Transferring to another Uni
Advice Needed!!!
So here is the situation:
I'm an international student who has just finished my 2nd year doing a PPE at LSE. So I went to quite a traditional boarding school and so for uni I was really hoping for a 'classic' and 'traditional' British uni experience. I had my sight set on Oxford since I was a child, but alas I bombed one of my interviews.
After a bit of self loathing I had to make the choice between Durham and LSE (for PPE). I made the mistake on going purely on reputation and chose LSE. I had heard that the student experience wasn't great but I'm quite a bubbly person and so I thought I could make it work.
However, here I am half way through my degree (PPE at LSE is 4 years) and I can't help but feel that I am really not enjoying the Uni. Don't get me wrong I am enjoying the course (philosophy not so much) and I've been able to take loads of maths (which I quite like) but the student experience and community feel (or lack there of) is absolutely appalling. It feels more like a full time job than a university. I don't feel a part of LSE at all, it's really just the place I go to attend classes and lectures.
I have tried to join loads of club like: rugby, cricket, tennis and other societies but the same problems of the uni ensue into these clubs. Everyone seems so cutthroat and single-minded on getting an internship as opposed to loving their subject and the uni.
Anyways, rant over! I applied, and was accepted, to transfer onto the BSc in Economics and Mathematics at the Uni of St Andrews. I am really tempted to take up the offer, but I need some advice on whether people think this is a good idea or whether I'm making a huge mistake.
All feedback welcome (but please be nice and polite).
So here is the situation:
I'm an international student who has just finished my 2nd year doing a PPE at LSE. So I went to quite a traditional boarding school and so for uni I was really hoping for a 'classic' and 'traditional' British uni experience. I had my sight set on Oxford since I was a child, but alas I bombed one of my interviews.
After a bit of self loathing I had to make the choice between Durham and LSE (for PPE). I made the mistake on going purely on reputation and chose LSE. I had heard that the student experience wasn't great but I'm quite a bubbly person and so I thought I could make it work.
However, here I am half way through my degree (PPE at LSE is 4 years) and I can't help but feel that I am really not enjoying the Uni. Don't get me wrong I am enjoying the course (philosophy not so much) and I've been able to take loads of maths (which I quite like) but the student experience and community feel (or lack there of) is absolutely appalling. It feels more like a full time job than a university. I don't feel a part of LSE at all, it's really just the place I go to attend classes and lectures.
I have tried to join loads of club like: rugby, cricket, tennis and other societies but the same problems of the uni ensue into these clubs. Everyone seems so cutthroat and single-minded on getting an internship as opposed to loving their subject and the uni.
Anyways, rant over! I applied, and was accepted, to transfer onto the BSc in Economics and Mathematics at the Uni of St Andrews. I am really tempted to take up the offer, but I need some advice on whether people think this is a good idea or whether I'm making a huge mistake.
All feedback welcome (but please be nice and polite).
It isn't going to be the advice you are hoping for, but this really depends on your particular motivations. If your academic interests have shifted in the 2+ years since your initial application such that you vastly prefer advanced mathematics to politics and philosophy then I would suggest that this, in tandem with the fact you are unhappy, is a good enough reason to make the change. St Andrews is a perfectly good university and you will not find that your prospects are materially lessened by having graduated from there rather than LSE (in most cases).
If, however, you would prefer to continue studying PPE but are chasing a different set of social prospects then I would suggest that is a poor idea. You live in London - your potential for making friends and having a varied and interesting life outside of your studies is very high even if it does mean it takes more effort than at many other universities. It is certainly true that LSE is notoriously boring, but it is not like it is situated on Craggy Island....
If, however, you would prefer to continue studying PPE but are chasing a different set of social prospects then I would suggest that is a poor idea. You live in London - your potential for making friends and having a varied and interesting life outside of your studies is very high even if it does mean it takes more effort than at many other universities. It is certainly true that LSE is notoriously boring, but it is not like it is situated on Craggy Island....
(edited 4 years ago)
Original post by Ghostlady
If your not happy and you really have made the effort to have the best university experience and still not worked out; then if the transfer option is still open, go for it. Rather chance it and be happy, than spend the rest of your time at your current uni unhappy.
Thank you, its definitely something to consider!
Original post by ajj2000
How many years would the St Andrews course take? How keen to study maths are you?
