UCL vs Sussex

This is the situation. I have a conditional offer from Sussex for International Relations. I also have an unconditional offer from UCL for Russian Studies (Politics and Economics track), but I'm looking into switching to the Politics and East European Studies (which shouldn't be impossible). But let's assume that the programmes and the offers were the same.

Taking into consideration all factors such as location and reputation of the respective universities, price and quality of life, etc..., which one would you choose?

P.S: I realize that this is a very subjective question, but I just want to know what you'd do in my place.

Reply 1

Democracy

Err UCL. Isn't it obvious? It has a worldwide reputation :p:

Not to mention it's in London which means you'll have an excellent social life :wink:

I say this as a non UCL student, so I'm not biased at all.

Reply 2

.ACS.

As above, definitely go for UCL... It's a top university with a world-class reputation.

Reply 3

Darkad1

Yep, UCL. Well done on the unconditional too.

Reply 4

kjc_us

UCL without a doubt!

Are you seriously asking that question?!

UCL is internationally renowned, and Sussex... who?

I wish I could apply to UCL - I just can't afford London's cost of living!

Reply 5

r6mile

Well that's what I was concerned about; the cost of living in London. Is it really that unbearable?

Reply 6

Democracy

No. Thousands of students do it each year, and not all of them are rich. I'm going to Imperial next year, and my parents can't help me out at all, so I'm on my own. However, by not being wasteful and being careful I can make it work :smile:

Reply 7

Spanky Deluxe

UCL might be a technically better University, however it does have its shortcomings. It has been very unforgiving and very uncaring to some of my friends who went there. Sussex is a very friendly place in my experience and is world renowned aswell, particularly for international relations (do a Google search for "International Relations" and see where Sussex are in the results).
It does depend on what you want to do with your life too. I realise its a bit early for you to know really but if you do want to go into International Relations type stuff then you'd need to have a masters in it if you don't have an undergraduate degree in it. While you'd be very well qualified with an undergraduate degree in Russian Studies and a masters in International Relations, a masters degree costs a good chunk of money. Living in London for three years + the cost of a masters degree = a lot of debt.
I couldn't say which would be a better choice for you. My guess would be that if you don't quite know what you want to do with your life then go for UCL. If you know that International Relations is what you want then have a good long think about your options, funding, worries of debt. I would hasten to add that although debt is quite a scary thing, if you can get a good job at the end of it then its kind of worth it. Good luck with your decision!

Reply 8

r6mile

I was really enthusiastic about UCL, but I talked to my dad and he says that perhaps Sussex is better for the following reasons:
easier environment
cheaper cost of living (might be able to live more comfortably)
the programme suits me best
very good reputation for the programme

And I think he's right. I'll have to really think about it...

Reply 9

Democracy

Trust me, you'd be making a huge mistake declining UCL. It is more expensive, but worth it.

Reply 10

bkcr20

Sussex is not THAT much cheaper than living in London. Self-catered, shared bathroom accommodation at Sussex used to cost me over £90 a week, and going out prices in Brighton are definitely comparable to London.
I used to go to Sussex, I dropped out and am starting at UCL in September, so obviously I can't tell you how great UCL is but I can tell you how dissatisfying Sussex was for me.
xx

Reply 11

r6mile

Arghh, this is such a tough decision to make...