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please help!! cardiff or east anglia (norwich)?

I need to accept a UCAS offer very soon, ideally in the next few days. Basically I applied for med and got rejected, instead being offered biomedical sciences by Cardiff and East Anglia. At first I was gonna make UEA my first option but now I'm rethinking. I haven't visited either cities, any opinions? I want to go somewhere that isn't isolated, is diverse, easy to get around and just a nice city to explore new cafes, independent shops etc that won't get boring quickly.

Reply 1

I need to accept a UCAS offer very soon, ideally in the next few days. Basically I applied for med and got rejected, instead being offered biomedical sciences by Cardiff and East Anglia. At first I was gonna make UEA my first option but now I'm rethinking. I haven't visited either cities, any opinions? I want to go somewhere that isn't isolated, is diverse, easy to get around and just a nice city to explore new cafes, independent shops etc that won't get boring quickly.

Cardiff is an amazing City in my opinion, and cheap, loads to do and walkable, but why not see if there's a walking tour of both cities on youtube if you can't visit. They're usually great for getting a feel for a place.
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 2

Cardiff ticks all your boxes
Good transport links, pedestrianised city centre, lots of independent shops especially in the Arcades
The SU and many uni buildings are also close to the city centre (10ish minutes walk along main road) whereas it appears UEA's campus is around 3 miles from Norwich city centre
I need to accept a UCAS offer very soon, ideally in the next few days. Basically I applied for med and got rejected, instead being offered biomedical sciences by Cardiff and East Anglia. At first I was gonna make UEA my first option but now I'm rethinking. I haven't visited either cities, any opinions? I want to go somewhere that isn't isolated, is diverse, easy to get around and just a nice city to explore new cafes, independent shops etc that won't get boring quickly.

Above answers pretty much said most of it but I would also add in terms of diversity, it is decent! There are lots of cultural societies that are very active and hold many events, plus the Student Union does lots of showcases such as Go Global, which showcases performances of many different cultures 🙂 Close to the university there are many shops and restaurants from around the world, with South Asian, South East Asian, African, Middle Eastern, Italian etc cuisines. It's genuinely a lot to explore haha, I still haven't been to everything after my 2nd year here. Everything is at a walkable distance but if you're feeling lazy there are lots of train and bus connections. There's even a train station at Cathays campus that goes to city center haha, if you're feeling lazy.

Hope that helps!

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

Reply 4

I need to accept a UCAS offer very soon, ideally in the next few days. Basically I applied for med and got rejected, instead being offered biomedical sciences by Cardiff and East Anglia. At first I was gonna make UEA my first option but now I'm rethinking. I haven't visited either cities, any opinions? I want to go somewhere that isn't isolated, is diverse, easy to get around and just a nice city to explore new cafes, independent shops etc that won't get boring quickly.

Hi there,

It's great that you are considering such good places for your studies!

Choosing the right university is indeed a significant decision, and I completely understand the challenges involved. I faced a similar situation when deciding on my PhD program. I'm a PhD student and teach a lot for the biomedic classes. Here are a few considerations that I took when choosing the university for my PhD.

Department reputation: Consider the reputation of the department and the amount of research conducted. A strong academic standing not only improves the quality of education but also sends a positive signal to future employers. Most of the UEA lecturers are fellows of the Higher Education Academy, which means that they have an extra pedagogical qualification on the top of their PhD, making the teaching exceptionally good. UEA generally puts a massive emphasises on the Biomed and general sciences courses, there are a lot of practicals and support around this.

Career support services: Look into the career support services offered by each university. UEA, for example, is known for its excellent CareerCentral support, providing various resources and incentives to build your CV and cover letter. For example they have an award based scheme that helps you build your CV and prepares you for interviews. Their connections with alumni can also open doors to valuable opportunities.

Location and atmosphere: The city itself plays a crucial role in your overall experience. Norwich, where UEA is located, is renowned for its beauty and vibrant atmosphere, it's the city of literature. It offers a pleasant environment for studying, with numerous charming coffee shops and easy access to the seaside.

While the decision you're about to make may seem daunting, always remember that you have the power to create the opportunities at whatever university you choose to study. Having studied at three different universities Middlesex University London, UCL, and currently UEA I've found that each institution provided unique opportunities that contributed to my personal and professional development.

I wish you all the best in making your decision. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss any of this further.

Best,
Daniel

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