I'm an international student that just finished IB exams and I've currently got offers from both Bath and Southampton for CS, but really struggling to pick which one to make my official firm choice.
I've considered a lot of factors, but I'm still not sure which university is best for me. I've listed the advantages and disadvantages (in my opinion) of each university:
Advantages of Bath:
- Very strong placement year program, which not only helps because experience is very important for CS, but also because as an international student, it would make getting a CS job in the UK much easier later on.
- Locally in the UK, ranks higher than Southampton both as a whole and the CS department
- Very high student satisfaction of the course
- Beautiful city
- Slightly lower offer than Southampton
Disadvantages of Bath:
- Not a Russel group university and no accreditation for the CS course. I'm not very sure how much the accreditation matters, but I heard that some CS jobs require Russel group education(?)
- Expensive accomodation and city to live in, especially when dealing with international tuition. Also have a feeling that it would get boring after a few months.
- Not a huge fan of the CS facilities from everything that I have seen so far. Apparently, the CS lab is just a room with ~ 20 computers from what I see on the Bath virtual tour website?
Advantages of Southampton:
- Higher international reputation and ranking compared to Bath, as per QS.
- Russel group & 2 accreditations, both BCS and IET, and I really like the practical aspect thanks to the IET.
- Really like the CS facilities, clear that lots of investing has gone into the engineering departments.
- Cheaper city to live in, and cheaper accommodation compared to Bath
- Offers returner accommodation
- Higher CS graduate salaries compared to Bath
Disadvantages of Southampton:
- Apparently does not offer a placement year program for the undergraduate CS course.
- Slightly higher offer requirements than Bath, which frankly idk if I will meet in July tbh.
- Dangerous city (?).
I'm aware the deadline was 3 days ago and has passed but I chose to make Bath my firm (and Leeds insurance) for now, though I think I still have 14 days to change it.
I would really appreciate any insight, as I have been struggling to make a decision ever since I received my last offer (Bath) back in April.