Which univeristy should I go to for Japanese?

Hi
I'm currently in my first year of A-Levels studying classics, philosophy and french. I decided last year that I wanted to do Japanese at university but I honestly don't know where to go.
(I've studied a bit of Japanese freelance but if I'm going to apply for a course I'll go for one which is starting from scratch)
I live in Oxford, which is home to one of the most famous universities in the world. Oxford is supposed to have a good Japanese course which was originally the one I wanted to do. I've spoken to a few people on the course and went to a taster day for it but, since I was born here and have lived here my whole life, part of me really wants to move away. I've been looking at Durham and SOAS but I don't really know how to decide between the two. If anyone is on the Japanese course at any of these universities any help would be greatly appreciated (though I still have a long time to think before I start applying anywhere).

Oxford
Pros
- really close to home, I know the area well
- lots of international students so I'll get the chance to meet loads of new people from across the country and across the world
- very famous and reputable university
- I know the layout of the course really well and have spoken to people on it
- has a year abroad
- allows you to start studying a subsidiary language in the third year
- doesn't have any compulsory a-levels and I'm doing a foreign language
- nice area, lots of things to do/coffee shops
- university students are basically treated like royalty in the centre of Oxford

Cons
- would have to stay living with my parents because they're so close and I don't want to pay the accommodation fees if I live in the local area
- wouldn't be a new experience
- I wouldn't become as independent and wouldn't be exposed to having to manage my own money/cook for myself etc, I may slack off
- most of my friends are planning to move to other areas for uni so it's not like I would be staying close to them
- very difficult and stressful to get into - requires AAA for a-levels
- will be filled with really hard working and super smart people, I might not fit in
- will be harder to make friends if I live alone

Durham
Pros
- I was told the Japanese course was good by a teacher at my school (who I trust with stuff like this)
- I'll be living in a different place
- a completely new experience
- will meet loads of new people
- supposed to be a very pretty area
- probably easier to get into - AAB instead of AAA which will reduce stress on my part
-will develop independence skills and learn to live with other people
- includes a year abroad (?)

Cons
- very far away - if something happens my parents won't be close by and it will be harder for me to visit home
- I might not get along with my roommates
- I don't know that much about the course or the university
- isn't as reputable as Oxford

SOAS
Pros
- apparently the leading institution for Asian studies
- in London, which I know quite well
- easy for me to visit, I can just get the coach back home
- includes a year abroad
- only a-level suggestion is a foreign language (which I'm doing)
- suggests AAB or ABB for a-levels, so easier than Oxford

Cons
-London is very expensive and crowded
- I know London already so it won't be a brand new experience
- I don't know much about the university or the course, I hadn't even heard of it before I started researching Japanese courses

Anyways, I would just like some advice so I can learn more about the different courses. I might have some information wrong as well. (Also massive props to anyone who actually read all of that)
Thank you!

Reply 1

ageshallnot

Why not apply to all three?

Reply 2

absentplatinum

Original post by ageshallnot

Why not apply to all three?

I'm thinking of applying to all three but I'm still undecided as to which one I should actually go to

Reply 3

ageshallnot

Original post by absentplatinum

I'm thinking of applying to all three but I'm still undecided as to which one I should actually go to

You have lots of time. Visit them all. Ponder slowly. Relax.

(edited 4 years ago)

Reply 4

absentplatinum

Original post by ageshallnot

You have lots of time. Visit them all. Ponder slowly. Relax.

Ok, I will go to open days and see what they're like. Thanks for replying :smile:

Reply 5

Plagioclase

Original post by absentplatinum

I'm thinking of applying to all three but I'm still undecided as to which one I should actually go to

If you have the luxury of choice, you can solve that problem when you're presented with it - you've got over one and a half years until you have to make that final decision. For now, just concentrate on your studies and attend the open days when they come.