The Russell Group sucks.

I go to a 1994 group. Pretty similar to Russell group. I even got into a russell group as my insurance and I understand the rivalry and competitiveness part and how the students want to get one up on each other but it's really not very prominent and isn't all that big a deal imo.

Reply 3

CRW1996

10

So just because you didn't like 2 russell group unis you think that they must all suck? Maybe it's university in general that you don't like and not specific universities. If you don't mind me asking, what two unis did you attend?

Reply 4

ShadowWolf21

13

I'm a student at the University of Leeds, and I have to say, I've not noticed any students on my course wanting to get one up on each other. We're all there for a common goal (to become radiographers), we're all there to support one another (and the "rivalry" is healthy, because that's what the job market is like). I can't comment on any of the other courses, as I haven't gone into the union enough to integrate with that many, but even my boyfriend who studies Japanese here doesn't seem to think there is.

To be honest, at university you need to be competitive because in the job market it's possible the people on your course will be applying for similar ones (not always but it's quite probable), and you need to stand out! And not only that, every university will have its fair share of those students with the chip on their shoulder and outright silliness, comes with the territory, but they shouldn't ruin it for you. Just ignore them, they'll soon stop being bitter and get over themselves.

In terms of your teaching issues, I think it's just those two universities you've experienced. Leeds in general across the range of courses it offers has a good reputation for student's satisfaction with their lecturers, myself included in this group. On the other hand, I went to UCLan for a year to study Japanese (before I applied for Radiography) and the teaching there was minimal contact hours (4 hours a week for the language study... 4! That's clearly not enough!) and quite generalised (no individuality-based focus e.g. teachers did not try to accommodate all students). That wasn't for me and I didn't really like it, so I went back to college, but many students there will continue to enjoy themselves, as the place suits them.

What I'm trying to say is, it can depend on your department of study, the university itself, and the individual lecturers. If you're not happy, speak out! You worked hard to get into those institutions, tell someone you're not happy with the quality you're receiving, and if they don't pay attention to you and take on board what you said, then is the time to leave! Not all Russell Group universities are like the ones you experienced. 2 out of 24 is not a good number to form a generalised assumption from.

(edited 10 years ago)

Reply 5

Ras17

10

I have to say, I agree with you for the most part. But I'm sure it depends on your course. Law for example, would run pretty parallel with your complaints. At least in my experience.

Reply 6

With the exception of Oxbridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, King's and maybe Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and Exeter, the rest of RGs are crap. TBH I would be hard pressed to go past Oxbridge and London. Manchester is overrated, Durham is just a pathetic Cambridge ripoff, Bristol had its moment in the spotlight. Exeter isn't bad but the location is crap. Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham are just tacky. Warwick has no worthy merits.

Oxbridge and a handful of the London colleges are known worldwide for academic excellence and produce leaders in their fields.

Reply 7

Original post by Soft Cat

With the exception of Oxbridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, King's and maybe Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and Exeter, the rest of RGs are crap. TBH I would be hard pressed to go past Oxbridge and London. Manchester is overrated, Durham is just a pathetic Cambridge ripoff, Bristol had its moment in the spotlight. Exeter isn't bad but the location is crap. Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham are just tacky. Warwick has no worthy merits.

Oxbridge and a handful of the London colleges are known worldwide for academic excellence and produce leaders in their fields.

Can I ask what university you go to sir?

Reply 8

Original post by ActusReus

Can I ask what university you go to sir?

Cambridge not that it's any of your business.

Reply 9

Original post by Soft Cat

Cambridge

Snobbish wasteman. Then again I would also be that if I went to Cambridge.

Reply 10

Seble

11

Original post by Soft Cat

With the exception of Oxbridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial, King's and maybe Edinburgh, Bristol, Manchester and Exeter, the rest of RGs are crap. TBH I would be hard pressed to go past Oxbridge and London. Manchester is overrated, Durham is just a pathetic Cambridge ripoff, Bristol had its moment in the spotlight. Exeter isn't bad but the location is crap. Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and Birmingham are just tacky. Warwick has no worthy merits.

Oxbridge and a handful of the London colleges are known worldwide for academic excellence and produce leaders in their fields.

And why? I'm sorry, have you actually attended these establishments yourself?

Reply 11

Original post by Seble

And why? I'm sorry, have you actually attended these establishments yourself?

hey hey, lower your tone. He went to cambridge remember.

Reply 12

Original post by ActusReus

Snobbish wasteman. Then again I would also be that if I went to Cambridge.

Well the truth is that with the exception of Oxbridge and some London unis, the rest are hardly world class or elite. I went to an RG before I moved onto Cambridge. I can't say most RGs are inspiring places to want to study. Manchester is a great city but hardly an academically stimulating environment. Most of Nobel Laureates associated with Manc were Oxbridge graduates anyway.

Let's be fair attending a less glamorous college like erm Lucy Cavendish or St Cross would be a million times better than going to Leeds.

As for ex polys, well that's about it. Funny thing about the Ruskin students is that after graduation they line up to have their pictures taken outside King's College Chapel or Trinity Great Court. So pathetic, trying to pass themselves off as going to a university.

Reply 13

Original post by Seble

And why? I'm sorry, have you actually attended these establishments yourself?

Why would i need to? I want a decent job not flipping burgers or cleaning toilets lol

Reply 14

Original post by Soft Cat

Well the truth is that with the exception of Oxbridge and some London unis, the rest are hardly world class or elite. I went to an RG before I moved onto Cambridge. I can't say most RGs are inspiring places to want to study. Manchester is a great city but hardly an academically stimulating environment. Most of Nobel Laureates associated with Manc were Oxbridge graduates anyway.

Let's be fair attending a less glamorous college like erm Lucy Cavendish or St Cross would be a million times better than going to Leeds.

As for ex polys, well that's about it. Funny thing about the Ruskin students is that after graduation they line up to have their pictures taken outside King's College Chapel or Trinity Great Court. So pathetic, trying to pass themselves off as going to a university.

I kinda agree with the world class part but then again that does not mean all other Uni's aside from Oxbridge, lSE and the likes are crap. Durham and Manchester are still two of the best Universities in the countries. But like I said before I'de probably think like you if I went to Oxbridge.

Reply 15

Original post by Soft Cat

Why would i need to? I want a decent job not flipping burgers or cleaning toilets lol

I think you may be a little to sheltered. People who go to Durham do not end up flipping burgers.

edit: some may but thats not unlike oxbridge. I'm sure theres failures there too.

Reply 16

Original post by ActusReus

I kinda agree with the world class part but then again that does not mean all other Uni's aside from Oxbridge, lSE and the likes are crap. Durham and Manchester are still two of the best Universities in the countries. But like I said before I'de probably think like you if I went to Oxbridge.

I went to Manchester too shock horror. I always felt there were many at Manc who felt they needed to justify they were at a good university constantly referring to rankings acting jealous or bitter they didn't go to Oxbridge but I haven't experienced that here in Cambridge. Universities should focus on being the best they can be rather than trying to get one over Oxbridge. I lost count the number of times I saw universities brag about how many departments they have rated above Oxbridge.

Manchester is a good university but it's not like it's a name that symbolises elitism or prestige worldwide.

Reply 17