zero idea where i want to apply for uni or what to study

I’ve been in a crisis about this for the last three weeks and I’m still no closer to a decision, so let me explain my situation.

I want to apply to do something regarding history, international relations, or politics - and I’m struggling to choose between the three. I know there’s the option of a joint degree but I don’t know which two I would pick and why. I also think explaining a love for two or even three subjects would be pretty hard to do on a personal statement without confusing the reader and making them question whether I actually want to do their IR course (for example) or if I should be studying history. Like, if I apply to do IR + politics at one uni, and apply for solely history at another, how can I talk about all three in a PS?

My other (and pretty big) problem is where I actually want to apply. I live in Scotland so it seems silly to not apply to Edinburgh or Glasgow, but I really want to get as far away from home as possible and my whole life I have really only thought about going to an English uni. I have all A’s at national 5 and higher so I’m looking at applying to some pretty prestigious places. You might ask why I’m not considering St Andrews - it’s a truly terrific uni and it would be perfect for me but I have a ton of family there and I visit way too often for it to be a new magical experience when I leave for uni.

So along with either Glasgow or Edinburgh, the other universities I’ve considered are Oxford/Cambridge (probably Oxford), Durham, SOAS in London or some other place in London like UCL. My mother has suggested places like York too but I don’t really know anything about the place and it doesn’t sound so appealing to me.

I’ve always imagined myself at somewhere like Oxford, and my friends often joke and stereotype me as the posh intellectual who will spend her uni days punting down the river and eating smashed avocado for breakfast, but recently I’ve wondered if somewhere like London might actually be enjoyable too? I’ve never lived in a big city but I have fun whenever I visit, and I like the idea of the versatility - you can NEVER be bored in London, there’s always so much going on and so many different people are catered to.

Ultimately my questions are as follows - does anyone have any advice to choosing my subject, outside of open days? I want to potentially read some of the first year material but I’m scared I’ll hate it or find it disinteresting and then have no idea what to study. And secondly, is anyone at any of the above unis? Are you enjoying your time there? How did you pick just five courses to apply to?

Apologies for the lengthy question and thank you so much for any help in advance.

I’ve been in a crisis about this for the last three weeks and I’m still no closer to a decision, so let me explain my situation.

I want to apply to do something regarding history, international relations, or politics - and I’m struggling to choose between the three. I know there’s the option of a joint degree but I don’t know which two I would pick and why. I also think explaining a love for two or even three subjects would be pretty hard to do on a personal statement without confusing the reader and making them question whether I actually want to do their IR course (for example) or if I should be studying history. Like, if I apply to do IR + politics at one uni, and apply for solely history at another, how can I talk about all three in a PS?

My other (and pretty big) problem is where I actually want to apply. I live in Scotland so it seems silly to not apply to Edinburgh or Glasgow, but I really want to get as far away from home as possible and my whole life I have really only thought about going to an English uni. I have all A’s at national 5 and higher so I’m looking at applying to some pretty prestigious places. You might ask why I’m not considering St Andrews - it’s a truly terrific uni and it would be perfect for me but I have a ton of family there and I visit way too often for it to be a new magical experience when I leave for uni.

So along with either Glasgow or Edinburgh, the other universities I’ve considered are Oxford/Cambridge (probably Oxford), Durham, SOAS in London or some other place in London like UCL. My mother has suggested places like York too but I don’t really know anything about the place and it doesn’t sound so appealing to me.

I’ve always imagined myself at somewhere like Oxford, and my friends often joke and stereotype me as the posh intellectual who will spend her uni days punting down the river and eating smashed avocado for breakfast, but recently I’ve wondered if somewhere like London might actually be enjoyable too? I’ve never lived in a big city but I have fun whenever I visit, and I like the idea of the versatility - you can NEVER be bored in London, there’s always so much going on and so many different people are catered to.

Ultimately my questions are as follows - does anyone have any advice to choosing my subject, outside of open days? I want to potentially read some of the first year material but I’m scared I’ll hate it or find it disinteresting and then have no idea what to study. And secondly, is anyone at any of the above unis? Are you enjoying your time there? How did you pick just five courses to apply to?

Apologies for the lengthy question and thank you so much for any help in advance.