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Imperial vs Southampton : Civil Engineering Firm Choice
Hey there, I've applied for Civil Engineering and I have all my offers in (Bar Oxford but I just applied there so my school sent off the application).
I'm really struggling to choose between Imperial and Southampton and really need the help and advice of all of you. Also, I know a lot of people struggling to choose between these two (and Bristol) so this will be a worthwhile thread for a lot of us.
Ok, so here are the advantages and disadvantages of both:
Imperial College London
World-Class Reputation and almost certainly the best in the UK for Civil Engineering.
More likely to lead to a better starting salary and more likely to have huge companies lining up for sponsorships and jobs. (In most cases, not all)
If I wanted to go into another sector of work, e.g. Finance, I'm better equipped as a degree from Imperial is more favorable to many large firms.
I want to go abroad to work in engineering, a world-class degree from a known institution will surely be advantageous for this.
It's in London which I love! meaning I can pick and choose from Brixton Academy, London Forum etc. for gigs and don't have to go clubbing which I hate with a passion.
I'm worried the course will be too intensive for me and that I will struggle to get a 2:1 or above.
There was no real 'campus life' and the Skempton building seemed a dingy place to spend 4 years, same with the lecture theatre's.
Bad male:female ratio, but then there's London (Drools)
Worried that if I get stuck, the academic support won't be as accessible.
Southampton University
I loved the campus and area, best one I've seen at any university.
They have the SUCCESS scheme which almost guarantees sponsorships and jobs.
I think I'll cope better with the course and hence get a better degree classification (don't take that the wrong way please).
Doesn't have that world-class edge, meaning working in other sector's, working abroad and securing the very best jobs will be harder.
Department wasn't that much better but the campus balanced it out.
The city seems to revolve around clubbing which I hate, and the Guildhall has only had one band recently that I really like (QOTSA).
Not in the 'heartbeat' of Britain, I like a bit of the hustle and bustle.
Okay, so theres my advantages and disadvantages of both universities, can any of you add your own? or give me any pointers to what my points say? are any completely wrong?
Thank you for your time.
I'm really struggling to choose between Imperial and Southampton and really need the help and advice of all of you. Also, I know a lot of people struggling to choose between these two (and Bristol) so this will be a worthwhile thread for a lot of us.
Ok, so here are the advantages and disadvantages of both:
Imperial College London
World-Class Reputation and almost certainly the best in the UK for Civil Engineering.
More likely to lead to a better starting salary and more likely to have huge companies lining up for sponsorships and jobs. (In most cases, not all)
If I wanted to go into another sector of work, e.g. Finance, I'm better equipped as a degree from Imperial is more favorable to many large firms.
I want to go abroad to work in engineering, a world-class degree from a known institution will surely be advantageous for this.
It's in London which I love! meaning I can pick and choose from Brixton Academy, London Forum etc. for gigs and don't have to go clubbing which I hate with a passion.
I'm worried the course will be too intensive for me and that I will struggle to get a 2:1 or above.
There was no real 'campus life' and the Skempton building seemed a dingy place to spend 4 years, same with the lecture theatre's.
Bad male:female ratio, but then there's London (Drools)
Worried that if I get stuck, the academic support won't be as accessible.
Southampton University
I loved the campus and area, best one I've seen at any university.
They have the SUCCESS scheme which almost guarantees sponsorships and jobs.
I think I'll cope better with the course and hence get a better degree classification (don't take that the wrong way please).
Doesn't have that world-class edge, meaning working in other sector's, working abroad and securing the very best jobs will be harder.
Department wasn't that much better but the campus balanced it out.
The city seems to revolve around clubbing which I hate, and the Guildhall has only had one band recently that I really like (QOTSA).
Not in the 'heartbeat' of Britain, I like a bit of the hustle and bustle.
Okay, so theres my advantages and disadvantages of both universities, can any of you add your own? or give me any pointers to what my points say? are any completely wrong?
Thank you for your time.
Scroll to see replies
In this case, you'll ALWAYS regret not choosing the best you can get. Think about it, if it's so scary to do Imperial because you're not assured of being the smartest (and taking Southampton doesn't guarantee you that either, uni is a whole different world it), you can always switch unis if it came to it.
