Rejecting cambridge based on social life
I have an offer from Cambridge but don't particularly want to go. I only really applied for the prestige and to see if I could get in. When I went there I found out how small it really is plus the entire college system makes it seem like a mixture between a sixth form and a boarding school. The workload is also a concern since I'm quite lazy and don't particularly like the idea of writing 4 essays a week or some ****.
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
Original post by intelligent con
I have an offer from Cambridge but don't particularly want to go. I only really applied for the prestige and to see if I could get in. When I went there I found out how small it really is plus the entire college system makes it seem like a mixture between a sixth form and a boarding school. The workload is also a concern since I'm quite lazy and don't particularly like the idea of writing 4 essays a week or some ****.
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
Congrats on the offer regardless
To be honest I feel you...I didn't apply there for this exact reason. I think there is definitely a certain 'breed' of people who go to Oxbridge (i'm not saying all but the majority) and it just wasn't for me.I was in the same situation with an unconditional from Imperial and Bath and in the end I went for Bath. Imperial might be more prestigious but at the end of the day i'd have had to live/study somewhere I didn't like, so really what's the point. A big part of uni is studying but its something you're only gonna do once so it needs to be fun too!
I'm in no way qualified to advise you at all but in my opinion go with where you love and what fits you best. Employers aren't gonna know uni rankings and they constantly change anyway (granted Cambridge probably stays at the top cause its Cambridge but shh
) I think as students we think this is way more of a big deal than it is in the real world; applying to a job with a decent relevant degree from a decent uni is surely going to get you at least an interview regardless. The rest will be down to work experience and you as a person which isn't going to change based on the name of the university on the form. In my case im sure (well im hoping) ill get more out of studying at a place i'm happy at anyway and maybe come away with a better grade at the end of it all!! If you're not going to enjoy Cambridge, don't make yourself suffer just to say you went.
Best of luck with your decisions xxx
Original post by intelligent con
I have an offer from Cambridge but don't particularly want to go. I only really applied for the prestige and to see if I could get in. When I went there I found out how small it really is plus the entire college system makes it seem like a mixture between a sixth form and a boarding school. The workload is also a concern since I'm quite lazy and don't particularly like the idea of writing 4 essays a week or some ****.
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
Well, before you dismiss cambridge, you have to look long term. I know someone who rejected cambridge medicine for imperial for the same reason as you, but medicine may not be as competitive as your desired career. In the long term, a cambridge degree will land you a more prestigious and better job and you may regret your decision
Cambridge might seem small in terms of city size, but there are still plenty of students there. I don't know which college you've applied to, but the accommodation I was in had quite a buzz about it (so much so that when my mum stayed over one night she opened my door to tell people off - that was fun). And I don't know what subject you have an offer for, but 4 essays isn't accurate. Most people have 1 essay a week or maybe 3 essays over 2 weeks. The workload will get heavier the longer you're there, obviously, and the terms are short so it's very catered towards people who like to work intensely. If you don't think you'll enjoy that, and you place high value on the social scene then it might not be for you. At the same time, I think you'd be surprised at the kind of people you find at Cambridge. I happen to be a non-clubbing introvert, but I'd say the majority of people I encountered were the exact opposite of me.
Sounds like a well-reasoned decision that is very much based upon your preferences and priorities 
Oxbridge isn't right for everyone (probably just the workaholics amongst us
)
Oxbridge isn't right for everyone (probably just the workaholics amongst us
)Original post by mscaffrey
And I don't know what subject you have an offer for, but 4 essays isn't accurate. Most people have 1 essay a week or maybe 3 essays over 2 weeks.
Which subject did you do? First year medics get 3-4 essays a week and essay subjects have more
I've had a similar experience as mscaffrey - most of the students I've met here at Cambridge seem to love going out drinking and clubbing, and there are several big 'student' nights per week. It may be a small-ish town, but it is hopping with students and a lot of the social 'scene' is geared towards them.
Cam also has many other ways of socialising - swaps with other colleges, bops, drinks with sports teams, and dinners in your college that are often served with a gallon of alcohol (more or less). It's not just clubbing here, but you will find plenty of people who enjoy going out, drinking etc. in many forms, so I wouldn't be scared of everyone being very nerdy or work-oriented.
Yes, the workload is quite high and there will be essays (though how many depends on which subject you've chosen), but the terms are short so it's concentrated into an intense period, but then you'll have weeks free afterwards: 8-week terms here versus 10 or 12-week semesters elsewhere. Again, depending on which subject you've chosen, the amount of effort needed per week will also vary.
Do bear in mind too that at all universities there will be certain 'crunch' periods when everyone is working and the social life drops off a bit - usually it's towards the end of term as deadlines etc. loom, and of course during exams. That is unavoidable anywhere you go really.
Cam also has many other ways of socialising - swaps with other colleges, bops, drinks with sports teams, and dinners in your college that are often served with a gallon of alcohol (more or less). It's not just clubbing here, but you will find plenty of people who enjoy going out, drinking etc. in many forms, so I wouldn't be scared of everyone being very nerdy or work-oriented.
