[Winston YC]

Hey guys,

I'm nearing to making my choices as to which university to firm and really, I'm stuck between Birmingham and Exeter, for law of course.

Birmingham gave me an offer of AAA, whilst Exeter is AAB and an academic scholarship of 1,000 if I get AAA.

Which one do you think is better? Feel free to just vote on the poll, but any opinion is much appreciated!

[roh]

I'd say very similar reputations (which is what most people on TSR go on) but very different unis.

If you want to be a lawyer more firms will visit Birmingham simply because a) there are more big local firms with it being the second city b) there are more students there to target. But, in my opinion, HR (other than at a firm in Exeter or in Birmingham where they'd like your commitment to the city) wouldn't think anything besides 'law, good uni, let's see what else they have to offer in grades, ECs etc.' upon seeing you application.

Have you visited both? If so which one did you prefer?

Otherwise it's deciding whether you want a big city with all the nightlife, number of students, shopping etc. that brings or a smaller university in a smaller city, which might be less overwhelming, less impersonal etc.

Anther thing to consider might be how easy it is to get to from home (likely to be Birmingham unless you're from the South West).

Look into any extra curriculars you might want to do to see if either has a particular strength in that area (though the usual case where this applies, sport, they're both very strong at). Also, might be worth looking into the modules offered in Years 2 and 3 and year abroad stuff, if you're interested in that.

Ultimately you will be more inclined to get involved in university life and more likely to perform well academically (both key for graduate prospects too) at the university where you are happy. And you'll have 3 of the best years of your life to boot.

Hope this helps.

[Winston YC]

(Original post by roh)
I'd say very similar reputations (which is what most people on TSR go on) but very different unis.

If you want to be a lawyer more firms will visit Birmingham simply because a) there are more big local firms with it being the second city b) there are more students there to target. But, in my opinion, HR (other than at a firm in Exeter or in Birmingham where they'd like your commitment to the city) wouldn't think anything besides 'law, good uni, let's see what else they have to offer in grades, ECs etc.' upon seeing you application.

Have you visited both? If so which one did you prefer?

Otherwise it's deciding whether you want a big city with all the nightlife, number of students, shopping etc. that brings or a smaller university in a smaller city, which might be less overwhelming, less impersonal etc.

Anther thing to consider might be how easy it is to get to from home (likely to be Birmingham unless you're from the South West).

Look into any extra curriculars you might want to do to see if either has a particular strength in that area (though the usual case where this applies, sport, they're both very strong at). Also, might be worth looking into the modules offered in Years 2 and 3 and year abroad stuff, if you're interested in that.

Ultimately you will be more inclined to get involved in university life and more likely to perform well academically (both key for graduate prospects too) at the university where you are happy. And you'll have 3 of the best years of your life to boot.

Hope this helps.

Thanks a lot for the reply, I actually made this topic knowing full well which university I wanted to firm. It was more for me, so that I was making the right choice.

I firmed Birmingham and although I'm not massively into the whole big-city, nightlife and massive student body, and that Exeter's foundations suited my personality much more, I just fell in love with Birmingham when I went for the open day! Its buildings, quality of teaching and overall great atmosphere just did it for me.

I was quite worried seeing as on the polls, Exeter was way better received. But once I went on UCAS and firmed Birmingham my worries just vanished! I am so looking forward to university, thanks for anyone who took part in the poll.

[roh]

(Original post by Winston YC)
Thanks a lot for the reply, I actually made this topic knowing full well which university I wanted to firm. It was more for me, so that I was making the right choice.

I firmed Birmingham and although I'm not massively into the whole big-city, nightlife and massive student body, and that Exeter's foundations suited my personality much more, I just fell in love with Birmingham when I went for the open day! Its buildings, quality of teaching and overall great atmosphere just did it for me.

I was quite worried seeing as on the polls, Exeter was way better received. But once I went on UCAS and firmed Birmingham my worries just vanished! I am so looking forward to university, thanks for anyone who took part in the poll.

Haha OK, glad you're going somewhere you'll enjoy anyway and sure you'll have a great time there.

Also, slight correction to your post you're not that into nightlife life yet
As a Fresher at a uni offering as good a night out as Birmingham you probably will become so!

Good luck with your A Levels.