Imperial has the better reputation and is also recognised for civil engineering. If you had to choose between the uni with all-round prestige and the one which is really good in a specific area, I'd understand but here it really is a no-brainer.
You'll regret not choosing the best uni, trust me.
Imperial has the better reputation and is also recognised for civil engineering. If you had to choose between the uni with all-round prestige and the one which is really good in a specific area, I'd understand but here it really is a no-brainer.
You'll regret not choosing the best uni, trust me.
SamTheMan
In this case, you'll ALWAYS regret not choosing the best you can get. Think about it, if it's so scary to do Imperial because you're not assured of being the smartest (and taking Southampton doesn't guarantee you that either, uni is a whole different world it), you can always switch unis if it came to it.
Imperial has the better reputation and is also recognised for civil engineering. If you had to choose between the uni with all-round prestige and the one which is really good in a specific area, I'd understand but here it really is a no-brainer.
You'll regret not choosing the best uni, trust me.
Imperial has the better reputation and is also recognised for civil engineering. If you had to choose between the uni with all-round prestige and the one which is really good in a specific area, I'd understand but here it really is a no-brainer.
You'll regret not choosing the best uni, trust me.
Yeah, I understand and I agree, thank you for your reply. The main reason I'm hesitant about Imperial is because it seems a scary jump to take, has anyone else got anything to say? All opinions are much appreciated.
I (hope) to be in this position as well.
The choice between UCL, Southampton and Imperial. My reasoning is similar to yours as well... Imperial has the best reputation in the field but... it doesn't seem like an enjoyable place to study (i may be wrong). UCL has a much better union and seems like a great place to study plus the department is really quite good. Southampton is similair to both in the academic aspects but i'm not too keen on going there at all.
If it comes to it and i'm successful at the imperial interview i will probably make Imperial my firm - what with the poor climate for graduate jobs i need every advantage i can get. I just hope the 4 or 5 years i could be spending there aren't as bad as i think they will be.
The choice between UCL, Southampton and Imperial. My reasoning is similar to yours as well... Imperial has the best reputation in the field but... it doesn't seem like an enjoyable place to study (i may be wrong). UCL has a much better union and seems like a great place to study plus the department is really quite good. Southampton is similair to both in the academic aspects but i'm not too keen on going there at all.
If it comes to it and i'm successful at the imperial interview i will probably make Imperial my firm - what with the poor climate for graduate jobs i need every advantage i can get. I just hope the 4 or 5 years i could be spending there aren't as bad as i think they will be.
Snobpence17
Yeah, I understand and I agree, thank you for your reply. The main reason I'm hesitant about Imperial is because it seems a scary jump to take, has anyone else got anything to say? All opinions are much appreciated.
I don't know if there are that many people who refuse a more prestigious university because they're scared they won't do as well (maybe someone who's always been used to being top of their year?)... the fact is, you'll have brilliant people at Southampton as well as at Imperial. What's more, your achievements at secondary school level will not be totally correlated with your achievements in higher education... that's a fact you have to accept: it's a new start.
But choosing a lower-ranked uni (Southampton is a very good engineering uni, I'll give you that) is not going to help you in any way and will not guarantee you a higher grade. It really doesn't work that way. I can understand how it may appear at the end of sixth form but you may find yourself doing a lot better at Imperial than you would at Southampton. There are very smart people at both unis and you shouldn't be scared of competition. As I mentioned, if things don't work out at Imperial, you can move to a uni like Southampton. If you go to Southampton and things don't work out (don't be so confident that things are more likely to work out at Soton, that's very naive...), that's it: no Soton, no Imperial for you. You've dug your own hole.
Just take the jump. As a guy who has made silly mistakes like this in the past...
You're a high achieving student and in that position, you owe it to yourself and everyone else to take the better uni. You're just a bit apprehensive and probably for the wrong reasons as well.
