The Student Room Group

Birmingham or Aston?

I've already applied and one of my choices is Aston but as my school STILL haven't sent off my application I still have the possibility of changing my choices, and am starting to think Birmingham over Aston?

I think the placement year offered at Aston could be really, really worthwhile in terms of employability, however Birmingham's department for my subject (politics) is much higher rated than Aston's and I've heard the campus is much nicer?

Aston is in the city centre which is more convenient but does this really make that much of a difference? Anyone go to either of these uni's?

Any info appreciated :smile:

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Hey, i'm at Birmingham. I've no idea about Aston though so i couldn't give you a view on that.
I'd say the campus is amazing, it's really pretty and the library is amazing.
Also, your worries about Birmingham not being in the town centre isn't too bad really it's about a 7 minute train ride to town which costs about £1.50 ish with railcard.
I love Birmigham uni! :biggrin:
Also, i see you've applied for Manchester.
Go to Manchester, it's amazing!
Reply 3
I'm also thinking about swapping Manchester for Leeds as I think it might be easier to get into Leeds for my course :frown: Why is Manchester amazing!?
f.burton
I'm also thinking about swapping Manchester for Leeds as I think it might be easier to get into Leeds for my course :frown: Why is Manchester amazing!?

I dunno, it's where i'm from and i just love it. The student community always seems so tight and friendly.
The nightlife is amazing, as is the shopping. :biggrin:

Leeds is pretty similar to Manchester too though and is pretty mint.


I gues the only way you will know is to go visit yourself coz it's all subjective really. What i like may not be what you do. :smile:
Reply 5
Hmm something to think about!! Thanks for your answers
Politics at Aston isn't bad ... I'm doing Business and Politics at Aston Business School and find the course to be quite alright tbh. Plus we're a much better uni in terms of friendliness of people, socialising, etc.
Reply 7
Do you enjoy the politics lectures etc? So Aston is more sociable than Birmingham? Because I'm definitely a sociable person :smile:
Reply 8
I have been to both Birmingham and Aston. Go to Birmingham, the campus is so nice and pretty and it just seems to be together and well located and the student flats are nice.
Aston, well i didnt like it, the business school was amazing, but everything left something to be desired, it just felt dirty and undeveloped. But i suppose its a personal preferance thing
Reply 9
Go for Birmingham! Its in a much nicer area than Aston (in my opinion anyway), and you can walk into town in half an hour, get the train from the uni which is ridiculously cheap, or get a taxi which will cost roughly £4. For pubbing/shops Selly Oak is also nearby.
Birmingham wasn't my first choice of University, but I've been completely converted since I've been here; there's a lovely atmosphere, gorgeous campus and lots to get involved with! It's also got a pretty good reputation, if you're into that sort of thing :wink:
Good luck deciding!
x
Reply 10
everything ELSE i mean, like the stuff not associated with the business school, and you arn't doing anything connected with business so...
If you want a pretty campus, go to birmingham. you want a proper tight knit uni with a real sense of community and belonging, come to aston.
Reply 12
This is tough, I suppose I should have realised I was going to get views from people at both universities saying that their uni is better! :tongue:

At the moment I'm thinking:

Birmingham - better uni, nicer campus, better department

Aston - better employability prospects, better location

:s
Reply 13
why do you think aston is more employable?
Reply 14
Because of the placement year which 70% of undergraduates take.

Does anyone know where the accomodation is or what it is like at Birmingham? Aston's is on campus which seems very convenient.
I'd rate Birmingham seriously higher than Aston, and that's what employers care about.
Reply 16
I initially thought this too, but there are only 3 places seperating the two uni's in the times league tables.

And isn't a placement year a huge advantage when trying to get a graduate job?
Reply 17
Birminghams is great. Its a Flat system, so you share with 5 other people and have a bathroom and kitchen between you, the bed is also pretty large. Best Uni accomodation i stayed in in my university trip.
Reply 18
Pisswinkles
I'd rate Birmingham seriously higher than Aston, and that's what employers care about.

Is that because B'Ham is higher in the league tables?
Reply 19
How far are halls from the city centre? Isn't it a bit of a mission coming home from a night out!

By the way thanks so much to everyone who has helped me out didn't expect this many replies :smile: :smile:

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