going to a uni I don't like because of ranking

Yeah. Ranking is so subjective, and it doesn’t even really mean much. You should go for the one that’s best for you, as that is where YOU will do best at.

Look at the size of the area, the clubs and activities, and the social scene - whatever interests you!

Exeter is smaller than Bristol or Glasgow !

true, just the campus is a bit ugly lol apparently exeter and bristol both have a little under 19000 undergrads though so similar other than campus/city
which would you say is better regarded, if either?

Durham and Exeter are smallish cities. Possibly Lancaster as well. I really dont know anything about the arts side. Exeter and Lancaster are campus universities and Durham is a college university that basically has 2 campuses. The older one would be where English takes place. You would live in a college and walk in.

okay thanks 😀 durham and exeter both felt a bit snobby but I would consider them if there was something super good about them (employability or opportunities or something), tbh a college sounds lovely (dont they have them at york and lancaster too? problem is they suit me a bit better but everyone tells me how good durham and exeter are and so I should apply there lol)

good morning guys,

I'm looking at unis to apply to and some keep coming up for my subject (english) - durham, newcastle, exeter, nottingham, oxford - and I'm tempted to apply to one of them because apparently they rank well in terms of quality and employability but I just don't really like any of them, would it be better to apply to other good unis (e.g. bristol, st andrews, glasgow) even though some people say they aren't ranked as well?

thanks 😀

You shouldnt apply anywhere just because of reputation. There is little to choose between all these universities. I havent seen York but are told it is really nice and it is a smallish city. Places like Bristol and Glasgow are several times bigger. Bristol university is pretty much in the city and some of its accommodation is a couple of miles away. It isnt a typical campus university like Exeter or Lancaster.

According to "the complete university guide", st andrews is 4th best for English, overtaking the subjects you mentioned, except durham and oxford.
Here's the link: https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings/english
Manchester and York seem to be pretty high too. Hope this helps

I would always say don't focus on league tables apply to universities in places where you would feel comfortable living.

It is far more important how you perform on your degree than what university awards the degree.

Cannot emphasise enough that you make your choices based on the course! Look at what you're able to study, what's compulsory, assessment style/structure. That's going to make a bigger difference for you than what the campus is like.