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Birmingham or Royal Holloway?
Not sure if this is in the right section so sorry if it is...
I'm down to choosing my fifth choice for 2008 entry and I'm stuck between Birmingham and Royal Holloway. I'm applying for dual honours in History and French. I know they're completely different but I can't decide what I'd prefer, so if anyone could give some advice that would be really helpful.
My pros for Birmingham so far:
The History course is fascinating
Really liked the feel of the uni when I went to the open day
It's central, so easy to get around to other major cities like London and Manchester
Its reputation is pretty good
Cons:
French department didn't seem so good but not as high up the league tables for RH
The uni isn't as well recognised as somewhere like Leeds
My pros for RH so far:
Excellent ratings for both departments
Near London
Cons:
Seemingly not much to do in terms of student life off campus
Higher cost of living because it's near London
Not many people seem to recognise the university's name whereas everyone knows where Birmingham is... So does that mean employability after graduation isn't as high?
If I've missed anything out, or something I've said there is a very bad misconception, please correct me
I'm down to choosing my fifth choice for 2008 entry and I'm stuck between Birmingham and Royal Holloway. I'm applying for dual honours in History and French. I know they're completely different but I can't decide what I'd prefer, so if anyone could give some advice that would be really helpful.
My pros for Birmingham so far:
The History course is fascinating
Really liked the feel of the uni when I went to the open day
It's central, so easy to get around to other major cities like London and Manchester
Its reputation is pretty good
Cons:
French department didn't seem so good but not as high up the league tables for RH
The uni isn't as well recognised as somewhere like Leeds
My pros for RH so far:
Excellent ratings for both departments
Near London
Cons:
Seemingly not much to do in terms of student life off campus
Higher cost of living because it's near London
Not many people seem to recognise the university's name whereas everyone knows where Birmingham is... So does that mean employability after graduation isn't as high?
If I've missed anything out, or something I've said there is a very bad misconception, please correct me
Reply 1
10
I agree that many people have not heard of RH, they get it confused with the prison. But it is a college of the uni of London, and employers know all about that and of course London has a really good rep.
I would not have said that Birmingham has that good a reputation for history, although its general rep is very high.
However, it sounds to me as though Birmingham is where you really want to be and that is probably the most important factor of all.
I would not have said that Birmingham has that good a reputation for history, although its general rep is very high.
However, it sounds to me as though Birmingham is where you really want to be and that is probably the most important factor of all.
Reply 2
13
You'll be equally well served by either, both are top notch history departments.
Reply 3
16
Oreo7
The uni isn't as well recognised as somewhere like Leeds
what planet are you on?
if you are an extra-terrestrial being, then i'd make sure you state this on the UCAS form as Birmingham has introduced new quotas this year to ensure a good ratio of milky way:andromeda applicants. you'll also have to pay the full wack for tution fees.
if you're just a tad uninformed of how well recognised birmingham is (relative to leeds), then i suggest you ask around.
Reply 4
Oreo7
OP
silence
what planet are you on?
if you are an extra-terrestrial being, then i'd make sure you state this on the UCAS form as Birmingham has introduced new quotas this year to ensure a good ratio of milky way:andromeda applicants. you'll also have to pay the full wack for tution fees.
if you're just a tad uninformed of how well recognised birmingham is (relative to leeds), then i suggest you ask around.
if you are an extra-terrestrial being, then i'd make sure you state this on the UCAS form as Birmingham has introduced new quotas this year to ensure a good ratio of milky way:andromeda applicants. you'll also have to pay the full wack for tution fees.
if you're just a tad uninformed of how well recognised birmingham is (relative to leeds), then i suggest you ask around.
Woops, really didn't mean to offend 0.o I actually really liked Birmingham, it was my friends who told me it wasn't a wise choice -__-
Reply 5
Both are good universities, Birmingham is a really friendly city. A good student place!
It sounds to me you're leaning more towards Birmingham. It is a well known Uni and has a good rep.
My brother goes to Royal Holloway. He loves it there and the students are encouraged to socialise with eachother on campus (dinner and dance etc) the employment after graduation is said to be very high in The Times. I think it was above 90%? but forgive me if I'm wrong.
Have you tried speaking to students who go to both Birmingham/RH?
It sounds to me you're leaning more towards Birmingham. It is a well known Uni and has a good rep.
My brother goes to Royal Holloway. He loves it there and the students are encouraged to socialise with eachother on campus (dinner and dance etc) the employment after graduation is said to be very high in The Times. I think it was above 90%? but forgive me if I'm wrong.