So I would transfer onto the 2nd year of a four year course. In other words I'd have 3 years to go, while at LSE I'd only have 2 years to go. I quite like maths, but I prefer economics so I don't think I'd take a pure maths degree. Based on the content of the St Andrew's course outline I feel comfortable with the math courses.
Original post by Rorty
It isn't going to be the advice you are hoping for, but this really depends on your particular motivations. If your academic interests have shifted in the 2+ years since your initial application such that you vastly prefer advanced mathematics to politics and philosophy then I would suggest that this, in tandem with the fact you are unhappy, is a good enough reason to make the change. St Andrews is a perfectly good university and you will not find that your prospects are materially lessened by having graduated from there rather than LSE (in most cases).
If, however, you would prefer to continue studying PPE but are chasing a different set of social prospects then I would suggest that is a poor idea. You live in London - your potential for making friends and having a varied and interesting life outside of your studies is very high even if it does mean it takes more effort than at many other universities. It is certainly true that LSE is notoriously boring, but it is not like it is situated on Craggy Island....
If, however, you would prefer to continue studying PPE but are chasing a different set of social prospects then I would suggest that is a poor idea. You live in London - your potential for making friends and having a varied and interesting life outside of your studies is very high even if it does mean it takes more effort than at many other universities. It is certainly true that LSE is notoriously boring, but it is not like it is situated on Craggy Island....
Thank you, this is a well thought out reply. Don't get me wrong I don't hate Philosophy, and I quite enjoy Politics. I do enjoy my Mathematics, probably more so than the philosophy but less so than the Politics. I suppose the strongest motivation for this transfer is by far the social aspect of it. Realistically I am able to study a decent amount of maths with my PPE, its rather flexible, and similarly there is room to add Politics into the mix at St Andrews (obviously the odd course or too). So the academic motivation is less strong. It is much more about the social aspect, which is of course very important.
Original post by __Khaleesi
So I would transfer onto the 2nd year of a four year course. In other words I'd have 3 years to go, while at LSE I'd only have 2 years to go. I quite like maths, but I prefer economics so I don't think I'd take a pure maths degree. Based on the content of the St Andrew's course outline I feel comfortable with the math courses.
Ah, ok - one additional year is not terrible and it sounds like St Andrews might be a better fit.
Original post by ajj2000
Ah, ok - one additional year is not terrible and it sounds like St Andrews might be a better fit.
Thank you. Yes I think in the bigger scheme of life, losing one year is worth it if I find myself much happier at St Andrews.
It sounds to me as though you would be happier at St Andrew's so, if it's feasible both academically and financially (you may need to check things with SfE), I would go for it.
I think that something applies to LSE which applies to most of the other London Universities/constituent colleges and that is that it can feel as though you are shuttling into Central London to go to work. Certainly, as far as LSE is concerned, you are actually just a whisker away from the Square Mile and definitely in London's business district. You're in the heart of legal London there and a high percentage of the people passing you in the street are actually going to work rather than to study. The pace of life in that part of London is pretty fast and I can understand why it might seem just a step too far for someone just starting out who would prefer the more 'traditional' university environment.
Although I have not been to St Andrew's, my understanding is that it is a small town and that the University forms the heart of it. I think that you would find it a more comfortable place to be at this stage of your life.
You can always come back to the smoke after you have finished at St Andrew's. It might be that Post-Graduate study at LSE might suit you, maybe, while you settle down and look for a permanent job.
I think that something applies to LSE which applies to most of the other London Universities/constituent colleges and that is that it can feel as though you are shuttling into Central London to go to work. Certainly, as far as LSE is concerned, you are actually just a whisker away from the Square Mile and definitely in London's business district. You're in the heart of legal London there and a high percentage of the people passing you in the street are actually going to work rather than to study. The pace of life in that part of London is pretty fast and I can understand why it might seem just a step too far for someone just starting out who would prefer the more 'traditional' university environment.
Although I have not been to St Andrew's, my understanding is that it is a small town and that the University forms the heart of it. I think that you would find it a more comfortable place to be at this stage of your life.
You can always come back to the smoke after you have finished at St Andrew's. It might be that Post-Graduate study at LSE might suit you, maybe, while you settle down and look for a permanent job.
Original post by Kerzen
It sounds to me as though you would be happier at St Andrew's so, if it's feasible both academically and financially (you may need to check things with SfE), I would go for it.
