Hmm.. thats a bit sticky, I’d cross Swansea off the list so its between Cardiff and Southampton…
For me I was quite lucky because all 5 of my choices were places I’d love to go, luckily it just worked itself out. Durham was supposed to be A*AA but they reduced it to AAA, Exeter was supposed to be AAA but it was reduced to BBB, Warwick increased their grades to A*A*A because I’m retaking so i crossed that off, kings college only gave me an offer for philosophy instead of PPE and Bristol was my planned insurance (ABB for Economics and Politics) but Exeter got back to me with lower grades and with the full course I wanted.
But when applying, reputation mattered to me since I want to go into Politics/Economics/Journalism so how prestigious my education background seems is quite important. I love a city with character, I wouldn’t enjoy a city that lacked history and didnt have a decent art/music scene (although for Durham most of this would mean travelling to Newcastle), I was hesitant about Warwick since it lacked such even in surrounding towns/cities but their reputation would’ve balanced it out. I also looked at modules, its important their flexible with how many modules from each branch I can choose, in the event I didn't enjoy philosophy for example could I supplement it by taking more in economics? For Durham and Exeter thats a yes. Study abroad opportunities were also important, I really want to do a year in Canada since I love canada and have family there who could get me work experience in a bank and public offices.
Had Durham, KCL and Warwick all come back with A*AA, Exeter with AAA and Bristol with ABB I would’ve 100% insured Bristol for grade security and I would’ve weighed things up, London is an amazing city and i had my heart set on it but KCL didnt offer study abroad in canada, Warwick vs Durham would’ve been tough, had Durham given me an offer of A*AA but still at University College (my preferred college) I think I would’ve chosen that. So my preference was KCL > Durham > Warwick > Bristol > Exeter. But it just kind of worked itself out and I’m 100% happy with my choices knowing they have a good reputation, good study aboard opportunities, vibrant cities, module flexibility and are asking for realistic grades. It sounds like you’re focuses are on distance from home, vibrant city and year in industry opportunities? Based on that + reputation I would go for Southampton.