Oxford vs Loughborough vs Exeter
Hi everyone 
I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...
I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
Original post by Anonymous
Hi everyone I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...
I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
Whilst I am not an expert, here is a current history and politics student, talking about his time at Oxford
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6492118&page=2
He finds the time to socialise and do a lot of extremely valuable work, encouraging other black students to apply to Oxford. There is a languages centre in Oxford where you can learn other languages. I knew someone reading law who was heavily involved with MUN as an undergraduate. My son (German graduate) used to virtually prop up the bars at Plush and the Oxford union (plus several colleges) as well as being secretary of the Gilbert and Sullivan society and the tea society.
My younger son had this "restricted" Oxford life that you described, but only because he is a medic. He tended to just socialise in small groups and in his own house. The other one had a rare old time. I guess it depends on what you describe as a "better university experience". Oxford definitely does have unique social events you would struggle to find anywhere else.
Please click on the link below to get an idea about what to expect once at Oxford:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=84921100&highlight=Oxford%20Demystified
It's up to you where you go to university. If you think you would hate Oxford and love Loughborough, don't let me stop you. Loughborough is great for sport, but then so is Oxford. My son had a medical colleague who was part of the female football team.
Original post by Anonymous
Hi everyone I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...
I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
Why do you think Oxford would severely restrict those activities? Have you seen just how many student societies there are at Oxford? Who do you think keeps them going?
Original post by Oxford Mum
Whilst I am not an expert, here is a current history and politics student, talking about his time at Oxford
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6492118&page=2
He finds the time to socialise and do a lot of extremely valuable work, encouraging other black students to apply to Oxford. There is a languages centre in Oxford where you can learn other languages. I knew someone reading law who was heavily involved with MUN as an undergraduate. My son (German graduate) used to virtually prop up the bars at Plush and the Oxford union (plus several colleges) as well as being secretary of the Gilbert and Sullivan society and the tea society.
My younger son had this "restricted" Oxford life that you described, but only because he is a medic. He tended to just socialise in small groups and in his own house. The other one had a rare old time. I guess it depends on what you describe as a "better university experience". Oxford definitely does have unique social events you would struggle to find anywhere else.
Please click on the link below to get an idea about what to expect once at Oxford:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=84921100&highlight=Oxford%20Demystified
It's up to you where you go to university. If you think you would hate Oxford and love Loughborough, don't let me stop you. Loughborough is great for sport, but then so is Oxford. My son had a medical colleague who was part of the female football team.
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6492118&page=2
He finds the time to socialise and do a lot of extremely valuable work, encouraging other black students to apply to Oxford. There is a languages centre in Oxford where you can learn other languages. I knew someone reading law who was heavily involved with MUN as an undergraduate. My son (German graduate) used to virtually prop up the bars at Plush and the Oxford union (plus several colleges) as well as being secretary of the Gilbert and Sullivan society and the tea society.
My younger son had this "restricted" Oxford life that you described, but only because he is a medic. He tended to just socialise in small groups and in his own house. The other one had a rare old time. I guess it depends on what you describe as a "better university experience". Oxford definitely does have unique social events you would struggle to find anywhere else.
Please click on the link below to get an idea about what to expect once at Oxford:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?p=84921100&highlight=Oxford%20Demystified
It's up to you where you go to university. If you think you would hate Oxford and love Loughborough, don't let me stop you. Loughborough is great for sport, but then so is Oxford. My son had a medical colleague who was part of the female football team.
Firstly, can I say how honoured I feel that "the" Oxford Mum has replied to me. Wow. You're like TSR royalty, or at least on the Oxford page.
Secondly, reading that thread has really opened my eyes, so thank you. I think I thought previous to reading that thread, that there was just a one-goes for all kind of experience for everyone at Oxford. I guess regarding the "experience", as you rightfully said, it appears to be unique at Oxford than anywhere else - I guess this is something for me to consider a lot more myself.
Thank you v. muchos <33
Original post by threeportdrift
Why do you think Oxford would severely restrict those activities? Have you seen just how many student societies there are at Oxford? Who do you think keeps them going?