Have you tried speaking to students who go to both Birmingham/RH?
Reply 6
Oreo7
OP
No, but it probably is a good idea to do that. I looked round the RH section but I couldn't find much information on night life off campus. I'm going down there next week to visit the departments, so hopefully I'll be able to come to a decision soon...
Reply 7
I think the nearest town to RH is Egham? It's not a huge town but not exactly tiny. (I know parts of Egham). There are loads of bus routes and train routes as well - easy enough to get into London (on the fast train) for an evening, or Guildford.
And it's a beautiful uni - I personally think it is possibly one of *the* most beautiful!
It's not all that close to London though for cost of living (excluding accom. I don't know about) it's a leafy green area, down the A30 to some cheaper towns - Aldi and Lidl are your friends!
I haven't a clue about B'ham though.
Go RH!
And it's a beautiful uni - I personally think it is possibly one of *the* most beautiful!
It's not all that close to London though for cost of living (excluding accom. I don't know about) it's a leafy green area, down the A30 to some cheaper towns - Aldi and Lidl are your friends!
I haven't a clue about B'ham though.
Go RH!
Reply 8
Go for whichever you think you will be happiest at I really liked Birmingham and it was my insurance choice last year (for single honours History), so I'm a bit biased, but you'll be spending 3/4 years at whichever place you go to, so you need to be sure that you'll be happy there rather than worrying too much about things like employment prospects. Both are highly regarded Universities.
I really liked Birmingham and it was my insurance choice last year (for single honours History), so I'm a bit biased, but you'll be spending 3/4 years at whichever place you go to, so you need to be sure that you'll be happy there rather than worrying too much about things like employment prospects. Both are highly regarded Universities.Reply 9
Oreo7
OP
I know this thread's died but I've decided to stick with Birmingham as my fifth choice... I just need to finish the statement then I'm done 
Reply 10
RH campus is astonishing - check out pictures on google images. this would influence my decision a lot. both are outstanding unis. personally i love london so it's no contest.do you have a preference of location?
Reply 11
Had exactly the same dilemma as yours. I know you've already chosen Birmingham as your 5th choice, but I might as well post this reply.
I was down to choosing which firm, and it was between University of Birmingham and Royal Holloway.
Both have very good reputations, but I chose Birmingham at the end. I live in Birmingham myself, so catching the train is not quite a trek (about 30-40 mins a day). I had my concerns first about missing out on the uni social life, but so far these issues haven't materialised yet. I very much liked Birmingham's campus, its close proximity to a fantastic city centre (train is only 10 mins to New Street) and a superb night out.
Royal Holloway did impress me a lot. Great reputation, great building as well, superb employability etc. Not sure if being part of University of London will be of great significance, but I guess it will give it an advantage. What turned me off is the surrounding areas, and being trapped in the home counties bubble. Egham just wasn't for me. So is the neighbouring towns. Plus, Night outs to London will be quite expensive as well.
Great to know that you have chosen Birmingham. It'll never let you down, as everyone will agree that it is an all-rounder university. If you do choose Birmingham as your firm, then rest assured that the next 3 or 4 years will be the time of your life!!
I was down to choosing which firm, and it was between University of Birmingham and Royal Holloway.
Both have very good reputations, but I chose Birmingham at the end. I live in Birmingham myself, so catching the train is not quite a trek (about 30-40 mins a day). I had my concerns first about missing out on the uni social life, but so far these issues haven't materialised yet. I very much liked Birmingham's campus, its close proximity to a fantastic city centre (train is only 10 mins to New Street) and a superb night out.
Royal Holloway did impress me a lot. Great reputation, great building as well
, superb employability etc. Not sure if being part of University of London will be of great significance, but I guess it will give it an advantage. What turned me off is the surrounding areas, and being trapped in the home counties bubble. Egham just wasn't for me. So is the neighbouring towns. Plus, Night outs to London will be quite expensive as well. Great to know that you have chosen Birmingham. It'll never let you down, as everyone will agree that it is an all-rounder university. If you do choose Birmingham as your firm, then rest assured that the next 3 or 4 years will be the time of your life!!
Reply 12
RH is probably seen as better.
RH is probably more scenic.
RH will not be too hard to get into London from.
BUP is no more wise than you, or the above poster.
Seriously - go for whichever your heart tells you...
*sniggers*
RH is probably more scenic.
RH will not be too hard to get into London from.
BUP is no more wise than you, or the above poster.
Seriously - go for whichever your heart tells you...
*sniggers*
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