Foundation year in Biomed at Liverpool or Reading

I cannot decide between Liverpool and Reading. I have visited both universities. I like the University of Liverpool due to its reputation as a research institution but the location is further from London. Whereas, Reading is closer to London but the accommodation costs are higher.

Which is better in your view and why?

Reply 1

cnidarianlover

I go to Reading University. I have no idea what Liverpool is like but I can share some of what Biomed is like due to the overlap in the courses.

You’ll spend some time in the labs, and your lectures will be shared with students from a few different schools/courses. If you do biomedical engineering you will have to pass every single test at over 40%.

Whiteknights campus is pretty, especially from Spring and it is a short distance away from London. Reading is a little boring but if you like to travel and manage your time well, I'm sure you’ll be able to make it to London. But, honestly, if it's cheaper to live in Liverpool and there's more to do, it could be the better option. Everything in Reading is more expensive (beer, food and accom). I grew up in Reading so I’m used to it, but it really is a shock for those not from here. One-bed flats outside of the university are around £1000+ per month. *Sharing* uni accom outside of uni is still around £550-£700 pcm FOR ONE ROOM TO YOURSELF.

On second thoughts, stay away. 😭

Reply 2

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi there,

Choosing between the University of Liverpool and the University of Reading might seem like a tough decision! Both universities have strong Biomed programmes to offer. Here are some other points to consider when making your informed decision.

The University of Reading offers a great foundation year programme which offers lots of support which will help you prepare for your second year. You will be able to receive strong support from staff to help you bridge any gaps in your knowledge and skills. The University of Reading also has lots of research opportunities such as opportunities to get involved in ongoing research projects etc.

Reading also has a great campus which attracts many students to our university. There are excellent facilities which create a strong knit community and allow for the transition to university life to be as smooth as possible!

The University of Reading also focuses on employability. We offer career services, support services, placement opportunities and strong networking advice to help link students with employers and opportunities.

It is also important to consider factors such as location,course structure and content, future prospects and personal preferences such as whether the university is a campus like at Reading.

I have loved my first year at the University of Reading and I am sure you will to if you decide to go here.

If you have anymore questions feel free to reach out!

Best of luck with your decision making!

Millie :smile:

BSc International Development

Reply 3

Qedeus

Original post by Anonymous

Im also planning to do a foundation year at Liverpool University.

The pros I've seen of Liverpool whilst visiting:

•

2 Beaches Nearby (Formby and Crosby) which are pretty nice, Sefton Park is also a grade 1 english hertitage park with lakes and amazing greenery.

•

2 Premier League Teams (Liverpool and Everton) for entertainment if you're interested in Football

•

Liverpool One (which is the biggest European Outdoor Mall with lots of shops and Restaurants with a pretty little quirky park by the steps)

•

Beautiful Breathtaking Views of the River Mersey which leads to the Irish sea that you can see by albert dock (Fun fact: there is an underground tunnel called the Queensway Tunnel for cars that goes underneath the river Mersey from Liverpool to Birkenhead and the Wirral)

•

Im pretty sure you could take a ferry from Liverpool to Ireland if you wanted to go there.

•

The Beatles come from there which most would say put Liverpool on the map for its Music Culture and History

•

Royal Albert Dock is Quite Quirky and Trendy with lots of Resturants and Bars around

•

Abercromby square park is amazing and the architecture of the houses around it is incredible.

•

200 societies to choose from

•

Lots of new building and facilities being built

•

2 state of the art libaries

•

Liverpool being a very walkable city. 10 mins walk from the Guild.

Cons of Liverpool

•

It can be Windy since its close to the coast/by the coast

•

There is a Siren on Campus (not sure where it comes from but I feel like it'll get quite irritating after a while but i guess we'll just have to get used to it)

•

The Metropolitian Catherdral can be a little bit of an eyesore, however the pictures inside look beautiful

•

There are quite a lot of hills especially if youre coming from lime street, the 10 minute walk is up a hill so if you dont like walking then this may be a problem

I also wouldn't be too worried about the accent if thats a problem since there are a lot of southerners that are at the Uni as I am one myself.

We'll be doing our foundation year at Carmel College in St Helens and the Uni has assured that we'll have a dedicated coach to take us from campus to the college. I come from a relatively low income family and Liverpool have some pretty attractive perks if your family earn below i think it was around 30,000. Which includes a £750-£2000 busuary that you can use a cash or fee waiver and 15% off your accomadation cost. I see that being close to London is a concern of yours, Liverpool has a direct train route to London from Lime but I'm not too sure that as benefical as it take 2 hours to get their compared to Reading where you could just take the Elizabethan Line all the way there.

Reply 4

sharon349

Original post by Qedeus

Im also planning to do a foundation year at Liverpool University.
The pros I've seen of Liverpool whilst visiting:

•

2 Beaches Nearby (Formby and Crosby) which are pretty nice, Sefton Park is also a grade 1 english hertitage park with lakes and amazing greenery.

•

2 Premier League Teams (Liverpool and Everton) for entertainment if you're interested in Football

•

Liverpool One (which is the biggest European Outdoor Mall with lots of shops and Restaurants with a pretty little quirky park by the steps)

•

Im pretty sure you could take a ferry from Liverpool to Ireland if you wanted to go there.

•

The Beatles come from there which most would say put Liverpool on the map for its Music Culture and History

•

Royal Albert Dock is Quite Quirky and Trendy with lots of Resturants and Bars around

•

Abercromby square park is amazing and the architecture of the houses around it is incredible.

•

200 societies to choose from

•

Lots of new building and facilities being built

•

2 state of the art libaries

•

Liverpool being a very walkable city. 10 mins walk from the Guild.

Cons of Liverpool

•

It can be Windy since its close to the coast/by the coast

•

There is a Siren on Campus (not sure where it comes from but I feel like it'll get quite irritating after a while but i guess we'll just have to get used to it)

•

The Metropolitian Catherdral can be a little bit of an eyesore, however the pictures inside look beautiful

•

There are quite a lot of hills especially if youre coming from lime street, the 10 minute walk is up a hill so if you dont like walking then this may be a problem

I also wouldn't be too worried about the accent if thats a problem since there are a lot of southerners that are at the Uni as I am one myself.
We'll be doing our foundation year at Carmel College in St Helens and the Uni has assured that we'll have a dedicated coach to take us from campus to the college. I come from a relatively low income family and Liverpool have some pretty attractive perks if your family earn below i think it was around 30,000. Which includes a £750-£2000 busuary that you can use a cash or fee waiver and 15% off your accomadation cost. I see that being close to London is a concern of yours, Liverpool has a direct train route to London from Lime but I'm not too sure that as benefical as it take 2 hours to get their compared to Reading where you could just take the Elizabethan Line all the way there.