Not applying for Oxbridge even though I have the grades?

I'm a mature student (21), and have the standard A*A*A A-levels (already done my A2s too). I'm thinking of applying to uni this autumn. Still deciding on my subject.

However, despite my grades, I don't really want to go for Oxbridge for some reason at all. I've visited a few times and had friends who went there, and I don't like the student culture (it seems a bit "quirky" and not as down to earth as somewhere like Leeds or Nottingham) and don't feel I would fit in. I also largely want to go for the "student experience" and though I'd be able to keep up with the work I doubt I'd enjoy the (very) heavy academic workload all that much. And I've visited the mature colleges and none of them seemed that great college wise (I don't think I'd fit in so well in a non mature college).

Is it a bad idea to write off applying to Oxbridge?

Not a bad idea at all, Oxbridge is my idea of hell

If you already feel you won't enjoy it, don't apply. Only apply to unis you'd actually be happy attending

Why?

I don't mind posh people or anything like that personally, but even though I'm largely going to uni to get a degree the high focus on academics and old fashioned tradition doesn't appeal.

I'm a mature student (21), and have the standard A*A*A A-levels (already done my A2s too). I'm thinking of applying to uni this autumn. Still deciding on my subject.

However, despite my grades, I don't really want to go for Oxbridge for some reason at all. I've visited a few times and had friends who went there, and I don't like the student culture (it seems a bit "quirky" and old-fashioned and not as down to earth as somewhere like Leeds or Nottingham) and don't feel I like it even though I like the elitism. I also largely want to go for the "student experience" and though I'd be able to keep up with the work I doubt I'd enjoy the (very) heavy academic workload all that much. And I've visited the mature colleges and none of them seemed that great college wise (I don't think I'd fit in so well in a non mature college).

Is it a bad idea to write off applying to Oxbridge?

Well first of all I wanted to study a very specific course which isn't offered at Oxbridge.

And the other problem is that I wanted to live in a major city. To me my general wellbeing and happiness is more important to me than the uni I get my degree from, so I preferred to live in the Scottish capital than somewhere like Oxford that's just work, work, work.

Not at all. There are other Universities that are just as qualitative and suitable for the more laid back people. If you think about it, Oxbridge is nothing more than a label, a brand, and because of its label, it assumes popularity as "the place to be". In truth, you should go somewhere you feel more comfortable and happy to devote 4+ years of your life so it is time well spent. And if so, the end product will be the same as it is for Oxbridge.

Follow your senses. Good luck

If you don't like it then don't go....why is this even a question? You shouldn't go to somewhere you don't like because of its reputation because you will have to live there.

If you don't like it, don't apply to go there. Simple. You'll be spending 3+ years of your life there so make sure it's somewhere you'll feel comfortable.

I'm a mature student (21), and have the standard A*A*A A-levels (already done my A2s too). I'm thinking of applying to uni this autumn. Still deciding on my subject.

However, despite my grades, I don't really want to go for Oxbridge for some reason at all. I've visited a few times and had friends who went there, and I don't like the student culture (it seems a bit "quirky" and old-fashioned and not as down to earth as somewhere like Leeds or Nottingham) and don't feel I like it even though I like the elitism. I also largely want to go for the "student experience" and though I'd be able to keep up with the work I doubt I'd enjoy the (very) heavy academic workload all that much. And I've visited the mature colleges and none of them seemed that great college wise (I don't think I'd fit in so well in a non mature college).

Is it a bad idea to write off applying to Oxbridge?

Yeah, I'm going to go round open days (did that last year too) and make a list. I'm just wondering if I'm seeing it from a biased perspective.

I also want to stay in/close to London if possible

I'm general, no not really. What degree would you be looking at undertaking? As you said in/around London Imperial would be next best thing if not on par for STEM degrees.

There are many alternatives to Oxbridge that are of the same and even better calibre, also depends on what degree you want to do. LSE and Imperial are significantly better and more prestigious in some courses.

However, choosing Leeds or Nottingham over Oxbridge? No

Management (again not something most people would go for with my grades in decent subjects, but almost certainly what I want to do).



Management. I'd prefer a London uni tbh

Oxbridge is nothing more than a label

I'm a mature student (21), and have the standard A*A*A A-levels (already done my A2s too). I'm thinking of applying to uni this autumn. Still deciding on my subject.

However, despite my grades, I don't really want to go for Oxbridge for some reason at all. I've visited a few times and had friends who went there, and I don't like the student culture (it seems a bit "quirky" and old-fashioned and not as down to earth as somewhere like Leeds or Nottingham) and don't feel I like it even though I like the elitism. I also largely want to go for the "student experience" and though I'd be able to keep up with the work I doubt I'd enjoy the (very) heavy academic workload all that much. And I've visited the mature colleges and none of them seemed that great college wise (I don't think I'd fit in so well in a non mature college).

Is it a bad idea to write off applying to Oxbridge?

Management (again not something most people would go for with my grades in decent subjects, but almost certainly what I want to do).



Management. I'd prefer a London uni tbh