Which university?

I'm not really happy with the universities I have offers from- and was considering applying to Birmingham or Loughborough for economics ( I have a pretty good chance at both through UCAS Adjustment, I spoke to both departments.) I can't really decide which one I prefer- Loughborough is obviously better ranked, but Birmingham has a better nightlife. Also, as a woman of colour, diversity is fairly important to me too- and I understand that Loughborough is filled with Oxbridge rejects (which would include myself lol). Loughborough's course does offer a placement year which I was initially looking to do anyways, but I fell the course at Birmingham is more interesting and to my tastes. To students there, what's the teaching, nightlife, and diversity like? Thanks

Reply 1

Sinnoh

I think you're the only one who has an impression of Loughborough as "filled with Oxbridge rejects".

Really the only advantages Lougborough seems to have over Birmingham to you is the ranking (irrelevant) and the placement year.

Loughborough University

Loughborough

Reply 2

uzyuz

Original post by Sinnoh

Apologies if I am the only one- it was just what I was told, and assumed accurate because of how high it ranks. Why is the ranking irrelevant? Would employers not value it more, and would it not equate to a better standard of education?

Reply 3

Sinnoh

Original post by uzyuz

Who knows what their rankings will be in 4 years when you apply for graduate roles! They can change quite a bit year on year. In any case, you can't rely on league tables to objectively measure the standard of education (whatever that really means) - it's not something you can really quantify beyond the TEF ranking.

Reply 4

uzyuz

Original post by Sinnoh

Understood, thank you.

Reply 5

Loughborough Student Community

Official Rep

Original post by uzyuz

Hi @uzyuz,

I studied both my undergraduate degree and my master's degree at Loughborough, so hopefully I can offer a bit of insight into life at Loughborough!

You also get a real sense of the #LboroFamily as soon as you step onto campus! Student life is also really varied here, there are so many extra curricular activities to get involved with and our LSU host numerous events throughout the year so there is never a dull moment and lots of opportunity to meet new people.

Loughborough University is proud to be a home away from home for so many people from different faiths, cultures and backgrounds. The LSU have a large selection of Culture/Nation/Faith societies which you can join and the University are committed to supporting and empowering diverse and underrepresented students groups.

The University campus has lots of places to relax and chill with friends on campus, with Hall common rooms and numerous coffee shops. The Union has JC's bar, which serves great food and is a great place to have a drink with your friends. The union also has 3 nightclubs that come alive at night, and each one has a different theme so there really is something for everyone! The LSU also as plenty of societies you can join, as well has hosting numerous events and volunteering opportunities through RAG.

Although Loughborough town is small, there are lots of things to do and it is only a short walk or shuttle bus ride away from campus! The town has lots of pubs and a few nightclubs, there is plenty of things to do and lots of different places to socialise. Leicester and Nottingham are also only a (very) short train journey away so you can get the best of both worlds, with a town and cities nearby. I never really found a need to leave campus, especially in my first year as campus had everything I needed.

I didn't actually do a placement year, but a lot of my friends went on placement and said it was a really valuable experience. You may find this page about placements helpful! I also know the Careers team are great at supporting students to secure a placement.

I hope this helps! If you have any questions about the student experience here at Loughborough, please feel free to ask!
Ella :smile: