Would choosing Exeter be a mistake?

Hiya,

I’m currently holding law offers from Durham, Nottingham, York, UCL and Exeter and having weighed everything up my favourite is Exeter.

I know it is arguably the least reputable of the 5 but I loved the city so much and the campus was gorgeous but am I throwing away a good opportunity to go somewhere else if I choose it?

I know they’re all good but Durham, UCL and Notts are a tier above Exeter I believe and I don’t want to throw away the chance of a better career by turning them down.

So if I firm Exeter over the others, would I be making a mistake or is there not much difference?

Thank you xx

All five are Russell Groups so it really doesn't much difference, and I wouldn't say that Nottingham is a tier above Exeter. (I've firmed York for Law so I'd recommend you choose that, but I'm biased lol.) Just go to the uni you like the most.

Can i ask what career path you are planning on going down in the future? I would pick Exeter if you're set with it. Regardless of what people on TSR will try to push on you, the university you attend doesn't play a huge role in grad apps. Of course they matter for highly competitive careers in law or IB but for pretty much everything else it doesn't. What's more important is developing your extra-curricular activities and work experience during your time at university.

Im in sort-of similar position to you, these are my thoughts.

Personally, I would choose between Durham and UCL. Due to being very reputable and a nice contrast. One on hand, you have a collegiate university that’s not in the city. On the other hand you have a London based uni, which for me, would be more expensive and the social life wouldn’t be the same as Durham etc.

This all being said, not everything is about a uni’s reputation - whilst Exeter may not be as reputable in respect to your other choices, it is still a great university to graduate from.

If you feel that Exeter is the one, and you if feel that you’d have a better 3 years, don’t ignore those thoughts just because of a reputation!

Also, I’d take into account the respective entry requirements for when it comes to firm/insurance.

Choose what you’re gut tells you (unless you’re a minority then maybe reconsider 🤭)

My gut does say Exeter and it’s my favourite but I don’t want to think I’m making a mistake — my parents think I’m making a wrong decision.

durham is gorgeous! have you visited? maybe compare the accommodation of each university to pick your firm and insurance

Go with your gut. Durham & Notts really aren’t a tier above Exeter they’re about equal

So you think I wouldn’t be making a mistake to choose Exeter? It doesn’t seem to rank as highly and has a higher acceptance rate.

Where do they want you to go instead? You’re parents aren’t always right so choose what you think will suit you the most. Why not the other unis tho?

No not at all. Tsr really overestimates how important your uni name is in regards to career prospects when in reality it only forms a small part of the process. What really matters is where you will thrive and enjoy the most, that will lead you to the most success.

If you can’t see yourself being happy at the other unis it would be an awful idea just cause they’re ranked a bit higher on a table with no meaning.

I know and I’ll make my own decision

I did like all the others and reckon I’d be happy, Exeter was just my favourite and I can’t put a finger on exactly why.

I think it was just the campus, the people seemed lovely, the views, was just the right size and the overall feel of the place.

I’m honestly not sure at the moment — I’m dreaming of MC firms or city firms but don’t know how realistic that is 😂

I just really liked Exeter and the overall feel of it, more so than any of my other options. Would choosing it be a mistake then?