I've applied for Chemical Engineering, but I cannot choose between UCL and Leeds. From visiting both uni's on open/applicant days, I got the impression that Leeds has a better course, more suited to graduates who want to go into Chemical Engineering, geographically close to the industry therefore better job prospects etc. and according the the league tables it is 3rd whereas UCL is 13th. I also liked the atmosphere/social side of things - it seemed like the union was buzzing and I liked the overall campus feel.
By this it probably seems like Leeds is the choice for me as it ticks basically all of the boxes, but back when I was deciding what I wanted to do and picking uni's, I had my heart set on UCL and didn't want to go anywhere else. I loved the location, the course involves study abroad as part of the course which Leeds doesn't, and it just has that vibe that London has. Also for some reason I think I would feel more at comfortable at UCL than Leeds. (I don't particularly live near either but I just got that feeling when I was there). The only downsides are that the course doesn't seem to be as good (I'd love to get insight from someone who actually goes there) and it seems that because its UCL, a lot of students are interested in diverting into finance rather than sticking to Chemical Engineering which I have mixed feelings about.
Even though Leeds ticks all the boxes I looked for when picking a uni, its just not UCL, even though for Chem eng it is better. However I would hate it if I went to London and wasn't engaged by the course and started to regret not picking Leeds, as after all the priority should be the course.
Do you think I should go with my gut instinct and pick UCL as it feels right, or Leeds because the course/prospects are better, which is considerably important when picking a relatively vocational degree like Chemical Engineering? In terms of grades they're both AAA, but Leeds said if I firmed them they could let me in on AAB, which means I could firm it and insure UCL so I can make my mind up later, but I doubt this would happen as the course is getting very popular.
I've included a poll for the lols