewhere she can show off the fact i've gone.

But now I'm actually looking into it, Manchester seems like it is a viable option, even if it means no "leaving the nest" (I would be in halls though). It seems to have a better reputation for physics, and has a highly respected research department with loads of nobel prizes in the past. It also has Brian Cox :P Durham is the best for Astro...but this isn't my favourite area in physics.

Not to mention Manchester's amazing nightlife, compared to Durham's...well 2 rubbish clubs and a few bars. And i've only touched the surface of it since being 18, so I doubt I'll be getting bored of it soon (although I don't think I can stand Factory again for a while...). Unlike most physicists (I was told the theoretical physics department at manchester is nicknamed the autism department...) I do want a good time going out.

However, I do think it would be a good experience living elsewhere. And I really like the college system at durham- sounds so much easier to make friends and have a good group of you, not just people in your halls/on your course

thoughts?

[bistonut]

Oh one note which doesn't really matter on the living side of things: both are A*AA offers, I've got Durham's and Manchester's should be coming through after interview (like 95+% of interviewees get one), but might specify that the third A be from Further Maths, whereas durham gives me a choice of Fmaths or chem, and it'll be so much easier in chem

[Toki_Premium]

Your writing seems to indicate that, you have already made your decision tbh.

[bistonut]

(Original post by Toki_Premium)
Your writing seems to indicate that, you have already made your decision tbh.

Good point, although I sort of got sidetracked and forgot to argue for Durham, which the is fact I don't want to be stuck in a crap part of Manchester ages away from the city centre, when I move out of halls, and that durham has the overall reputation. Also I sort of like the idea of it being a quite small and pretty place, with everything walkable.

I guess I am asking too much for my perfect uni aha

[durhamppegrad]

If you're from Manchester you'll find Durham boring and stifling. Everything you have said makes me inclined to advise choosing Manchester -- especially since you've mentioned nightlife, which in Manchester is great, and in Durham is terrible. Most people go to Durham because of perceived "prestige" (and the inevitable pressure from family and friends that comes with it) and many regret having passed up the opportunity to spend three/four years in a large, buzzing city like Manchester. It's a no-brainer in my opinion.