Yes, the workload is quite high and there will be essays (though how many depends on which subject you've chosen), but the terms are short so it's concentrated into an intense period, but then you'll have weeks free afterwards: 8-week terms here versus 10 or 12-week semesters elsewhere. Again, depending on which subject you've chosen, the amount of effort needed per week will also vary.
Do bear in mind too that at all universities there will be certain 'crunch' periods when everyone is working and the social life drops off a bit - usually it's towards the end of term as deadlines etc. loom, and of course during exams. That is unavoidable anywhere you go really.
Original post by intelligent con
I have an offer from Cambridge but don't particularly want to go. I only really applied for the prestige and to see if I could get in. When I went there I found out how small it really is plus the entire college system makes it seem like a mixture between a sixth form and a boarding school. The workload is also a concern since I'm quite lazy and don't particularly like the idea of writing 4 essays a week or some ****.
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
However one of the main reasons I don't want to go is the social life it's rumoured to have. Cambridge is not only a tiny city but also supposedly only has like 4 clubs, all of which are pretty terrible. When you combine this with the fact you have to spend way more time studying than at other unis and it does not look good socially. I think while studying plays some role in uni so does partying and actually having fun. They're supposed to be the best 3 years of your life and I don't really want to waste them at Cambridge.
Although it seems like an easy decision if that were the case I wouldn't be making this thread. Unfortunately I do realise that the prestige of a Cambridge degree can be helpful in the career market and open doors for you.
So the question I'm asking is should I go to cambridge purely for the potential job prospects after graduation or go to one of my choices which isn't quite as prestigious but is a bit more fun like say UCL or Manchester?
So you want to know weather you should choose somewhere you feel you'd be happier?
Ngl Cambridge isn't that bad for night life- mainly because it's relatively cheap. And if it ain't your scene, London is 50mins by train. Don't forget the pubs because there are some real gems in the mill road area and the student circle is huge due to both Cambridge uni AND aru being here as well.
But given you should chose your course before your university you may be financially better off going elsewhere if there is a vague chance you will drop out.
Living in Cambridge is also very expensive if you aren't in uni accommodation and if you plan on staying in Cambridge after Uni, the market isn't friendly to young renters or first time buyers.
Hope that helps!
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But given you should chose your course before your university you may be financially better off going elsewhere if there is a vague chance you will drop out.
Living in Cambridge is also very expensive if you aren't in uni accommodation and if you plan on staying in Cambridge after Uni, the market isn't friendly to young renters or first time buyers.
Hope that helps!
Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by whatarethis
Congrats on the offer regardless To be honest I feel you...I didn't apply there for this exact reason. I think there is definitely a certain 'breed' of people who go to Oxbridge (i'm not saying all but the majority) and it just wasn't for me.
I was in the same situation with an unconditional from Imperial and Bath and in the end I went for Bath. Imperial might be more prestigious but at the end of the day i'd have had to live/study somewhere I didn't like, so really what's the point. A big part of uni is studying but its something you're only gonna do once so it needs to be fun too!
I'm in no way qualified to advise you at all but in my opinion go with where you love and what fits you best. Employers aren't gonna know uni rankings and they constantly change anyway (granted Cambridge probably stays at the top cause its Cambridge but shh) I think as students we think this is way more of a big deal than it is in the real world; applying to a job with a decent relevant degree from a decent uni is surely going to get you at least an interview regardless. The rest will be down to work experience and you as a person which isn't going to change based on the name of the university on the form. In my case im sure (well im hoping) ill get more out of studying at a place i'm happy at anyway and maybe come away with a better grade at the end of it all!!
If you're not going to enjoy Cambridge, don't make yourself suffer just to say you went.
Best of luck with your decisions xxx
To be honest I feel you...I didn't apply there for this exact reason. I think there is definitely a certain 'breed' of people who go to Oxbridge (i'm not saying all but the majority) and it just wasn't for me.I was in the same situation with an unconditional from Imperial and Bath and in the end I went for Bath. Imperial might be more prestigious but at the end of the day i'd have had to live/study somewhere I didn't like, so really what's the point. A big part of uni is studying but its something you're only gonna do once so it needs to be fun too!
I'm in no way qualified to advise you at all but in my opinion go with where you love and what fits you best. Employers aren't gonna know uni rankings and they constantly change anyway (granted Cambridge probably stays at the top cause its Cambridge but shh
) I think as students we think this is way more of a big deal than it is in the real world; applying to a job with a decent relevant degree from a decent uni is surely going to get you at least an interview regardless. The rest will be down to work experience and you as a person which isn't going to change based on the name of the university on the form. In my case im sure (well im hoping) ill get more out of studying at a place i'm happy at anyway and maybe come away with a better grade at the end of it all!! If you're not going to enjoy Cambridge, don't make yourself suffer just to say you went.
Best of luck with your decisions xxx
Wow an unconditional offer from imperial and bath!!
May I ask what course you applied for? And how you managed to get the offer? I'm interested in applying to imperial this year
Pfffft, no one likes Cambridge anyway 
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