Pixels
The choice between UCL, Southampton and Imperial. My reasoning is similar to yours as well... Imperial has the best reputation in the field but... it doesn't seem like an enjoyable place to study (i may be wrong). 
As an Imperial grad, yes I can confirm that it's a bit more serious but you'll be in Central London and still have an excellent time.
Your social life isn't everything either: it may be worth it in your first year and being in halls in Central London will be excellent at Imperial (or UCL) but you don't want to be at the end of your degree and telling yourself you had a few laughs but you could have done better... the socialising gets increasingly unappealing as you approach the end of your degree anyway
The great thing about Imperial is that it's a really stimulating place: you'll meet some of the best researchers in their fields and with a lot of smart (not necessarily geniuses!) people, you'll want to study and learn.
SamTheMan
As an Imperial grad, yes I can confirm that it's a bit more serious but you'll be in Central London and still have an excellent time.
Your social life isn't everything either: it may be worth it in your first year and being in halls in Central London will be excellent at Imperial (or UCL) but you don't want to be at the end of your degree and telling yourself you had a few laughs but you could have done better... the socialising gets increasingly unappealing as you approach the end of your degree anyway
The great thing about Imperial is that it's a really stimulating place: you'll meet some of the best researchers in their fields and with a lot of smart (not necessarily geniuses!) people, you'll want to study and learn.
Your social life isn't everything either: it may be worth it in your first year and being in halls in Central London will be excellent at Imperial (or UCL) but you don't want to be at the end of your degree and telling yourself you had a few laughs but you could have done better... the socialising gets increasingly unappealing as you approach the end of your degree anyway
The great thing about Imperial is that it's a really stimulating place: you'll meet some of the best researchers in their fields and with a lot of smart (not necessarily geniuses!) people, you'll want to study and learn.
Yeah I see what you mean. It's not that I think it'll be 'easy' at Southampton, it's that I think it'll be 'harder' at Imperial if you know what I mean. But yeah, I think I'd be pretty daft to turn down a once in a lifetime opportunity like that. Thank you for your help.
Any other advice still welcome.
SamTheMan
As an Imperial grad, yes I can confirm that it's a bit more serious but you'll be in Central London and still have an excellent time.
Your social life isn't everything either: it may be worth it in your first year and being in halls in Central London will be excellent at Imperial (or UCL) but you don't want to be at the end of your degree and telling yourself you had a few laughs but you could have done better... the socialising gets increasingly unappealing as you approach the end of your degree anyway
The great thing about Imperial is that it's a really stimulating place: you'll meet some of the best researchers in their fields and with a lot of smart (not necessarily geniuses!) people, you'll want to study and learn.
Your social life isn't everything either: it may be worth it in your first year and being in halls in Central London will be excellent at Imperial (or UCL) but you don't want to be at the end of your degree and telling yourself you had a few laughs but you could have done better... the socialising gets increasingly unappealing as you approach the end of your degree anyway
The great thing about Imperial is that it's a really stimulating place: you'll meet some of the best researchers in their fields and with a lot of smart (not necessarily geniuses!) people, you'll want to study and learn.
I used to be really hellbent on going to Imperial in my younger years (year 11 or so). Not sure what happened really, maybe it was visiting UCL that made it less appealing.
I did do a residential summer school at imperial and i quite enjoyed that, so i know it's quite a pleasant place to study. I think partly it's because i am desensitizing myself from being too nervous about the upcoming interview.
You could consider costs. It will cost much more to live in London. Imperial is in a really expensive part of London. After your year in halls it will cost you a fortune to live near Uni or you can live in a grottier part (there are lots in London) and commute in on the tube.
In Southampton you will come out with less debt. If you are doing a MEng it won't matter as much. Or could you do a BEng at Southampton and a Masters in London? Best of both worlds?
In Southampton you will come out with less debt. If you are doing a MEng it won't matter as much. Or could you do a BEng at Southampton and a Masters in London? Best of both worlds?
