The Student Room Group

Choosing University Help

Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.

Reply 1

Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.

I know this doesn’t address everything, but you could be anyone on the planet- you will still find friends at uni. Especially living there, everyone’s in the same boat

Reply 2

Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.

Which course do you prefer?

Reply 3

Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.
I'd go with UNI 1 because I get the impression you want to live on campus.
Personally I feel like living at home means you might miss out on some of the experience because making friends and actually living with people are two very different things.
However, there are people who disagree

Reply 4

If you can get a chunky or full maintenance loan, you'll likely be alright living out (though I can't speak for London as I'm unsure on that front). Otherwise it may be risky if your parents can't afford to support you. As for safety, you could look into crime rates in the area. In my experience, it was safe because there were usually students everywhere. Living out is a great experience for many people but it can depend on a lot of things. There's certainly a social aspect to it or rather an openness to experience. For those that want to experience uni life I would almost always say go for it, within the bounds of affordability.
Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.


Hi @imsupercool16,
I think writing a comprehensive pros and cons list might help. You might want to ask yourself what is the logical answer and what is the answer your heart desires. Where you live will affect your student fiance so knowing the difference beforehand will be helpful. You can have a budget on how much you will spend if you are living at home and university. As for living with others you can have a positive or negative experience.
Did your parents move out for university too? Maybe you can talk to them about their experience and it will remind them of the positives moving out brings.
Hristiana (Kingston rep)
1st Year Mental Health Nursing Student
Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.

@imsupercool16

If you want to move away for uni, then talk to your parents. It could be easy to convince yourself that you'll be just as happy going to the uni that is more local to you, but you might regret not grabbing the opportunity to be more independent and to live in another part of the country.

All that being said, living away comes with its own challenges especially if you are a family orientated person, not used to being away from home or family and if you want to be at home most weekends. Moving away for uni also doesn't guarantee that you'll make lots of great friends. Lots of students can struggle with loneliness, being in a new environment and learning how to live with strangers. When you are living with family, you are already used to living with them ( and they with you), already have people to socialise with, and if you need help, they can help more easily.

Moving away for uni helps you become more independent and helps you grow as a person. There can be lots of challenges, but I think moving away for uni does help you do you realise more of your weaknesses and strengths and provides the opportunity to grow!

Hope that helps,

Oluwatosin 3rd year student University of Huddersfield

Reply 7

Original post by ageshallnot
Which course do you prefer?

same course

Reply 8

Original post by Kingston Reps
Hi @imsupercool16,
I think writing a comprehensive pros and cons list might help. You might want to ask yourself what is the logical answer and what is the answer your heart desires. Where you live will affect your student fiance so knowing the difference beforehand will be helpful. You can have a budget on how much you will spend if you are living at home and university. As for living with others you can have a positive or negative experience.
Did your parents move out for university too? Maybe you can talk to them about their experience and it will remind them of the positives moving out brings.
Hristiana (Kingston rep)
1st Year Mental Health Nursing Student

they’re not from this country so not really but thanks

Reply 9

Original post by University of Huddersfield
@imsupercool16
If you want to move away for uni, then talk to your parents. It could be easy to convince yourself that you'll be just as happy going to the uni that is more local to you, but you might regret not grabbing the opportunity to be more independent and to live in another part of the country.
All that being said, living away comes with its own challenges especially if you are a family orientated person, not used to being away from home or family and if you want to be at home most weekends. Moving away for uni also doesn't guarantee that you'll make lots of great friends. Lots of students can struggle with loneliness, being in a new environment and learning how to live with strangers. When you are living with family, you are already used to living with them ( and they with you), already have people to socialise with, and if you need help, they can help more easily.
Moving away for uni helps you become more independent and helps you grow as a person. There can be lots of challenges, but I think moving away for uni does help you do you realise more of your weaknesses and strengths and provides the opportunity to grow!
Hope that helps,
Oluwatosin 3rd year student University of Huddersfield

thanks 😭😭

Reply 10

Original post by litismagic
If you can get a chunky or full maintenance loan, you'll likely be alright living out (though I can't speak for London as I'm unsure on that front). Otherwise it may be risky if your parents can't afford to support you. As for safety, you could look into crime rates in the area. In my experience, it was safe because there were usually students everywhere. Living out is a great experience for many people but it can depend on a lot of things. There's certainly a social aspect to it or rather an openness to experience. For those that want to experience uni life I would almost always say go for it, within the bounds of affordability.

thanks ! im gonna calculate my maintenance loan and come back

Reply 11

Original post by imsupercool16
same course

Are they absolutely identical? Same modules, structure etc? If not, does one stand out?
Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.

Hi @imsupercool16
Congrats on the great mock results!
Is there any difference in the types of modules you can study at both the universities as the same course at different universities might have certain specalisms?
Would it be possible to get a job at Uni 1 if your worried about money?
How far away is Uni 1, would you still be able to go home on a weekend if you wanted to?
Hope these help!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 13

Original post by ageshallnot
Are they absolutely identical? Same modules, structure etc? If not, does one stand out?
i’m doing pharmacy so they’re pretty similar (cardiff and bath) .
Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.

Hello,
I hope you're doing well. It's reasonable to be torn between two universities, especially when each offers unique benefits.
Based on what you've said, here are some things to think about. Living on campus can be a unique experience that fosters independence while also allowing opportunity to participate in university life and activities. If you are enthused about living at university and believe it will be a useful experience, UNI 1 may be a suitable fit. Although it is further away and incurs greater expenditures, evaluate whether there are any financial aids, scholarships, or part-time jobs that could help offset these costs.
Living at home while attending UNI 2 may result in significant savings on rent and living expenses. If you believe you can still have a rewarding university experience while also maintaining a healthy social life through clubs, groups, and campus events, this may be a viable option. Additionally, commuting may allow you to work part-time, reducing financial pressures.
It's encouraging to learn that you don't generally struggle to make friends. Living at home may require more effort to keep involved in university events, but it is certainly possible to maintain an active social life. Making an effort to join clubs, attend events, and engage in studies
Finally, the decision is based on whatever things are most essential to you: the on-campus experience or the convenience and expense savings of living at home. Both options have advantages, and there is no right or wrong answer—just what feels right for you.
I wish you the best of success with your decision, and I'm here if you have any additional questions or require guidance.
I hope this is helpful.
Kind regards,
Mrunali Kalbhor,
University of Sunderland Student ambassador

Reply 15

Original post by imsupercool16
Hello. I’ve basically torn between two unis and wondering for some advice. They’re both similar in teaching and I like them both equally! In my mocks I got A*AB so i don’t think that grades will be a worry.
UNI 1 - AAB . This uni is further away so I would live there. I’m honestly really wanting to live at uni but because of costs (rent and stuff) and my parents are quite protective so want me to stay at home i’m not sure
UNI 2- ABB. This is uni closer and I would live at home, so I would live and maybe get a job near home and just commute. But i’m worried I won’t make friends and stuff like those who live in uni. I don’t normally struggle with this tho.
Literally have no clue what to pick i’m so torn. any advice appreciated thanks.

Hi there,

Congratulations on your offers and excellent grades. I'd recommend looking into the modules that you would be studying on each course - which do you prefer? and maybe sit down and work out how livable your maintenance loan would be if you moved out to check if that is a realistic option. Would you need a part time job to have a realistic life style?

I hope that helps.

All the best,
Jaz - Cardiff student rep

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