Pros & Cons of Reading & UEA please - Cannot decide Insurance choice

2017 entry Geography

I really cannot decide what one I'm going to put down as Insurance, any good points and bad points on these unis that may help me decide will be appreciated.
Not stats/ranking, I've looked these all up. I've visited the unis and like them both equally so I'm sitting on the fence. They both have core modules that I enjoy and optional modules I enjoy.
I will have to factor in cost, which one has the cheaper accommodation and living costs ? Also, social life, which is generally better ?

Thank you

Southampton is my firm btw

(edited 2 years ago)

Reply 1

Clearing and Applications Advisor

UEA guarantee a place in hall for insurance students (as long as you apply for halls before end July) https://portal.uea.ac.uk/accommodation/undergraduate/guarantee

Reading says "A place in halls cannot be guaranteed if Reading is your insurance choice. The number of rooms available varies from year to year depending on the number of successful applications to the University. You will not be able to apply for accommodation until Reading becomes your firm choice; this is usually the Monday following A-level results. Students holding insurance offers should explore alternative accommodation arrangements if University accommodation is full – you will be provided with further information and guidance if this situation arises."

Reply 2

University of East Anglia

Official Rep

Hi Lee!

Sounds like you've done your research. I've just looked at Unistats which is a really useful website for comparing institutions. Do take a look. Certainly I think our Geography course might just pip the alternative based on student satisfaction, but it also looks like when it comes to Cost of Living, we've got some more affordable options for renting.

You don't say what you'd be looking for in terms of nightlife, but there is plenty to do in Norwich in the evening, you'll certainly find our Student Union has events going on throughout the week, you'd certainly struggle trying to fit it all in! When I was a student I was one night at a club night, at a music gig (seeing artists like Kaiser Chiefs, Lily Allen, Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay etc) the next, and then at a fancy dress night days later! See the gig list here: https://ueatickets.ticketabc.com/listings/

You'll see here a flavour of go-to places in Norwich: https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergra...rwich-by-night

It used to be said we had a pub in the city for every day of the year. Now if you picture that, it's difficult to argue we haven't got an active nightlife in Norwich! Plus with over 200 clubs and societies to get involved with they'll all be organising activities and socials for fellow students

Reply 3

returnmigrant

One strategy that might help:

Write the name of each Uni and the course title at the top of a separate piece of paper, along with the exact wording of your offer. Divide each page into 2 columns and write down the plus-points and negatives for each coice. Or you can do it with different coloured sticky-notes on the wall.

Obvious plus points like:

•

It's the course I most want to do

•

It has a year abroad possibility

•

I'd prefer a campus Uni

•

The accommodation is really close to the Uni/shops/nightlife

Negatives like:

•

The course is a bit of a compromise, half of it doesn't really interest me

•

I don't like the town it's in

•

The accommodation is too expensive

•

It’s a long way from home

Stick these up on the wall, and add other points to them when you think of them. Writing things down is often a very good way of clarifying the muddle of thoughts rushing about in your head. Seeing it all in black and white can often make you realise important aspects of your preferences. In particular it can make it obvious to you that a Uni that you are clinging to, isn't actually the best one for your course/subject interests.

Btw, you have until early May to make a decision. You don't need to rush this.

Reply 4

University of East Anglia

Official Rep

Absolutely, also don't be afraid to re-visit the places you're struggling to decide between. We have Applicant Days (if you've not yet visited one) and we're also putting on Campus Tours up until May so you can come and visit and spend an afternoon/morning here :smile:

https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/visit

PS. Here's our new Geography video!

[video="youtube;g92FhRaHWG8"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g92FhRaHWG8[/video]

(edited 7 years ago)

Reply 5

University of East Anglia

Official Rep

Great to hear, do stay in touch with us! :smile:

Reply 6

wolfmoon88

Original post by University of East Anglia

https://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/visit

PS. Here's our new Geography video!

[video="youtube;g92FhRaHWG8"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g92FhRaHWG8[/video]

Hey UEA