Exeter vs Leeds
I have an offer from both Leeds and Exeter for economics but I’m struggling to decide between them.
I’ve visited both and definitely prefer the city of Leeds due to its size and busier atmosphere. I’m also drawn to the social aspects of Leeds (nightlife etc) however I am concerned about the academic side as I’ve heard a lot of criticism about its feedback and teaching, with it scoring much lower on the uni guide’s stats for these aspects- so I was wondering if anyone has any insight into Leeds’ actual teaching as I don’t know how much the statistics actually reflect real life.
I’ve also heard that Exeter has better graduate prospects and a better reputation for economics from a number of teachers and employers so I am wary about this. I’m also looking to do a placement year but I’m not certain about which uni has the strongest connections.
It does feel more logical to go with Exeter due to its academic benefits however the main drawback for me is the whole exeter stereotype and whether it may get a bit claustrophobic being stuck in the “exeter bubble” and the smaller city for 4 years- so I was wondering if anyone had any insight into this either?
I’ve visited both and definitely prefer the city of Leeds due to its size and busier atmosphere. I’m also drawn to the social aspects of Leeds (nightlife etc) however I am concerned about the academic side as I’ve heard a lot of criticism about its feedback and teaching, with it scoring much lower on the uni guide’s stats for these aspects- so I was wondering if anyone has any insight into Leeds’ actual teaching as I don’t know how much the statistics actually reflect real life.
I’ve also heard that Exeter has better graduate prospects and a better reputation for economics from a number of teachers and employers so I am wary about this. I’m also looking to do a placement year but I’m not certain about which uni has the strongest connections.
It does feel more logical to go with Exeter due to its academic benefits however the main drawback for me is the whole exeter stereotype and whether it may get a bit claustrophobic being stuck in the “exeter bubble” and the smaller city for 4 years- so I was wondering if anyone had any insight into this either?
Hi Anonymous #1,
First of all, congratulations on your offers!
The most important thing to consider is where you’d be happiest, I’d say. Naturally this includes the course, the city, the accommodation, and everything else in between. Remember - Leeds is also a great university!
I wouldn’t necessarily pick where you study based off reputation, because if you don’t like where you are this might impact how you’re feeling, and therefore your achievements and quality of life.
In terms of the stereotypes, I was also worried about them before arriving. I come from a state school myself, it did concern me slightly. However, I’ve found them to be just that - stereotypes. Exeter is a melting pot of different people from different backgrounds, and through your accommodation, your course, and societies, you’re bound to find your people.
It’s true that Exeter is a smaller city, yes, but I’d say that’s one of the things that I love about it. It feels much safer to me when I go out, and there’s no shortage of things to do here. We have two beaches, Exmouth and Dawlish nearby alongside a wealth of eateries and places to go out. The high street has plenty of shops too, and the city and campus are very green. I could go on and on about things to do, but I’ve never been bored!
All the best,
Jen,
University of Exeter student ambassador
First of all, congratulations on your offers!
The most important thing to consider is where you’d be happiest, I’d say. Naturally this includes the course, the city, the accommodation, and everything else in between. Remember - Leeds is also a great university!
I wouldn’t necessarily pick where you study based off reputation, because if you don’t like where you are this might impact how you’re feeling, and therefore your achievements and quality of life.
In terms of the stereotypes, I was also worried about them before arriving. I come from a state school myself, it did concern me slightly. However, I’ve found them to be just that - stereotypes. Exeter is a melting pot of different people from different backgrounds, and through your accommodation, your course, and societies, you’re bound to find your people.
It’s true that Exeter is a smaller city, yes, but I’d say that’s one of the things that I love about it. It feels much safer to me when I go out, and there’s no shortage of things to do here. We have two beaches, Exmouth and Dawlish nearby alongside a wealth of eateries and places to go out. The high street has plenty of shops too, and the city and campus are very green. I could go on and on about things to do, but I’ve never been bored!
All the best,
Jen,
University of Exeter student ambassador
Original post by Anonymous
I have an offer from both Leeds and Exeter for economics but I’m struggling to decide between them.