I've got a son who is currently doing a MEng in CE at Manchester. Manchester asked for higher grades (one grade higher) than Imperial. We live in London, he didn't want to live at home. Half the cost to live away from home in Manchester than in London! Enjoy your Civil Engineering.
talon1579
I've got a son who is currently doing a MEng in CE at Manchester. Manchester asked for higher grades (one grade higher) than Imperial. We live in London, he didn't want to live at home. Half the cost to live away from home in Manchester than in London! Enjoy your Civil Engineering.
But to get the best possible start to a career abroad it could be worth it? that's why it's such a hard decision.
From what I've experienced of the course so far, the workload seems pretty reasonable, and if a slacker like me can get by, I'm certain you'd be fine.
Those who have suggested to go to Imperial on it's reputation alone are horribly naiive, and this is perhaps the worst way to decide on a university (and trust me I would know). What I would say about Imperial is that although the course is brilliant: we have some amazing lecturers, the course is great, and companies are very keen to recruit us; the pressure is really quite intense - a lot of people here work very, very hard, and socially, I feel it could be a lot better (but even then, I think that's down to me being unlucky with a few things).
The best piece of advice I could give you is to not worry about whether you'll struggle at Imperial (as it's not as bad as people make out, and I think civil is one of the more relaxed departments,) but just to choose wherever you think you'd be happiest. Regarding the workload, I don't think Southampton will move at the pace we're moving at, but it shouldn't be far off.
Good luck with your decision, and congrats on the offers
Those who have suggested to go to Imperial on it's reputation alone are horribly naiive, and this is perhaps the worst way to decide on a university (and trust me I would know). What I would say about Imperial is that although the course is brilliant: we have some amazing lecturers, the course is great, and companies are very keen to recruit us; the pressure is really quite intense - a lot of people here work very, very hard, and socially, I feel it could be a lot better (but even then, I think that's down to me being unlucky with a few things).
The best piece of advice I could give you is to not worry about whether you'll struggle at Imperial (as it's not as bad as people make out, and I think civil is one of the more relaxed departments,) but just to choose wherever you think you'd be happiest. Regarding the workload, I don't think Southampton will move at the pace we're moving at, but it shouldn't be far off.
Good luck with your decision, and congrats on the offers
Snobpence17
Yeah, I understand and I agree, thank you for your reply. The main reason I'm hesitant about Imperial is because it seems a scary jump to take, has anyone else got anything to say? All opinions are much appreciated.
I wouldn't be put off by the jump or by worrying that people may be smarter than you - if you can get through the interview then they consider you talented enough to be on the course, which is what matters!
I'd go for Imperial personally, but have been in this situation recently. I went to see Loughborough and liked it, but I think I'd end up beating myself up, so to speak, if I didn't take the opportunity to go to Imperial.
In this case if think you are better off at Imperial as bar the academics London is a place that I can tell you would much rather have your student life. I'm not in a position to describe the academic welfare at Imperial, but I can assume that everyone will be in the same boat, so there's people like you to support one another. But then, you mentioned that you might not manage a 2:1 at Imperial. Now, Imperial is a VERY competitive uni and at interview and on paper, I'm sure they think you can manage the workload at Imperial - as if they think you couldn't, why would they give you an offer? I doubt Imperial would give an offer to someone that they thought wouldn't be able to cope with the workload. 
But then, it's your decision at the end of the day, but in my opinion, I would think you would be much more happy at Imperial than Southampton. That's just my two cents.
Good luck!
But then, you mentioned that you might not manage a 2:1 at Imperial. Now, Imperial is a VERY competitive uni and at interview and on paper, I'm sure they think you can manage the workload at Imperial - as if they think you couldn't, why would they give you an offer? I doubt Imperial would give an offer to someone that they thought wouldn't be able to cope with the workload. But then, it's your decision at the end of the day, but in my opinion, I would think you would be much more happy at Imperial than Southampton. That's just my two cents. Good luck!
im so academic
In this case if think you are better off at Imperial as bar the academics London is a place that I can tell you would much rather have your student life. I'm not in a position to describe the academic welfare at Imperial, but I can assume that everyone will be in the same boat, so there's people like you to support one another. But then, you mentioned that you might not manage a 2:1 at Imperial. Now, Imperial is a VERY competitive uni and at interview and on paper, I'm sure they think you can manage the workload at Imperial - as if they think you couldn't, why would they give you an offer? I doubt Imperial would give an offer to someone that they thought wouldn't be able to cope with the workload. But then, it's your decision at the end of the day, but in my opinion, I would think you would be much more happy at Imperial than Southampton. That's just my two cents.