I believe Oxford would not necessarily be "severely" restrictive on these activities, just to a great extent than at other universities due to the larger work load in a shorter period of time. I have seen the large volume of student societies in Oxford, but have not thoroughly researched other clubs to the same degree. And students, of course!
Original post by Anonymous
I believe Oxford would not necessarily be "severely" restrictive on these activities, just to a great extent than at other universities due to the larger work load in a shorter period of time. I have seen the large volume of student societies in Oxford, but have not thoroughly researched other clubs to the same degree. And students, of course!
Oxbridge students work hard AND play hard. It's the best of both, not an either/or situation.
Original post by Anonymous
Firstly, can I say how honoured I feel that "the" Oxford Mum has replied to me. Wow. You're like TSR royalty, or at least on the Oxford page.
Secondly, reading that thread has really opened my eyes, so thank you. I think I thought previous to reading that thread, that there was just a one-goes for all kind of experience for everyone at Oxford. I guess regarding the "experience", as you rightfully said, it appears to be unique at Oxford than anywhere else - I guess this is something for me to consider a lot more myself.
Thank you v. muchos <33
Secondly, reading that thread has really opened my eyes, so thank you. I think I thought previous to reading that thread, that there was just a one-goes for all kind of experience for everyone at Oxford. I guess regarding the "experience", as you rightfully said, it appears to be unique at Oxford than anywhere else - I guess this is something for me to consider a lot more myself.
Thank you v. muchos <33
Actually, I have form in this department, as my elder son was a BNOC. This means a big name on campus, or one of the ten most famous people at Oxford at the time. He was not well connected and is not wealthy. He was quite shy at school so I said "whatever you do, don't sit in your room" so he took my advice rather to heart. He was constantly off to port and policy and also reported for the Cherwell. For years, we could not walk down any street in Oxford without someone coming up to him and hugging him.
So, I would say that Oxford is what you make it.
Original post by Anonymous
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
Straight up, I know nothing about Swansea.
Nottingham is a really good uni - I warn you the town is sketchy af. My sister does Politics & IR there.
Oxford is Oxford. If you want to go, you go. If you want more time doing stuff and less time doing supervision - then don't pick Oxford. If you want photos, bragging rights, college stash and pretending to be on a boat, then there isn't a substitute (don't get me started on Durham).
Loughborough is not exactly known for it's social sciences. It's going to be a million Lufbras in rugby shorts and sliders. If you're not doing engineering or sport science, I'd question why you're picking it.
Exeter is the opposite of the others. Loads of girls, pretty town, safe town (other than the Luftwaffe dropping bombs on Birks Grange) and no supervisons.
Lots to bear in mind on here, already! Let's see how the interview goes, first
Original post by Oxford Mum
Lots to bear in mind on here, already! Let's see how the interview goes, first
There is isn't there! Will do
Hey, I cant speak for the others because I've never really looked at Oxford or Swansea (or Exeter that much), but I am applying to Lboro for Computer Science and was genuinely impressed by the campus feel and the sense of community I got there. I've visited twice so far, once on an organised Campus Visit day, the other we rocked up at the gate and went for a wander. Both times though the campus felt safe and welcoming.
Even on the visit that wasn't on a regular open day, staff and students we saw were really helpful and one even helped us when we got lost and was brilliant to answer a couple questions we had! It's definitely worth paying them a visit. I'm not particularly sporty, and yes there is naturally quite a large sporty culture at Lboro, but that doesn't appear to be the be all and end all either. I've known a couple people in the year above go to Lboro (One for geography and the other for Civil Engineering) and neither of them were sporty but still have absolutely loved their start at Lboro.
Ultimately you have to go somewhere you're happy. Be guided by that.
Even on the visit that wasn't on a regular open day, staff and students we saw were really helpful and one even helped us when we got lost and was brilliant to answer a couple questions we had! It's definitely worth paying them a visit. I'm not particularly sporty, and yes there is naturally quite a large sporty culture at Lboro, but that doesn't appear to be the be all and end all either. I've known a couple people in the year above go to Lboro (One for geography and the other for Civil Engineering) and neither of them were sporty but still have absolutely loved their start at Lboro.