I’ve visited both and definitely prefer the city of Leeds due to its size and busier atmosphere. I’m also drawn to the social aspects of Leeds (nightlife etc) however I am concerned about the academic side as I’ve heard a lot of criticism about its feedback and teaching, with it scoring much lower on the uni guide’s stats for these aspects- so I was wondering if anyone has any insight into Leeds’ actual teaching as I don’t know how much the statistics actually reflect real life.
I’ve also heard that Exeter has better graduate prospects and a better reputation for economics from a number of teachers and employers so I am wary about this. I’m also looking to do a placement year but I’m not certain about which uni has the strongest connections.
It does feel more logical to go with Exeter due to its academic benefits however the main drawback for me is the whole exeter stereotype and whether it may get a bit claustrophobic being stuck in the “exeter bubble” and the smaller city for 4 years- so I was wondering if anyone had any insight into this either?
I’ve visited both and definitely prefer the city of Leeds due to its size and busier atmosphere. I’m also drawn to the social aspects of Leeds (nightlife etc) however I am concerned about the academic side as I’ve heard a lot of criticism about its feedback and teaching, with it scoring much lower on the uni guide’s stats for these aspects- so I was wondering if anyone has any insight into Leeds’ actual teaching as I don’t know how much the statistics actually reflect real life.
I’ve also heard that Exeter has better graduate prospects and a better reputation for economics from a number of teachers and employers so I am wary about this. I’m also looking to do a placement year but I’m not certain about which uni has the strongest connections.
It does feel more logical to go with Exeter due to its academic benefits however the main drawback for me is the whole exeter stereotype and whether it may get a bit claustrophobic being stuck in the “exeter bubble” and the smaller city for 4 years- so I was wondering if anyone had any insight into this either?
Original post by Anonymous
I applied for both for accounting and finance firmed Leeds and insured Exeter.
What made you choose Leeds over Exeter as I still haven’t managed to decide!
Original post by Anonymous
What made you choose Leeds over Exeter as I still haven’t managed to decide!
Original post by Anonymous
Just felt that Leeds was the more prestigious target uni for roles in finance and would potentially be easier to find jobs and internships in the future. But realistically your success depends on you and what you do while studying that makes you look better than other candidates so if I was you I would pick the uni that you think you would find more comfortable for you.
Also Exeter is quite far away from the rest of the big cities like London which I think would make networking more difficult
Original post by Anonymous
Also Exeter is quite far away from the rest of the big cities like London which I think would make networking more difficult
That’s what I previously thought but then I heard that many employers tend to prefer Exeter grads, and that there’s a lot better feedback, support and teaching at Exeter, with the Leeds course being quite poorly managed, but that might be specific to Economics
Original post by Anonymous
That’s what I previously thought but then I heard that many employers tend to prefer Exeter grads, and that there’s a lot better feedback, support and teaching at Exeter, with the Leeds course being quite poorly managed, but that might be specific to Economics
think it’s not a huge difference but worth knowing Complete University Guide 2025 has Leeds Economics at 10th place and Exeter at 14th this year
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Leeds vs Exeter
- Leeds Vs Exeter for Law?
- Best Uni for Business Sustainability
- Would you rather attend...?
- Better Uni for Master decree in Business Sustainalibity
- Exeter vs Leeds??
- Investment banking from studying economics and maths at leeds
- Exeter or Warwick for a Finance BSc degree ?
- Leeds VS Nottingham
- help me choose a uni
- The Russell Group hurt/heal game (Part 5)
- Play the forum game that's playing 3 threads below this one
- Rank these for me please
- Warwick vs Exeter Nightlife
- Biology at Leeds or Exeter
- Leeds or Exeter?
- English cities hurt/heal game
- Torn between Leeds or Exeter geology Bsc
- UCL vs Warwick vs Durham vs Bath
- Mech eng uni decision, please help
Latest
Trending
Last reply 2 weeks ago
University of Exeter Official Applicants Thread 2025University of Exeter
103
113
