Plymouth (first year) or Southampton (foundation year) for marine bio?
I'm currently living in the usa but plan on going back to the UK for uni. My top choices right now are Plymouth for marine biology and coastal ecology or Southampton for marine biology. I'm hoping for a uni where the instructors care about teaching and will help when you need it & hoping for academic support when needed; and I'm hoping for good field work options and the option to get involved in research as an undergrad student. I want to eventually work in marine bio/ecology and conservation. I was really interested in the research at both unis. I wasn't sure if Southampton would be worth it due to the foundation year (I'm a bit older than when people usually start uni but not a mature student but it would still add extra time and I plan on a postgrad degree so 4 years may be too long). However, as they are a Russel Group uni I thought I should still consider it. Plymouth's tuition would also be cheaper than Southampton's which is a plus.
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Original post by flock33
I'm currently living in the usa but plan on going back to the UK for uni. My top choices right now are Plymouth for marine biology and coastal ecology or Southampton for marine biology. I'm hoping for a uni where the instructors care about teaching and will help when you need it & hoping for academic support when needed; and I'm hoping for good field work options and the option to get involved in research as an undergrad student. I want to eventually work in marine bio/ecology and conservation. I was really interested in the research at both unis. I wasn't sure if Southampton would be worth it due to the foundation year (I'm a bit older than when people usually start uni but not a mature student but it would still add extra time and I plan on a postgrad degree so 4 years may be too long). However, as they are a Russel Group uni I thought I should still consider it. Plymouth's tuition would also be cheaper than Southampton's which is a plus.
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
hellooooo as someone who lives in plymouth and has relatives who attend the uni, the community here is a lot more chill than people think and diversity is very much encouraged in the uni and city
I have heard from family that the tuition is fairly good especially for marine biology !! In terms of medical stuff id say its alrightttt but maybe not the best, its may be worth a deeper look into that tho cus im dont know to much about that part rlly 
))(edited 10 months ago)
Original post by flock33
I'm currently living in the usa but plan on going back to the UK for uni. My top choices right now are Plymouth for marine biology and coastal ecology or Southampton for marine biology. I'm hoping for a uni where the instructors care about teaching and will help when you need it & hoping for academic support when needed; and I'm hoping for good field work options and the option to get involved in research as an undergrad student. I want to eventually work in marine bio/ecology and conservation. I was really interested in the research at both unis. I wasn't sure if Southampton would be worth it due to the foundation year (I'm a bit older than when people usually start uni but not a mature student but it would still add extra time and I plan on a postgrad degree so 4 years may be too long). However, as they are a Russel Group uni I thought I should still consider it. Plymouth's tuition would also be cheaper than Southampton's which is a plus.
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Hi @flock33
It's nice to hear you're considering coming here to Southampton! I can't speak on behalf of Plymouth, but I can on behalf of Southampton so that's what I'll do 😄
In terms of fieldwork options and work experience opportunities, Southampton offer quite a few different options. For Marine Biology, there is a mandatory field trip to Millport to carry out ecology research. Furthermore, there are also modules that focus on fieldwork that you can choose. If you want to get involved further, you can often email a lecturer that specialises in a field you're interested in and they might be able to find you an opportunity to do work in the summer alongside them. You can also volunteer to work in the aquarium at NOCS if you wanted to do that. I've also found that as a russell group uni, our lecturers are very much involved in research and they often include recent studies in their lectures to get us engaged in modern day research.
For your need for disability support, you would be able to go to our disability team and get academic support as well as wellbeing support. If you want to find out more, I would have a look here. With accommodation specifically, we offer accessible and adapted rooms at most of our halls of residences. You can have a look here for more information.
Regarding your potential worry regarding fitting in. I do pass as cishet, however when I am out with my girlfriend, it is quite clear that we are a queer couple and I've always felt comfortable around the campus and around in the city. I haven't really had an issue regarding it, but I can't speak fully about this issue as I am white and do pass as cishet.
