I'm applying for History for 2024 entry and have so far applied to Oxford, UCL, Durham and Sheffield (I've got an offer of AAB from Sheffield). I would like to use my fifth application but I'm not really sure where to apply.
For context, I am predicted 3A* (including History) and I got 8s and 9s in all my GCSEs.
I am particularly interested in religious history, women's history, art/architectural history and the Civil War (I did my coursework and Oxford submitted work on this and I love it so much, don't judge me) but I really enjoy all sorts of History - once I get to know more about it - so I'm open to going somewhere with a different focus. Ultimately, I want to learn about people and their lived experiences and not just Great Men and their military/political decisions.
In terms of open days I went to Leeds (which I liked), Warwick (which I hated), Durham (which I was somewhat mixed on), UCL (which I really liked), Exeter (which I was mixed on) and Oxford (which is Oxford).
I want to be in a proper city and not just hidden away in some sort of Uni bubble (as previously mentioned, I hated Warwick).
I enjoy cross country and orienteering so ideally I might like to be somewhere near to the Peak District, the Lake District or the Yorkshire Moors (as I currently live somewhere very boring for running).
More generally I would like to be somewhere where lots of people take part in clubs and societies particularly ones raising money for charity as this is something that gives me a lot of fulfillment in Sixth Form.
I love live music so would enjoy living somewhere that gets a lot of bands (or at least is close to somewhere else that gets a lot of bands).
I really do love history as well so living somewhere with a lot of history is important to me (going to a university where this local history is studied would be a particular plus).
I don't really want to apply anywhere in Scotland because I would feel awkward being so obviously English (and bitter about having to pay fees when they don't) but I might be convinced.
I am mainly considering either KCL or Leeds (but possibly also Manchester or York). Do you guys think these would be good choices for me and overall which one should I choose? Given I have an offer from Sheffield do you think it's safe to now apply somewhere more competitive? Am I likely to get in to UCL/Durham and when will I hear back from them? Any advice is appreciated!