best university for law

i've received all of my offers. wanting to study straight law degree. my 4 offers are from uni of sheffield, uni of york, uni of exeter (and lancaster uni - but that was safety safety).
exeter gave me an unconditional, york want AAB and sheffield want AAA.
from these 3, what are considered the best for law, and why?
and also, what are some other factors to take into account when deciding?
thanks

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

McGinger

Have you been to any of their Open Days - or are you planning to go to any Offer Holder Days?
You dont have to make this decision until next JUNE and you gain nothing from making an early decision.
Plenty of time to visit / think, and make a calm sensible decision about the University where you will feel happiest.

Reply 2

UniofLaw Student

Official Rep

Original post by user328947912

Hi,

Congratulations on your offers! All three universities are strong choices for law, so the best option depends on your preferences and goals. Sheffield is known for its focus on social justice and clinical legal education, York stands out for its problem-based learning and collegiate community, while Exeter has a growing reputation, excellent career opportunities, and the added benefit of an unconditional offer. Consider teaching styles, work experience opportunities like pro bono programs, living costs (York and Sheffield are generally more affordable than Exeter), and where you’d feel happiest. Ultimately, all three can set you up for success, so choose the environment and course structure that align with your ambitions.

Good luck!

Reply 3

Squiggles1238

The most honest answer I can give you is ignore how the universities ‘rank’ for law. This was how I essentially chose where to study and I ended up regretting it. Rankings really don’t mean much. Focus on things such as:

What is the area like?
City or campus uni- which do you prefer?
Whats their connections to law firms and such like?
What optional papers do they offer?
Do they offer any financial bursaries or awards that you may be eligible for?

I fully agree with @McGinger, choose where you think you will be the happiest, ignore what others say

Reply 4

amostanhy

Original post by Squiggles1238

The most honest answer I can give you is ignore how the universities ‘rank’ for law. This was how I essentially chose where to study and I ended up regretting it. Rankings really don’t mean much. Focus on things such as:
What is the area like?
City or campus uni- which do you prefer?
Whats their connections to law firms and such like?
What optional papers do they offer?
Do they offer any financial bursaries or awards that you may be eligible for?
I fully agree with @McGinger, choose where you think you will be the happiest, ignore what others say

Which unis did you choose based on rank?

Reply 5

Squiggles1238

Original post by amostanhy

Which unis did you choose based on rank?

I applied to Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham and Cambridge.

Durham and Cambridge is where I messed up. I chose them both purely for ranking. It wasn’t until I visited Durham that I realised it just wasn’t for me in the slightest. I chose to study at Cambridge without even knowing anything about it, I just knew it was amazing for law and so I chose to go there. Now I can barely afford to study here and I have had many issues. Overall it is still good and sometimes I am so glad I chose to come here, but other times I do wonder what it would have been like if I’d have gone to Bristol as planned

Reply 6

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post by user328947912

Hi user328941912,

Congratulations on your offers!

I currently study law here at Exeter, and I've found it to be really enjoyable for several reasons. In terms of the course itself, the modules are really well-taught and there is a lot of support, both from staff and the Students' Guild. You can very easily book office hours with your lecturers and seminar tutors, who are super friendly and more than willing to help. There is a real sentiment of wanting you to do well here.

There is also a lot of career support from the university, who hosts law career fairs throughout the year, which are attended by a multitude of firms, including magic circle firms! There are also plenty of other chances to meet representatives through these firms, with our Law Society hosting an Annual Careers Dinner, where you can network, but also have a nice time in the process. They also get in guests to give talks on how to make a stronger application for legal careers to really propel you.

I would recommend taking a look at the modules that we offer, too, as this can be a factor in choosing where to study. You can have a look at these here, though do note that these are subject to change each year: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/studyinformation/modules/?prog=law

The campus here is also incredibly lovely, and I find it to be a perfect mix of green and urban. It's also situated in quite a small city, which is very walkable, with just the right amount of hustle and bustle. It's a really safe city, too, which really helps it to feel like a home away from home. Even if you fancy days out, or weekends away, Cornwall is just around the corner, and there is also plenty to do in Devon.

Ultimately, I would push you to come to an Offer Holder Day, which are held from February-April. If you have the time, I would also say have a little explore around the city, or Devon, and see how you feel! You will receive information about Offer Holder Days via email, so keep an eye out!

Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador

Reply 7

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by user328947912

First of all, congrats on all your offers!

In terms of which is the best for law, it would be good to look at the modules offered and see how they interest you and the career opportunities they have like offering advice and careers fairs. At Sheffield, we have a career service team who are able to give advice on your CV and cover letters and provide mock interviews to help you get the best experience at assessment centres and feel more confident. There are also careers events run throughout the year with networking opportunities. Here is a link to the programme regulations to find out more information about the modules:
Programme Regulations Finder.

Other important factors would be the city and cost of living. Sheffield has a lower cost of living than the national average so you will be able to get a lot more out of your money here. It is also incredibly student friendly as there are 2 universities based in Sheffield so it catered towards them. We have the Peak District on our doorstep accessible by bus. There is a good mix of city and countryside here so you can choose what suits you best.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions, just let me know :smile:

Jivanthika

Reply 8

Stiffy Byng

Original post by Squiggles1238

I applied to Durham, Bristol, Exeter, Birmingham and Cambridge.
Durham and Cambridge is where I messed up. I chose them both purely for ranking. It wasn’t until I visited Durham that I realised it just wasn’t for me in the slightest. I chose to study at Cambridge without even knowing anything about it, I just knew it was amazing for law and so I chose to go there. Now I can barely afford to study here and I have had many issues. Overall it is still good and sometimes I am so glad I chose to come here, but other times I do wonder what it would have been like if I’d have gone to Bristol as planned

Cambridge is probably cheaper than Bristol, especially if you live in your college at Cambridge. The only direction of travel is forwards, so engaging in what ifs is pointless.

Reply 9

Squiggles1238

Original post by Stiffy Byng

Cambridge is probably cheaper than Bristol, especially if you live in your college at Cambridge. The only direction of travel is forwards, so engaging in what ifs is pointless.

I don’t tend to dwell by any means, but Cambridge definitely has its flaws that no one really talks about. And Cambridge doesn’t allow me to work alongside my degree so I’m constantly in a financial struggle with no support available to me. At least at Bristol I’d have been able to work, would have got a discount on my accom etc