I think that something applies to LSE which applies to most of the other London Universities/constituent colleges and that is that it can feel as though you are shuttling into Central London to go to work. Certainly, as far as LSE is concerned, you are actually just a whisker away from the Square Mile and definitely in London's business district. You're in the heart of legal London there and a high percentage of the people passing you in the street are actually going to work rather than to study. The pace of life in that part of London is pretty fast and I can understand why it might seem just a step too far for someone just starting out who would prefer the more 'traditional' university environment.
Although I have not been to St Andrew's, my understanding is that it is a small town and that the University forms the heart of it. I think that you would find it a more comfortable place to be at this stage of your life.
You can always come back to the smoke after you have finished at St Andrew's. It might be that Post-Graduate study at LSE might suit you, maybe, while you settle down and look for a permanent job.
I think that something applies to LSE which applies to most of the other London Universities/constituent colleges and that is that it can feel as though you are shuttling into Central London to go to work. Certainly, as far as LSE is concerned, you are actually just a whisker away from the Square Mile and definitely in London's business district. You're in the heart of legal London there and a high percentage of the people passing you in the street are actually going to work rather than to study. The pace of life in that part of London is pretty fast and I can understand why it might seem just a step too far for someone just starting out who would prefer the more 'traditional' university environment.
Although I have not been to St Andrew's, my understanding is that it is a small town and that the University forms the heart of it. I think that you would find it a more comfortable place to be at this stage of your life.
You can always come back to the smoke after you have finished at St Andrew's. It might be that Post-Graduate study at LSE might suit you, maybe, while you settle down and look for a permanent job.
Thank you so much. I think you've hit the nail on the head there, with the atmosphere and environment at LSE. I think its very well suited for a lot of people, but I think I am just not one of them. I'll be sure to post updates as I get closer to making my decision! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
A lot of people would wish to be in your spot @ LSE. If I were you, I would stay at LSE. I don't enjoy my uni experience at Nottingham but Ive transferred universities from a lower uni and I can say there is a lot of benefits that I have gained going to Nottingham compared to my last university. At this point in time, Im happy about the education aspect than social life. Each to their own but yeah wouldn't recommend transferring.
Original post by __Khaleesi
Advice Needed!!!
So here is the situation:
I'm an international student who has just finished my 2nd year doing a PPE at LSE. So I went to quite a traditional boarding school and so for uni I was really hoping for a 'classic' and 'traditional' British uni experience. I had my sight set on Oxford since I was a child, but alas I bombed one of my interviews.
After a bit of self loathing I had to make the choice between Durham and LSE (for PPE). I made the mistake on going purely on reputation and chose LSE. I had heard that the student experience wasn't great but I'm quite a bubbly person and so I thought I could make it work.
However, here I am half way through my degree (PPE at LSE is 4 years) and I can't help but feel that I am really not enjoying the Uni. Don't get me wrong I am enjoying the course (philosophy not so much) and I've been able to take loads of maths (which I quite like) but the student experience and community feel (or lack there of) is absolutely appalling. It feels more like a full time job than a university. I don't feel a part of LSE at all, it's really just the place I go to attend classes and lectures.
I have tried to join loads of club like: rugby, cricket, tennis and other societies but the same problems of the uni ensue into these clubs. Everyone seems so cutthroat and single-minded on getting an internship as opposed to loving their subject and the uni.
Anyways, rant over! I applied, and was accepted, to transfer onto the BSc in Economics and Mathematics at the Uni of St Andrews. I am really tempted to take up the offer, but I need some advice on whether people think this is a good idea or whether I'm making a huge mistake.
All feedback welcome (but please be nice and polite).
So here is the situation:
I'm an international student who has just finished my 2nd year doing a PPE at LSE. So I went to quite a traditional boarding school and so for uni I was really hoping for a 'classic' and 'traditional' British uni experience. I had my sight set on Oxford since I was a child, but alas I bombed one of my interviews.
After a bit of self loathing I had to make the choice between Durham and LSE (for PPE). I made the mistake on going purely on reputation and chose LSE. I had heard that the student experience wasn't great but I'm quite a bubbly person and so I thought I could make it work.
However, here I am half way through my degree (PPE at LSE is 4 years) and I can't help but feel that I am really not enjoying the Uni. Don't get me wrong I am enjoying the course (philosophy not so much) and I've been able to take loads of maths (which I quite like) but the student experience and community feel (or lack there of) is absolutely appalling. It feels more like a full time job than a university. I don't feel a part of LSE at all, it's really just the place I go to attend classes and lectures.