Ultimately you have to go somewhere you're happy. Be guided by that.
Original post by Anonymous
Hi everyone I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...
I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
I'm really struggling to choose about which uni I'd like to attend and I was wondering what other people's opinions are on this topic. I know it's not something I don't exactly need to worry about yet, but i figured it's better to think about it sooner than later...I've applied to:
Oxford for History and Politics (got an interview)
Exeter for Politics and IR
Loughborough for for Politics and IR (offer given)
Nottingham for Politics and IR (offer given)
and Swansea for Politics and IR (offer given).
I'm a very active person and I really like doing lots of things on top of my A Levels, which is something I wish to continue through uni: I love learning German, I love dancing, I love doing MUN, and ngl I love a good night out. Therefore, Oxford (to me at least) seems like it would severely restrict these factors. While I love my proposed degrees, I don't want it to completely take over my life - I still want to be able to do my other things if ygm?
While I know I'm taking this is as if I've got into Oxford, which is something I recognise is very hard, I'm just really struggling to decide where I would go if I, theoretically, were to get an offer. My school is private and quite 'big' as such on Oxbridge offers, so turning it down would probably get backlash. But then again, I would be prepared to turn down Oxford for the sake of a better university experience. Atm my favourite is loughborough, but my overall top 3 are Oxford, Exeter and Lboro.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated thank you
Hello!
Congratulations on your offer with us and it's great to hear that we are in your top three choices
You have a huge decision ahead of you with lots of things to weigh up - think about what you want from your university experience such as location, social life, employability, cost of living etc. Loughborough University is campus based with a real sense of community. We have lots of societies and clubs including several types of dance, and we are world-renowned for our sports facilities.
Loughborough itself is a great town with lots to do. It has excellent transport links to Nottingham and Leicester which are large cities but it is also surrounded by country side so you get the best of both!
You might want to have a look at our forum here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=125. You can get in touch with current Lboro students on here too. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have and we wish you the best of luck in your decision making!
Kalisha
Original post by nmapper
Hey, I cant speak for the others because I've never really looked at Oxford or Swansea (or Exeter that much), but I am applying to Lboro for Computer Science and was genuinely impressed by the campus feel and the sense of community I got there. I've visited twice so far, once on an organised Campus Visit day, the other we rocked up at the gate and went for a wander. Both times though the campus felt safe and welcoming.
Even on the visit that wasn't on a regular open day, staff and students we saw were really helpful and one even helped us when we got lost and was brilliant to answer a couple questions we had! It's definitely worth paying them a visit. I'm not particularly sporty, and yes there is naturally quite a large sporty culture at Lboro, but that doesn't appear to be the be all and end all either. I've known a couple people in the year above go to Lboro (One for geography and the other for Civil Engineering) and neither of them were sporty but still have absolutely loved their start at Lboro.
Ultimately you have to go somewhere you're happy. Be guided by that.
Even on the visit that wasn't on a regular open day, staff and students we saw were really helpful and one even helped us when we got lost and was brilliant to answer a couple questions we had! It's definitely worth paying them a visit. I'm not particularly sporty, and yes there is naturally quite a large sporty culture at Lboro, but that doesn't appear to be the be all and end all either. I've known a couple people in the year above go to Lboro (One for geography and the other for Civil Engineering) and neither of them were sporty but still have absolutely loved their start at Lboro.
Ultimately you have to go somewhere you're happy. Be guided by that.
Hi @nmapper,
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback about your visits to Loughborough University, it's great to hear that you had such a positive experience and that you have applied for our Computer Science programme. You are correct in saying that while we have a strong sports community, there are many students here who are not sporty and that is shown by our wide range of societies. There is something for everyone! Glad to hear that your friends are enjoying their time with us too.
We wish you all the best with your application and if you have any questions for us, feel free to visit our forum at https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=125 and get in touch.
Kalisha
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