Plymouth or Reading university?

I am applying to study Architecture at Uni with predicted grades AAAA. I want to put Plymouth or Reading as my insurance choice as they ask for ABB-BBB. However, I just can't decide! I think they're both good and reputable unis, so I feel i should look at the things to do in each place to help decide. Also, as my other choices are all cities, I felt it would be nice to apply to something different such as a seaside city or town. Does anyone know which has better nightlife, students union, experience etc? I understand Reading is just a half hour trainride away from London for a night out, but do any of the students even bother going into the city to go out? I heard that theres a rave scene in Plymouth too, is it any good?

Reply 1

sbrc2148

Hey, I go to Reading. I’m only in first year so only been there a term but already we’ve had ‘Freshers Fortnight’ so a two week long Freshers week where as most unis only get one week, plus we have a ‘refreshers week’ after Christmas term so we relive it all again which many of my friends at other unis are so jealous of!! There’s a main club on campus for Wednesday’s and Saturday’s which is perfect and cheap, but there’s also like 4 main clubs in town that are always busy no matter what day you go which are literally a £1.50 bus journey away. It’s really lively and ideal for me. We haven’t been into London for the nightlife yet but I’ve got friends who have and I heard sometimes they organise end of year formals in London, for example one year they had a boat party in London and stuff :smile:

University of Plymouth

Plymouth

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Reply 2

Yolomofos

I’m looking for both, good academics and a good party life in which Reading is my firm for sure !!

Reply 3

University of Plymouth

Official Rep

Original post by ed543

Hi ed543,

I'm sorry I didn't get to this before the deadline! Which University did you put down? :smile:

I can't speak for Reading as it was never a choice of mine, however, I went to Plymouth and graduated in 2018 :smile:

Living in Plymouth is fantastic because you get the highlights of the city and the sea. We have a city centre right next to the University, with plenty of high street shops, restaurants, coffee places, and of course Drake Circus shopping mall. A 5 minute walk away is Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican - the Hoe is really popular with students, especially in the sun. It's a popular place for BBQs, swimming, skating, and generally socialising with friends. The Barbican offers the 'old town' feel of the city, with lots of nice independent shops. Of course, we also have the sea, which again is amazing during Spring and Summer!

In terms of the music scene, there is SO much to get involved with. You have places like the Hub / DBs Live, Casa, Factory, the SU, Fresher and Professor, the Junction and way more, who all offer a fantastic variety of music nights. There is honestly something for everyone down here, whether it's rave music or super cheesy pop. The student nightlife is really good here - quite a few places are open until 6am, and there are so many places to choose from. The most popular places are the SU and North Hill, but they do also really enjoy Mutley Plain and the Barbican. We have the main places too, like Pryzm, Walkabout, Popworld, etc.

I'm happy to help with any questions you may have - I hope this helps a little bit! Even if you didn't choose Plymouth, you still have the chance to apply through adjustment/Clearing/extra if you wish to.

Can I help with anything else? :smile:

- Seren, University of Plymouth Student Rep