University in Italy vs UK

Hi,

To start things off with some context, I am 17 and have pre settled status, I have an Italian passport and are able to reside in Italy.

I am wondering, specifically to anyone who is Italian and did their A Levels in England like I am, whether uni in the UK or Italy is better.

For Italian uni I'm more biased because of the fees, location and weather, and my family that went to it is doing pretty well off. Though, I've heard it's much harder and there's not much social life compared to the UK. If I did go Italy, I'd be choosing the Federico II in Naples where I have my grandma at and would be staying there so I wouldn't have to pay much. But I'm not familiar with the system there so I wouldn't like to mess up, and although my Italian is decent I fear I'd mess up on specialist terminology or just speaking with people in general. I know there's English courses, but I am unsure of the social environment around that area because I am mixed (B&W) and last time I visited there were mainly white people that gave me odd looks so I'm scared on that aspect that I'd be unable to make friends because of my appearance.

For UK uni, I'm already familiar with the system and the grade requirements, and know that I would easily make friends there. But I'm mainly put off by the costs, especially the £9k a year + maintenance loans compared to Italy where I'd be paying max a year ~€1000 (£900 approx.). I know you realistically wouldn't have to pay it ALL off, but I'm not sure how the debt system would work if I'm working/residing abroad and if (iirc) + 9% tax a year is fine with me. I haven't got a job yet so I'm not sure whether it'd significantly impact anything. If I did go UK uni, there's a 50/50 chance I'd be staying home since I'm lucky and live in Manchester so I have good commute to Uni of Manchester or maybe even UCLan if I go there.

For UK Unis so far I'm thinking towards, mainly looking at their Mech Eng or Mechatronics Eng:
Uni of Manchester
Uni of Glasgow
UCL
Durham
St. Andrews
+ 2 more for safer grade requirements just incase I get lower (Haven't picked yet would appreciate suggestions)

Thank you.

Reply 1

m3t4noi4

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