[parry_93]

(Original post by Desertanium)
The main reason why I choose RHUL is because I liked the course structure and the combination with Creative Writing. The campus is breathtaking and local area especially Windsor is peaceful and quiet. I am not a huge party-goer or clubbing fan so RHUL seemed the perfect choice for me. It is only a 40-minute train ride away from London.

Theres your answer.
No your not a fool for rejecting Exeter
Its your life at uni not your teachers if RHUL suits you then youll be happy

why an earth was i negged for this :s

[TenOfThem]

There seems plenty of good reasons for your choice

The Guardian guide has 63% employment for Exeter English Graduates and 62% for Royal Holloway

Does not seem like a big factor

[millie-rose]

When I was choosing sixth forms I got offers from the top sixth form in my area and a lower down one(in fact almost the bottom in our area).

After going to look around both, talking to students/teachers etc. it was obvious to me I would be happier at the lower down one. My parents went absolutely nuts but I knew where I would be happy. (I'm a really stubborn person in that if I know what I want for my life, I do it rather than listen to them, however it did annoy me).

2 years later because I was happy and had motivation I left with AAB and am hoping to apply to a good uni.

Go where you will feel happiest- it is YOUR choice.

The comment earlier that it is only 3 years of your life in return for 40 working years is fair but it's also so naive. If you absolutely despise your three years at university, how do you expect to have a positive motivated mind to even stay there and graduate?

University is something people talk about to their kids, their partners and everyone they know in future life. Make sure you have an experience that you are happy and proud to talk about to other people, rather one that will sound good but was really the worst period of your life.

[poony]

Calmed down. I bet offer from RH is slightly lower than Exeter. So, you won't be so stressed out waiting for the A level results, you like the uni. Exeter is not that much better.

When I went to Warwick, it's not as reputable as now, rankings do change. At least you didn't reject Oxbridge

[River85]

(Original post by yothi5)
I'd say there's quite a big contrast. Exeter is much better than the other 3.

Nonsense. Why is Exeter "much better"?

And yes, I would say Durham would think so at 1st glance. But it depends on your motivation and academic results as well as your passion and ECs and all the rest of the rubbish.....

Again, nonsense. For postgrad, including PGCEs, universities place little to no weight on the university attended. Unlike prestige whores they realise that the university an applicant attended as an undergraduate does not define him or her.

They will, quite rightly, see Exeter, Newcastle, Royal Holloway and Southamptom as broadly comparable 1994/Russell Group universities anyway.

(Original post by Desertanium)
Thanks all for the insight. But overall, would you say there is a massive contrast between Royal Holloway and Exeter/Southampton/Newcastle? I am hoping to do a PGCE (really have my heart set at Durham!) and do you think Durham would feel I am an 'inferior' candidate in contrast to someone who has a degree from Exeter?

See above. Your academic performance, experience and ability to express why you want to do a PGCE, and demonstrate potential flair for teaching, is far more important that where your degree is from.

[SpicyStrawberry]

My boyfriend rejected Sheffield in favour of Staffordshire because he preferred it as an insurance, it didn't matter what anyone else thought. It's your life and your decision after all!

[oKatie]

I had offers from both Cardiff and Warwick, and ended up firming Royal Holloway. I don't think it's foolish - I figured if I prefer Royal Holloway as an institution I'm more likely to do better there and come out with a good degree

[Snikle]

I had the same problem. Lancaster(x2), Manchester, York and UCL. Lancaster, although now doing well, wasn't doing as great at the time. I chose it for all the reasons you just listed. From course structure to clubbing. And honestly, I haven't looked back.

You'll love Royal Holloway.

[Deep456]

I don't think for a degree like English it will make a big difference. If it was something like Economics, then yes. For English, don't worry about employment prospects between them. As already shown, Exeter is 63%, Royal Holloway 62%.

[AB163]

I rejected Durham to firm Exeter with RHUL as my backup and it was the hardest choice ever as Durham was my dream, but at the end of the day I knew I'd be happier at Exeter than I would at Stockton which isn't even real Durham. Royal Holloway is still amazing and you'll be spending 3 years of your life there so you have to be happy! The happier you are the better you will succeed after all.