Hi guys, got a bit of an odd situation. But to cut a long story short, I'm torn between accepting my offer from Manchester and going through extra to apply for Birmingham (who have said that they will make me an offer if I apply through extra). I've heard that Manchester is a absolutely fantastic department and I definitely got a good vibe when I went up there wheras Birmingham doesn't have the same history and prestige, but I really really liked the department, and fell in love with the campus when I was there. Their sports and music facilities were also absolutely amazing, and their particle and cosmology course looked ace! But I'm wondering, if I were to go to Birmingham...would it be stupid to reject Manchester? Everyone has told me that Manchester is one of the top physics departments around, which to me makes it very hard to say no to. Any thoughts...?
Hi guys, got a bit of an odd situation. But to cut a long story short, I'm torn between accepting my offer from Manchester and going through extra to apply for Birmingham (who have said that they will make me an offer if I apply through extra). I've heard that Manchester is a absolutely fantastic department and I definitely got a good vibe when I went up there wheras Birmingham doesn't have the same history and prestige, but I really really liked the department, and fell in love with the campus when I was there. Their sports and music facilities were also absolutely amazing, and their particle and cosmology course looked ace! But I'm wondering, if I were to go to Birmingham...would it be stupid to reject Manchester? Everyone has told me that Manchester is one of the top physics departments around, which to me makes it very hard to say no to. Any thoughts...?
Not at all. I applied to both and although I probably won't be going to B'ham (torn between manc and durham) I did think it's a great place, and is pretty damn good for physics. Although I can't personally see what you see in B'ham that isn't in Manc (apart from the really nice campus area) I would say if you love it that much, go for it. It seems that if you talk to anyone who knows what they're on about, such tiny differences in prestige make very little difference at undergrad level.
Not at all. I applied to both and although I probably won't be going to B'ham (torn between manc and durham) I did think it's a great place, and is pretty damn good for physics. Although I can't personally see what you see in B'ham that isn't in Manc (apart from the really nice campus area) I would say if you love it that much, go for it. It seems that if you talk to anyone who knows what they're on about, such tiny differences in prestige make very little difference at undergrad level.
I think it a lot of it was the campus feel, and that your sport was right there when you needed it. I just could envisage myself more at a campus uni more...can't really explain it though...:P thanks though!
Hi guys, got a bit of an odd situation. But to cut a long story short, I'm torn between accepting my offer from Manchester and going through extra to apply for Birmingham (who have said that they will make me an offer if I apply through extra). I've heard that Manchester is a absolutely fantastic department and I definitely got a good vibe when I went up there wheras Birmingham doesn't have the same history and prestige, but I really really liked the department, and fell in love with the campus when I was there. Their sports and music facilities were also absolutely amazing, and their particle and cosmology course looked ace! But I'm wondering, if I were to go to Birmingham...would it be stupid to reject Manchester? Everyone has told me that Manchester is one of the top physics departments around, which to me makes it very hard to say no to. Any thoughts...?
Im stuck between MCR and UCL at the moment, however I've visited Birmingham and loved it too. The atmosphere was fantastic and the department seemed brilliant, although I do recommend manchester. Whichever reasons you loved birmingham you'l probably find them also at manchester in the first week or so. Manchester has the best music scene outside of london too. I liked manchester more than UCL, but i'd love to be in london :/
having said this, I'd probably also add that going with what you feel is right will most likely produce the best outcome
Im stuck between MCR and UCL at the moment, however I've visited Birmingham and loved it too. The atmosphere was fantastic and the department seemed brilliant, although I do recommend manchester. Whichever reasons you loved birmingham you'l probably find them also at manchester in the first week or so. Manchester has the best music scene outside of london too. I liked manchester more than UCL, but i'd love to be in london :/
having said this, I'd probably also add that going with what you feel is right will most likely produce the best outcome
I feel like I should go to Manchester, but like you said Birmingham was also fantastic. I'd love to have the whole campus university thing going on, which Manchester doesn't have, but not sure whether this is more important than following my head on the "more prestigious" department theme.
I feel like I should go to Manchester, but like you said Birmingham was also fantastic. I'd love to have the whole campus university thing going on, which Manchester doesn't have, but not sure whether this is more important than following my head on the "more prestigious" department theme.
Balls to the prestige, just do what you want :] you'l probably do better if you go somewhere you like. To be honest, it'd be more efficient going to somewhere you like, because for what you don't make up with prestige, you make up with better grades and more motivation. If you lived in fallowfield, thats like 15 mins from the centre and where all the crazy stuff happens, probably where I'll end up hehe
Anyone go tuesday/wednesday to Durham from Mildert or in tour group B by chance? All the open day did was bring me slightly into considering Durham more- I had swayed towards Manchester recently. Wish I could decide
What swayed you about Durham? I like the whole colleges thing but was it that or the actual physdics department?
What swayed you about Durham? I like the whole colleges thing but was it that or the actual physdics department?
Mainly the college system, but being able to have a proper look around the department made me realise it's quite nice, also still preferred Manchester's by the slightest margin. One thing I will say is that Durham do lack a Nuclear Physics Research Department, and it looks like quite an interesting area (although they said they're very strong in every other aspect, especially astro). Not sure if this is important for undergrad or not though.