Exeter, York, Lancaster or Southampton?

I am going to be applying to do Economics in the upcoming UCAS cycle (early applicant) but am still unsure on what I should choose as my 5th uni. I am sure on Cambridge, Warwick, Durham and Bath but not sure whether I should choose Exeter, Lancaster, York or Sothampton as my 5th option.
For Context, I am predicted 4A* and A is AS Further Maths.
For me, the costs and benefits of each choice are:
Lancaster - Far away and low graduate prospects, High student satisfaction andd teaching, offer rate near 100%, low offer
York - Lower overall and economics ranking, low offer, interesting modules (Bubbles + Crashes seems good)
Exeter - Low overall ranking and higher offer, highest economics ranking and seemingly most prestigious uni
Southampton - Closest (still not really close), low offer, high grad prospects, offer behavioural econ, not as highly ranked

What do people think is the better option, and does anyone who has studied at any of the aformentioned unis (Econ or not), share any feedback on their experiences that might help me decide.

Thank you!

Reply 1

totallyfine

Have you been to any yet? Based on what yo usaid about the actual course, York. But you have ages to decide and can go and visit some next term.

You can apply to Cambridge early whilst leaving some of the other places blank until January, giving more time.

Reply 2

McGinger

You seem to be basing your choices on what 'other people' think.

Have you looked at each course in detail - the optional units in each year, if there is a chance of work experience or study abroad units from other subjects? Are you going to go to Open Days to find out more about each course and each Uni?

And btw, are you aware that you could apply to just Cambridge before the October deadline - and add the other 4 choices before the January deadline? Teachers often aren't aware of this, or don't tell you. This would give you much more time to visit / think, and make wiser decisions about your other 4 choices.

Reply 3

ChiefBrody

Is the 5th your insurance choice? Have you been to any of these yet, they all feel quite different?

FWIW my daughter does Econ / Politics at Lancaster and behavioural economics, game theory etc is available. Economics department seems very well run. She was initially looking at Bath but preferred Lancaster after offer holder day.

Not meaning to add to your list, what about St Andrews (bit awkward to get to) and Edinburgh (not actually too bad to get to)? Or one of the London ones like LSE?

Reply 4

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by charliecollard

I am going to be applying to do Economics in the upcoming UCAS cycle (early applicant) but am still unsure on what I should choose as my 5th uni. I am sure on Cambridge, Warwick, Durham and Bath but not sure whether I should choose Exeter, Lancaster, York or Sothampton as my 5th option.
For Context, I am predicted 4A* and A is AS Further Maths.
For me, the costs and benefits of each choice are:
Lancaster - Far away and low graduate prospects, High student satisfaction andd teaching, offer rate near 100%, low offer
York - Lower overall and economics ranking, low offer, interesting modules (Bubbles + Crashes seems good)
Exeter - Low overall ranking and higher offer, highest economics ranking and seemingly most prestigious uni
Southampton - Closest (still not really close), low offer, high grad prospects, offer behavioural econ, not as highly ranked
What do people think is the better option, and does anyone who has studied at any of the aformentioned unis (Econ or not), share any feedback on their experiences that might help me decide.
Thank you!

Hello @charliecollard, my name is Taylor and I am going into my 4th year as an LLB Law (Study Abroad) Student, although I am obviously not an Economics student I am happy to provide some insight about Lancaster more holistically.

So, Lancaster is among the top 25 most targeted universities by the UK's leading graduate employers, according to the The Graduate Market in 2023 report.

In terms of choosing a fifth university option to apply for, it is in the hope that you get accepted into one of your more favoured institutions, but Lancaster is still a really great option. We are consistently ranked in the top 15 universities in the UK overall by various bodies, it also helps that our campus is truly beautiful. When I was a prospective student, I also looked at York University but was not that wowed by the campus or the options of modules for my course. I would encourage you to do as much research as possible online as I see you mentioned Lancaster is rather far. This link will take you directly to our Economics Course page where you can find out more information and email the department if you have any more questions. https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/economics-bsc-hons-l100/2024/

Lancaster University is one like no other, it consists of 8 undergraduate colleges that you are assigned to when you pick your accommodation, here you will meet your flatmates and other people living in the same area of campus, it is a really special differentiation that only a handful of universities in the UK have. We are a campus university meaning that in first year everything you need is right on your doorstep, which I felt help navigate the first year of moving away from home a bit easier. We are a relatively small city, especially compared to some of your other options, but where there are students there is student life! Pairing this high concentration of students in a smaller city with our large number of sports clubs and societies really makes for an environment tailored to meeting new people and mates for life!

I hope this has helped a little bit. I wish you all the best for your further uni selections,, as well as for your future university career, wherever it may be.

Taylor (Lancaster Uni Student Ambassador).