I have tried to join loads of club like: rugby, cricket, tennis and other societies but the same problems of the uni ensue into these clubs. Everyone seems so cutthroat and single-minded on getting an internship as opposed to loving their subject and the uni.
Anyways, rant over! I applied, and was accepted, to transfer onto the BSc in Economics and Mathematics at the Uni of St Andrews. I am really tempted to take up the offer, but I need some advice on whether people think this is a good idea or whether I'm making a huge mistake.
All feedback welcome (but please be nice and polite).
Hi there!
Since it has been four years since this post, I just wanted to know if you ended up transferring, and if it was worth it. I am currently in a similar situation where I have to quickly choose between LSE PPE and St Andrews IR and Econ, with aims to become a diplomat. Everyone tells me that LSE's prestige overshadows St Andrews, but I can't help to think of the college experience and perhaps a better quality of life. It seems to me that LSE is extremely career-oriented and too corporate to truly enjoy the learning experience, whereas St Andrews basically is my dream life. On the other hand, I am scared to regret the prestige and opportunities that LSE might have to offer.
If you see this comment, please let me know
Thank you so much
Original post by nonohk
Hi there!
Since it has been four years since this post, I just wanted to know if you ended up transferring, and if it was worth it. I am currently in a similar situation where I have to quickly choose between LSE PPE and St Andrews IR and Econ, with aims to become a diplomat. Everyone tells me that LSE's prestige overshadows St Andrews, but I can't help to think of the college experience and perhaps a better quality of life. It seems to me that LSE is extremely career-oriented and too corporate to truly enjoy the learning experience, whereas St Andrews basically is my dream life. On the other hand, I am scared to regret the prestige and opportunities that LSE might have to offer.
If you see this comment, please let me know
Thank you so much
Since it has been four years since this post, I just wanted to know if you ended up transferring, and if it was worth it. I am currently in a similar situation where I have to quickly choose between LSE PPE and St Andrews IR and Econ, with aims to become a diplomat. Everyone tells me that LSE's prestige overshadows St Andrews, but I can't help to think of the college experience and perhaps a better quality of life. It seems to me that LSE is extremely career-oriented and too corporate to truly enjoy the learning experience, whereas St Andrews basically is my dream life. On the other hand, I am scared to regret the prestige and opportunities that LSE might have to offer.
If you see this comment, please let me know
Thank you so much
Can you explain more about what you mean when you say you have to “quickly choose” between those 2 universities?
Are you applying for 2024 or 2025 entry?
Original post by PQ
Can you explain more about what you mean when you say you have to “quickly choose” between those 2 universities?
Are you applying for 2024 or 2025 entry?
Are you applying for 2024 or 2025 entry?
I've been accepted to both for 2024 but I really have to either go into clearing to be selected by St Andrews or stay at LSE in the next few days...
Original post by nonohk
I've been accepted to both for 2024 but I really have to either go into clearing to be selected by St Andrews or stay at LSE in the next few days...
It sounds like the only thing that you like about LSE is a perception of prestige.
Have you looked on LinkedIn to compare the number of graduates from each university in diplomatic roles? My guess is that the numbers would be quite similar because that’s not a career aim of many LSE students (London based students interested in diplomacy are more likely to go to KCL, UCL or SOAS in my experience)
Thank you so much for your response ! Yes, I’ve looked on Linkedin and a lot of LSE graduates have pretty high roles in diplomacy (notably in the EU), whereas St Andrews students tend to go towards finance. I’m just not sure if going to St Andrews would be a disadvantage for my future professional goals.
Thank you for your help !
Thank you for your help !
Original post by nonohk
Thank you so much for your response ! Yes, I’ve looked on Linkedin and a lot of LSE graduates have pretty high roles in diplomacy (notably in the EU), whereas St Andrews students tend to go towards finance. I’m just not sure if going to St Andrews would be a disadvantage for my future professional goals.
Thank you for your help !
Thank you for your help !
The most important thing is picking a degree that you’ll enjoy in a place that you’ll thrive.
Making sure you have the enthusiasm and motivation to get the best degree classification possible and the energy to get involved with all the opportunities available to you alongside your degree.
If you think the commute or lack of community feel in London (and the cost!) will affect your ability to thrive then no amount of reputation will make up for that.
What matters for your employability is YOUR CV - so your results and your experience and skills. Not the university.
You sound quite a posh.
Original post by Hardest Job
You sound quite a posh.
Wdym hahah… I don’t think so, since I’m so worried about future employability…
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