Soas Reputation

Hey guys, I am considering transfering unis to SOAS, was just wondering what its reputation is like? Can it compare to my current uni, UCL in reputation?

In overall reputation UCL is generally regarded as the "better" university. But, frankly, for Chinese? SOAS would be the best bet.

I dont know abt the SOAS gym or if it even exists because i asked ppl who study there about it and apparently they dont have one. maybe thats because its only one room :P . the best bet is apparently the university of london union gym is apparently only 5 minutes from the russell square campus

My academically famous uncle who taught Chinese law at Harvard and has spent many years in Asia was extremely excited when he heard I'll be going to SOAS. It has an international reputation, especially amongst those who have any understaning of the types of field it specialises in. Judging from what you have said, the only advice I would give is this - don't choose SOAS randomly like you did UCL. If you have a strong will to go, it is the right thing to do.

Haha, yes I regret choosing ucl randomly, and especially a subject which is rock solid and relatively dull (physics).
I'll probabily have to start up another thread for this, but what is the music department like? I'm mainly a classical player, and I notice there isn't a orchestra in SOAS? I'm also into my rock, and I notice no live music societies, is SOAS not into its music then?

At the SOAS open day there were always at least 2 different types of music being performed at any given time - SOAS is huge on music but as you might expect, there is an emphasis on world music. But I'm also pretty sure there is a rock society and that kind of thing too. Hopefully a current student will see this and fill us in

Haha, yes I regret choosing ucl randomly, and especially a subject which is rock solid and relatively dull (physics).
I'll probabily have to start up another thread for this, but what is the music department like? I'm mainly a classical player, and I notice there isn't a orchestra in SOAS? I'm also into my rock, and I notice no live music societies, is SOAS not into its music then?

Oh my goodness.
If no specific subject is getting you excited, this either means that your interests are too broad, or that you're not really interested in anything! (in terms of degree courses i mean). perhaps you've lived too sheltered a life.

I know SO many people that have dropped out of courses because they picked the wrong one, or weren't ready.

I actually urge you to take some time out, and not to a degree for the hell of it, this approach seems naive.

get a job.
and/ or travel.
get to know yourself a bit and explore the world.

THEN come back and do that degree you found a passion for. you need to be really interested in your subject, and probably have a history with it.

If you think Chinese is going to be easier than Physics, i think you'd be nastily surprised by the workload.
SOAS is a very special place, quite different to UCL. i love it, not everyone likes it.

So i agree with the points above. do a lot more research.

If you don't know what you want to do with your life, then the chances are you're not ready for a degree. (I started my degree at 20, and if i'd stayed in education the whole time, there's no way i'd be doing such an interesting and satisfying course!).

you say employers don't care what the degree is, that's not quite true. a language degree can set you head and shoulders above other graduates, simply because it's such a special skill to have.

have a really good think. travel. and good luck.