Oxford University OR Cambridge University?

What were the reasons that made you to apply to either Cambridge or Oxford? Are there any specifics that helped sway your mind, or any bad experiences at either university? This also applies to current undergraduate prospective students, and why YOU are applying to this university...

Reply 1

username3809958

9

I applied to Cambridge because Oxford doesn't offer architecture, lol.

Reply 2

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by Andyboi

I applied to Cambridge because Oxford doesn't offer architecture, lol.

Ah ok, simple reason then! Are you currently studying in Cambridge?

Reply 3

uponthyhorse

15

Looking at what the course for your subject offers at each and how strong the department is is the most important factor (for me) followed by which city you'd like more I think

Reply 4

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by uponthyhorse

Looking at what the course for your subject offers at each and how strong the department is is the most important factor (for me) followed by which city you'd like more I think

You are applying for 2019 entry I assume? Which one interests you more?

Reply 5

uponthyhorse

15

Original post by chinkilicious

You are applying for 2019 entry I assume? Which one interests you more?

No I've already been through the cycle, this was just my thought process when I did apply (chose Cambridge because felt it was better for my subject, comp sci)

Edit: also look at whether your course is even offered at either lol

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 6

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by uponthyhorse

No I've already been through the cycle, this was just my thought process when I did apply (chose Cambridge because felt it was better for my subject, comp sci)

Edit: also look at whether your course is even offered at either lol

yes, maths is offered at both. i havent really read into their course modules/units. did that part form a big part in your decision?

Reply 7

RichE

15

Original post by chinkilicious

yes, maths is offered at both. i havent really read into their course modules/units. did that part form a big part in your decision?

There are some important differences in the application process.

Oxford has joint schools with Philosophy, with Computer Science, with Statistics whilst Cambridge doesn't do joint schools (though there are "one year streams" Maths + Physics, CompSci + Maths).

Oxford's course (first year at least) is slightly more pure heavy, Cambridge's more applied/physics heavy.

Both unis have maths-specific open days in April/May which would be useful to attend if you're able.

Reply 8

AzureCeleste

20

I visited both-liked both towns, slightly preferred Oxford.
Preferred the cambridge colleges over the oxford one. The cambridge course appealed to me more than the oxford one. Cambridge is smaller and more compact-my preference, it also supposedly recieves less tourists yearly.
Also the statistics worked more in my favour at cambridge in comparison to oxford

Reply 9

CompSciCat

11

Original post by chinkilicious

yes, maths is offered at both. i havent really read into their course modules/units. did that part form a big part in your decision?

I'd really recommend looking into the modules, in my opinion that's one of the most important factors.

Reply 10

12to16ELEMENOP

6

Look into the finances- if that's an issue for you (it'd certainly be for me :tongue:

) And your future- what about doing your masters there? Are there research opportunities/campus placements? Of course, OxBridge have great options in the latter categories, but maybe throwing out these questions will help you decide.

Reply 11

Parliament

12

I applied to Cambridge partly because I slightly preferred the course content, but mostly because I preferred the city. When I visited Oxford I felt it was basically just a huge bus route with some colleges hunkering around it. It was noisy and busy and dirty. Cambridge seemed greener, quieter, and more peaceful. I walked along the Backs and through the Fens and that pretty much sealed the deal :smile:

Reply 12

username3718454

10

I applied to Cambridge for Economics and was fortunate enough to receive an offer this January. I liked the way that Cambridge taught economics: more mathematically and with a focus on quantitative analysis of social issues. Oxford doesn't teach straight economics for undergraduate degrees, instead focusing on either Economics & Management or PPE, neither of which are mathematically rigorous.

Reply 13

Muttley79

20

Original post by Parliament

I applied to Cambridge partly because I slightly preferred the course content, but mostly because I preferred the city. When I visited Oxford I felt it was basically just a huge bus route with some colleges hunkering around it. It was noisy and busy and dirty. Cambridge seemed greener, quieter, and more peaceful. I walked along the Backs and through the Fens and that pretty much sealed the deal :smile:

Oxford has some lovely river walks and green parts - both city centres are busy.

Reply 14

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by AzureCeleste

I visited both-liked both towns, slightly preferred Oxford.
Preferred the cambridge colleges over the oxford one. The cambridge course appealed to me more than the oxford one. Cambridge is smaller and more compact-my preference, it also supposedly recieves less tourists yearly.
Also the statistics worked more in my favour at cambridge in comparison to oxford

what do you mean the stats worked better in your favour? did you get lower GCSE'S?

Reply 15

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by RichE

There are some important differences in the application process.

Oxford has joint schools with Philosophy, with Computer Science, with Statistics whilst Cambridge doesn't do joint schools (though there are "one year streams" Maths + Physics, CompSci + Maths).

Oxford's course (first year at least) is slightly more pure heavy, Cambridge's more applied/physics heavy.

Both unis have maths-specific open days in April/May which would be useful to attend if you're able.

No, visiting their campuses on open days isn't possible. On their websites and prospectuses, their course outlines aren't very specific, but quite general. Or am I looking in the wrong places???

Reply 16

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by CompSciCat

I'd really recommend looking into the modules, in my opinion that's one of the most important factors.

Do you know where I can do that? They're not very specific on their websites...

Reply 17

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by 12to16ELEMENOP

Look into the finances- if that's an issue for you (it'd certainly be for me :tongue:

) And your future- what about doing your masters there? Are there research opportunities/campus placements? Of course, OxBridge have great options in the latter categories, but maybe throwing out these questions will help you decide.

I think both places are roughly the same in terms of living costs. I know Cambridge covers your accommodation for all years. As regards to masters/bachelors, I still don't know yet.

Reply 18

chinkilicious

OP

13

Original post by Parliament

I applied to Cambridge partly because I slightly preferred the course content, but mostly because I preferred the city. When I visited Oxford I felt it was basically just a huge bus route with some colleges hunkering around it. It was noisy and busy and dirty. Cambridge seemed greener, quieter, and more peaceful. I walked along the Backs and through the Fens and that pretty much sealed the deal :smile:

Can I ask if you got an offer etc?