Which uni for physics?

I have to apply by the 15th to all 5 of my choices, and so far I've only made my mind up on one university...

I'd like to know what universities other people are applying to, and why (whether you liked it when you visited on open day, or you like the research they do). Hopefully this will help me make some sort of decision, as I don't have enough time to visit any unis

predicted grades for a2 are 3 A*s (also a predicted A in further maths AS)

According to
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/9420501/Top-10-UK-physics-and-astronomy-degrees.html?frame=2284736

1. OXFORD
2. CAMBRIDGE
3. IMPERIAL...

I'm applying for Oxford, Warwick, Bath, Bristol, Surrey. All are ranked well for Physics in The Times University Guide - interesting how all the domestic league tables vary, although I'm not even going near the Guardian's table again as this year it has ranked Hertfordshire above Imperial, Bath, Warwick and UCL for Physics - a total joke.

All UK physics degrees of any worth are accredited by the Institute of Physics - and thus all have to have a broad common grounding in core areas. If you are doing a 4 year Masters/MPHys (recommended if you wish to pursue a career in the subject) then its worth looking at their research specialisms re your final year research.


Reasons I didn't apply for other good unis - St Andrews/Edinburgh - too far
Durham - also too far, but really strong in Astro

Imperial - great research esp in quantum which I'm interested in - but had a week of work experience there and didnt like what I saw. About 35% overseas students - and everyone seemed to split into nationality based groups to socialise - very cliquey. I live in London and not used to this at my school where everyone mixes! All the London unis have less of a community feel as everyone lives all over the place - the social life is different - and expensive. Also, commuting costs really high to get into London - massively adds to your costs - and don't even get me started on cost of accomodation. So no London Unis.

Warwick - great but modern - looks awful. But good campus social life/facilities, and top on all the graduate employers lists of unis to visit.

Bath - nice, small campus - very sporty. Everyone loves it there - social life good but not wild- great if you feel you may get overwhelmed at a big hectic uni.

Bristol - a city uni - great socially and still has a great international reputation even if falling down domestic league tables.

Surrey - really strong in medical physics/ Astrophysics and nuclear - Jim Al Khalili is a Professor there and admissions tutor. Lovely campus - a uni on the up- new facilities etc

I'm applying for Oxford, Warwick, Bath, Bristol, Surrey. All are ranked well for Physics in The Times University Guide - interesting how all the domestic league tables vary, although I'm not even going near the Guardian's table again as this year it has ranked Hertfordshire above Imperial, Bath, Warwick and UCL for Physics - a total joke.

All UK physics degrees of any worth are accredited by the Institute of Physics - and thus all have to have a broad common grounding in core areas. If you are doing a 4 year Masters/MPHys (recommended if you wish to pursue a career in the subject) then its worth looking at their research specialisms re your final year research.


Reasons I didn't apply for other good unis - St Andrews/Edinburgh - too far
Durham - also too far, but really strong in Astro

Imperial - great research esp in quantum which I'm interested in - but had a week of work experience there and didnt like what I saw. About 35% overseas students - and everyone seemed to split into nationality based groups to socialise - very cliquey. I live in London and not used to this at my school where everyone mixes! All the London unis have less of a community feel as everyone lives all over the place - the social life is different - and expensive. Also, commuting costs really high to get into London - massively adds to your costs - and don't even get me started on cost of accomodation. So no London Unis.

Warwick - great but modern - looks awful. But good campus social life/facilities, and top on all the graduate employers lists of unis to visit.

Bath - nice, small campus - very sporty. Everyone loves it there - social life good but not wild- great if you feel you may get overwhelmed at a big hectic uni.

Bristol - a city uni - great socially and still has a great international reputation even if falling down domestic league tables.

Surrey - really strong in medical physics/ Astrophysics and nuclear - Jim Al Khalili is a Professor there and admissions tutor. Lovely campus - a uni on the up- new facilities etc

Thanks for the info. Why is it that you would recommend an MPhys rather than a bachelor's? Are you applying just for physics or astro/anything else?
Curious as to what you think of birmingham, manchester and lancaster?
I was thinking Imperial, but damn, if it's all cliquey like you say then that's not great :/ Would rather have a nice community feel tbh. Also yeah, the costs.

I have to apply by the 15th to all 5 of my choices, and so far I've only made my mind up on one university...

I'd like to know what universities other people are applying to, and why (whether you liked it when you visited on open day, or you like the research they do). Hopefully this will help me make some sort of decision, as I don't have enough time to visit any unis

predicted grades for a2 are 3 A*s (also a predicted A in further maths AS)