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Where should I chose as my insurance place for Law?

I am going to firm University of Birmingham, as it is my highest offer. I think there is a chance of me missing the grades I need to get in (AAB) so I need to pick my insurance place strategically.

I have received offers from Cardiff, Liverpool and Sheffield at ABB.

I have visited both Liverpool and Sheffield, but not Cardiff as I missed the applicant open day due to Corona.

If anyone could give me their thoughts, I'd be really appreciative.
The following are important factors to me:
- Good accomodation (as an insurance applicant, where I am I likely to end up?)
- Nightlife
- Student satisfaction
- Law firm links, reputation etc.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Reply 1

lawcalling

Just as a quick aside - just because a university states the highest offer it doesn't mean they have to be your firm, nor does it mean they are the better university. I didn't firm my highest offer as it wasn't my favourite uni (Firmed Bristol at AAB, Sheffield as my insurance choice AAA). It made much more sense for me to go for Bristol with the lower requirements as it provided me with extra security, ensured I received good accommodation (as I was unlikely to miss the offer) and meant I could go to my preferred university. There are no strict rules about the extent to which universities will lower their grades for entry after results day e.g. if I received ABB Bristol may not have given me a place but Sheffield might have - depending on the places available. In no way am I trying to shift you away from your choice, it's just something to be mindful of.

These sources are by no means perfect, however, they may be of use to you in getting a rough idea of universities perceived reputation by employers:

https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/law Sheffield ranks 20th, Bham 26th, Lpool 30th

https://www.legalcheek.com/2016/04/revealed-the-universities-which-give-you-the-best-chance-of-making-it-to-the-top-of-the-magic-and-silver-circle/ Partners of MC and SC firms: Bham 4%, Sheff 4%, Liverpool 1%

https://www.chambersstudent.co.uk/where-to-start/newsletter/law-firms-preferred-universities Law firms' preferred universities
The Big Picture - Bham 2.9%, Sheff 2.6%, Lpool 2.1%.
London Firms - Bham > Sheff > Lpool
MC and other large London firms - Bham > Sheff > Lpool

I personally think your top two choices should be Bham and Sheff. I feel like the differences between them in terms of reputation are very marginal/non-existent. I have personally seen an equal representation of both uni's at events, open days and assessment centres. If you go for Sheff with lower grades, it would provide that extra security and would provide extra certainty regarding your accommodation. I would simply base it on your gut feeling and where you preferred.