Good luck!
But then, you mentioned that you might not manage a 2:1 at Imperial. Now, Imperial is a VERY competitive uni and at interview and on paper, I'm sure they think you can manage the workload at Imperial - as if they think you couldn't, why would they give you an offer? I doubt Imperial would give an offer to someone that they thought wouldn't be able to cope with the workload. But then, it's your decision at the end of the day, but in my opinion, I would think you would be much more happy at Imperial than Southampton. That's just my two cents. Good luck!
For someone so far in the red you speak good sense
The main consensus here is pushing me towards Imperial, the only thing is, at the interview I was asked no academic questions. Then again I'm at an awful school and doing well so maybe that compensates.
Every comment here has been really helpful for me and I thank you all for your time, I think it will have to be Imperial as a firm choice, but obviously I won't rush into making it my firm as I have till May.
Snobpence17
For someone so far in the red you speak good sense
The main consensus here is pushing me towards Imperial, the only thing is, at the interview I was asked no academic questions. Then again I'm at an awful school and doing well so maybe that compensates.
Every comment here has been really helpful for me and I thank you all for your time, I think it will have to be Imperial as a firm choice, but obviously I won't rush into making it my firm as I have till May.
The main consensus here is pushing me towards Imperial, the only thing is, at the interview I was asked no academic questions. Then again I'm at an awful school and doing well so maybe that compensates.
Every comment here has been really helpful for me and I thank you all for your time, I think it will have to be Imperial as a firm choice, but obviously I won't rush into making it my firm as I have till May.
Thank you!
Even though I can't speak of experience, I doubt the questions you were asked were reflected on what school you went to etc
And tbh, you can't disagree with the fact that it is a world-leading university in the sciences, so you are going to have a good education. Nevertheless, Southampton is a very reputable university for engineering as well, though I think because of the location etc putting Imperial as your firm would be a good choice.
You should be proud of your offers so far and good luck for your exams!
im so academic
Thank you!
Even though I can't speak of experience, I doubt the questions you were asked were reflected on what school you went to etc
And tbh, you can't disagree with the fact that it is a world-leading university in the sciences, so you are going to have a good education. Nevertheless, Southampton is a very reputable university for engineering as well, though I think because of the location etc putting Imperial as your firm would be a good choice.
You should be proud of your offers so far and good luck for your exams!
Even though I can't speak of experience, I doubt the questions you were asked were reflected on what school you went to etc
And tbh, you can't disagree with the fact that it is a world-leading university in the sciences, so you are going to have a good education. Nevertheless, Southampton is a very reputable university for engineering as well, though I think because of the location etc putting Imperial as your firm would be a good choice.
You should be proud of your offers so far and good luck for your exams!
You too, good luck!
I actually like I'm So Academic
im so academic
But then, you mentioned that you might not manage a 2:1 at Imperial.
As I mentioned, it's not because you wouldn't manage a 2:1 at Imperial, that you'd get a 2:1 at Southampton. You're going to be with bright people no matter where you go and I can ASSURE you that going to Southampton is not going to guarantee you a higher grade and won't make it any easier. I don't reckon that the level is going to be significant enough for it to make it any easier. I've been to Imperial (also for Engineering) and 2 other unis so can compare the levels.
If you got an offer from Imperial it's BECAUSE you have the aptitude to achieve a 2:1.
Stuff like how much it will cost you and student life are really secondary factors. It would be really stupid to put too much importance on these. Of course if you're hesitating between two former polytechs, that's a whole different matter but to turn down an offer like this...
It's like someone getting an offer for Harvard and going "Nah too expensive, I'll go off to Leeds Met, have a good time and have a few grand more in my bank account".
It's a false economy as well as you'll be earning a few grand more a year if you graduate from Imperial.
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