Uni choices-beware, long rant ahead

I read it all! *is proud of self*
I know how you feel, abotu parents putting pressure on you with uni choices. I think most people's parents will to some extent though, and I don't suppose your mum realises that she's being overbearing. Did your sister go to uni away from home? If so, I'm sure your parents will ease up a bit, they'll already be used to the idea (I'm an only child, so my parents were very upset that I'd be leaving!)
Which unis are you interested in, anyway? And which city did your mum disapprove of? (Sorry, just curious!)

Ok, firstly your mums is a little misinformed concerning the 'northern uni's are inferior' doctrine. Hello? Leeds university is a top university in the north and it's far from being the only one. Now then, London. I went to a London university last year and I hated it. The thing is, it was my choice, I decided to go there, and I when things didn't go too well I decided I was going to transfer. It's best to do what you want and then follow the concequences accordingly. Your mum's probably just wanting the best for you, but it sounds like she's being a little narrow minded about letting you make your own decisions. If you like the look of a place then don't hold back, just go for it. Distance isn't really an issue, you don't exactly go to university to remain in any sort of comfort zone. Do what ye want. Might be the best thing you ever do, and if not, don't worry. You'll get there in the end.

I do know how you feel and I completely sympathise as my parents were more or less the same. My dad kept on saying I should go to uni in london as I could live at home and save money and in the end I did apply to unis in london but I did regret it towards the end, as it's my choice and my life. No matter how hard I tried to explain, he wouldn't listen so my choices were kind of based to make him pleased and shut him up. However his plan didn't quite work as I got really annoyed with him and blamed him for the unis I chose and that the money, whilst it was an issue, would be down to me. It's my life to live. Anyways to cut a long story short, I ended up taking a gap year, thus being under the new fee system (which means more debt!) because I didn't want to go to my insurance uni (I never ever did, don't know why I chose it!) and he's slowly coming around to the idea of my uni and my course, but he says he won't visit me as my uni is too far away (it's only an hour by car :|) and he believes the course isn't good because it's not respected like law, medicine or dentistry *insert some other courses here* are. But I don't really listen to him anymore about uni stuff lol..I guess it's his way of showing he cares and doesn't want me to make mistakes, but what I guess some parents don't get is that it's our mistake to make. It's all a part of taking control of our lives and doing something we actually want to do.

I guess all you can do is sit down and have a chat with your mum and say you understand she just worries about you and cares for your wellbeing (maybe just say stuff to appease her maybe when we're parents ourselves we'll understand) and say that you would like the chance to go somewhere you want to go and do what you want to do with her blessing. Try and drag her to open days and show her all the positive points of the unis. Also for some employers, the degree you have isn't so important (unless you're doing law) but the skills you aquire from the degree. Most jobs these days require a degree, but it doesn't have to be related to the job you will do later. I think I read somewhere people that go into accounting and finance did history degrees and then went into that sector.

Your Mum is dreading her youngest going off to university and leaving her all alone, be a bit more sympathetic when you're about to go off into the big wide world. Think how hard it is for kids that are the youngest from single parent families. Obvously she wants you to stay in London because she loves you, but she realises that this may not be the best thing for you and part of being your mother is letting you go. Therefore when you have a conversation with her about university it sturs up all kinds of empty nest syndrome feelings at the same time as wanting to be happy for you and proud, which is why conversations are so mixed up with her at the moment. Isn't that obvious? Also, ultimately, no matter how annoying it is to admit it; it is your decision.
Another thing to consider is that you sister is probably right. Doing an unemployable subject at university is a very risky thing to do, it's a massive investment and you will end up thousands in debt. That is of course unless you are very well to do and it doesn't matter anyway.

... Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but stop being such a moany teenager.

I've read it all, but I will keep my reply short and sweet.

It's your life. Your choice. You do it. It's time for you to be selfish, I'm sure your Mum will come round to the idea eventually. You're old enough to call the shots.

aw i'm sorry hon *hugs*. Hope it all works out for you though xx

Gotta say I feel really sorry for you.

If I were you id explain to her that the world does not revolve around London and that it is YOUR LIFE and you are an idepandant adult etc.

If that doesnt work id just completely ignore her and apply where u like (the north is beautiful glad u choose to come here) and hopefully she will grow to accept you for who you are and want you want

I realise this is hardly ideal but then again nothing is really,

Use a bit of reverse psychology. Ask your mum her opinions on unis and visit a couple she suggests as long as you can go see the ones you want. Mum will then hopefully be placated and feel involved.

I said think how bad it is for kids from single parent families, because they are worse off than you. They would have this leaving home guilt ten times more so.
If the subject you are doing is employable then don't worry about it, your sister could just be repeating advice she has gotten from her Uni's career service (my brother does that).
The people that love you will want you to be happy, so theres no need to cut your nose off to spite your face (if that makes sense). Go where you want to go and stop the moaning .