Finally, about the campus thing. If you are going to go on the foundation year first, you will be studying on Highfield campus only during the foundation year. Then when you go onto the marine biology course, you would be mostly on NOCS instead.
Wish you luck!
Jen (UoS student rep)
Reply 3
Original post by flock33
I'm currently living in the usa but plan on going back to the UK for uni. My top choices right now are Plymouth for marine biology and coastal ecology or Southampton for marine biology. I'm hoping for a uni where the instructors care about teaching and will help when you need it & hoping for academic support when needed; and I'm hoping for good field work options and the option to get involved in research as an undergrad student. I want to eventually work in marine bio/ecology and conservation. I was really interested in the research at both unis. I wasn't sure if Southampton would be worth it due to the foundation year (I'm a bit older than when people usually start uni but not a mature student but it would still add extra time and I plan on a postgrad degree so 4 years may be too long). However, as they are a Russel Group uni I thought I should still consider it. Plymouth's tuition would also be cheaper than Southampton's which is a plus.
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
plymouth is comparable to an npc region, quite literally a hole in the middle of nowhere, small. stay clear.
Original post by conspiringcons
plymouth is comparable to an npc region, quite literally a hole in the middle of nowhere, small. stay clear.
I lived in my Plymouth for a bit, it’s got a nice student vibe and one of the nicest looking ports, the first time I went to the hoe i was gob smacked, the city centre looks lifeless tho 😭
Original post by flock33
I'm currently living in the usa but plan on going back to the UK for uni. My top choices right now are Plymouth for marine biology and coastal ecology or Southampton for marine biology. I'm hoping for a uni where the instructors care about teaching and will help when you need it & hoping for academic support when needed; and I'm hoping for good field work options and the option to get involved in research as an undergrad student. I want to eventually work in marine bio/ecology and conservation. I was really interested in the research at both unis. I wasn't sure if Southampton would be worth it due to the foundation year (I'm a bit older than when people usually start uni but not a mature student but it would still add extra time and I plan on a postgrad degree so 4 years may be too long). However, as they are a Russel Group uni I thought I should still consider it. Plymouth's tuition would also be cheaper than Southampton's which is a plus.
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
I have a few medical conditions that count as disabilities and therefore need to go to a place that has good accommodations/help for that.
Other than academics, I'm kinda worried about living in a small place like Plymouth because I'm not white and I'm very visibly a member of the LGBT community (even if i try to pass as cishet), and I thought that Southampton might be in that regard. Overall, academic factors are most important to me as long as like bigotry isn't a common occurrence in one. I was also hoping for a beach nearby at either place but I don't have a drivers licence yet. I'd be travelling from London (where my relatives live) so the distance would be pretty big for Plymouth but Southampton would be way closer. They both have sports and other societies that I already do. I also wasn't sure about Southampton because there are several different campuses so the timing for going between them for different classes may be difficult.
Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Somewhat late reply but, I probably wouldn't worry too much about being LGBT* at uni in the UK as usually the uni environments here are pretty welcoming and open of that. Likewise don't worry about the age thing - you'll be essentially indistinguishable from everyone else in your course, plus ultimately one or two years in the face of a lifetime career is nothing.
Regarding the Southampton foundation year:
Spoiler
Regarding SOES and campuses at Southampton:
Spoiler
Regarding commuting between London and Southampton:
Spoiler
From Plymouth it would be quite a long journey I expect. Looking at the national rail site you're probably going to have a 3 hr trip each way that way so not really feasible as a day trip unless you get up crazy early and back crazy late. That is also absolutely not feasible as a regular commute.
In terms of beaches I'm not aware of any in Southampton itself although there are various places around the south coast (or even over on the Isle of Wight which is a quick ferry from Southampton - and the ferry terminal is not too far from the SOES campus). Again I think this would really be "planned day trip" rather than just "felt like going to the beach in the afternoon".
Keep in mind also in the UK 90% of the time it's not exactly "beach going weather" including for much of the summer! Therefore I wouldn't have that be a major deciding factor, personally...
(edited 10 months ago)
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