Best universities for Geography

Hi, I'm a student from a rural area with predicted grades of AAB in classical civilisations, politics, and geography from a relatively high ranking college.

I've recently submitted my application, applying for human geography at Reading, Southampton, King's College London, Bristol, and UCL. I have offers from Reading (BCC) Southampton (ABB) KCL (BBB) and Bristol (AAA). I'm still waiting on UCL, however I would tentatively expect an offer, as I think I have good teacher reports and an 'exceptionally strong' personal statement, according to a random bloke from the UEA. I don't really know where to go from here! I really like the look of soton, but I've just been reading really good things about each of the other four, and now I'm massively conflicted. Alongside this, my parents are well off enough that I'm in a lower loan bracket, but in reality, they can't afford to send me much money as my two younger brothers are homeschooled, which is more expensive than you'd think. As a result, I might struggle to afford KCL, UCL, and Bristol - especially when you factor in that KCL requires a firm to be considered for accomodation, otherwise I might have gone for Soton>KCL as my firm/insurance.

Thanks for any help :smile:

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Reply 1

McGinger

Original post

by AxelTC

Hi, I'm a student from a rural area with predicted grades of AAB in classical civilisations, politics, and geography from a relatively high ranking college.
I've recently submitted my application, applying for human geography at Reading, Southampton, King's College London, Bristol, and UCL. I have offers from Reading (BCC) Southampton (ABB) KCL (BBB) and Bristol (AAA). I'm still waiting on UCL, however I would tentatively expect an offer, as I think I have good teacher reports and an 'exceptionally strong' personal statement, according to a random bloke from the UEA. I don't really know where to go from here! I really like the look of soton, but I've just been reading really good things about each of the other four, and now I'm massively conflicted. Alongside this, my parents are well off enough that I'm in a lower loan bracket, but in reality, they can't afford to send me much money as my two younger brothers are homeschooled, which is more expensive than you'd think. As a result, I might struggle to afford KCL, UCL, and Bristol - especially when you factor in that KCL requires a firm to be considered for accomodation, otherwise I might have gone for Soton>KCL as my firm/insurance.
Thanks for any help :smile:

)

You have until next JUNE to make any decisions about Firm and Insurance.

Go to any 'Offer Holder Days' etc on offer, listen to subject presentations, look around and ask questions.
Think about what sort of Geog degree you want to do. Does the course include a work placement of study abroad, these both add heaps to your graduate CV. What will it cost you to live in each place - London and Bristol are both mega-expensive. But most of all, don't make a panic decision - wait until at least Easter.

Reply 2

AxelTC

Original post

by McGinger

You have until next JUNE to make any decisions about Firm and Insurance.
Go to any 'Offer Holder Days' etc on offer, listen to subject presentations, look around and ask questions.
Think about what sort of Geog degree you want to do. Does the course include a work placement of study abroad, these both add heaps to your graduate CV. What will it cost you to live in each place - London and Bristol are both mega-expensive. But most of all, don't make a panic decision - wait until at least Easter.

Thanks, I will. I really appreciate the answer.

Reply 3

UEA Rep Daniel

Official Rep

Original post

by AxelTC

Hi, I'm a student from a rural area with predicted grades of AAB in classical civilisations, politics, and geography from a relatively high ranking college.
I've recently submitted my application, applying for human geography at Reading, Southampton, King's College London, Bristol, and UCL. I have offers from Reading (BCC) Southampton (ABB) KCL (BBB) and Bristol (AAA). I'm still waiting on UCL, however I would tentatively expect an offer, as I think I have good teacher reports and an 'exceptionally strong' personal statement, according to a random bloke from the UEA. I don't really know where to go from here! I really like the look of soton, but I've just been reading really good things about each of the other four, and now I'm massively conflicted. Alongside this, my parents are well off enough that I'm in a lower loan bracket, but in reality, they can't afford to send me much money as my two younger brothers are homeschooled, which is more expensive than you'd think. As a result, I might struggle to afford KCL, UCL, and Bristol - especially when you factor in that KCL requires a firm to be considered for accomodation, otherwise I might have gone for Soton>KCL as my firm/insurance.
Thanks for any help :smile:

)

Hi there,

Congratulations on your offers – they’re well deserved! Since you’ve already had a chance to speak with someone from UEA, you’ve likely got a sense of the university’s strengths. Studying Human Geography at UEA offers a unique experience, with the School of Environmental Sciences being internationally recognised for its teaching and research.

Norwich, where UEA is located, is also a big draw. It’s an incredibly affordable city compared to London or Bristol, which could make a huge difference given your concerns about finances.

UEA also prides itself on its supportive community. From staff to students, everyone is approachable and ready to help. The campus environment is welcoming, and there’s always someone to guide you, whether it’s for academics or just adjusting to university life. If you’d like to chat more about the experience at UEA or what it’s like living in Norwich, feel free to ask!

Best,
Daniel

Reply 4

maxo123

Original post

by AxelTC

Hi, I'm a student from a rural area with predicted grades of AAB in classical civilisations, politics, and geography from a relatively high ranking college.
I've recently submitted my application, applying for human geography at Reading, Southampton, King's College London, Bristol, and UCL. I have offers from Reading (BCC) Southampton (ABB) KCL (BBB) and Bristol (AAA). I'm still waiting on UCL, however I would tentatively expect an offer, as I think I have good teacher reports and an 'exceptionally strong' personal statement, according to a random bloke from the UEA. I don't really know where to go from here! I really like the look of soton, but I've just been reading really good things about each of the other four, and now I'm massively conflicted. Alongside this, my parents are well off enough that I'm in a lower loan bracket, but in reality, they can't afford to send me much money as my two younger brothers are homeschooled, which is more expensive than you'd think. As a result, I might struggle to afford KCL, UCL, and Bristol - especially when you factor in that KCL requires a firm to be considered for accomodation, otherwise I might have gone for Soton>KCL as my firm/insurance.
Thanks for any help :smile:

)

are you contextual ?

Reply 5

AxelTC

Original post

by UEA Rep Daniel

Hi there,
Congratulations on your offers – they’re well deserved! Since you’ve already had a chance to speak with someone from UEA, you’ve likely got a sense of the university’s strengths. Studying Human Geography at UEA offers a unique experience, with the School of Environmental Sciences being internationally recognised for its teaching and research.
Norwich, where UEA is located, is also a big draw. It’s an incredibly affordable city compared to London or Bristol, which could make a huge difference given your concerns about finances.
UEA also prides itself on its supportive community. From staff to students, everyone is approachable and ready to help. The campus environment is welcoming, and there’s always someone to guide you, whether it’s for academics or just adjusting to university life. If you’d like to chat more about the experience at UEA or what it’s like living in Norwich, feel free to ask!
Best,
Daniel

Haha I did consider it, but I live in Norwich and I'd rather move a little further afield. Thanks, though! :smile:

Reply 6

AxelTC

Original post

by maxo123

are you contextual ?

Well, in theory. Bristol hasn't offered a contextual, and neither has Southampton, but King's and Reading both did.

Reply 7

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

Original post

by AxelTC

Hi, I'm a student from a rural area with predicted grades of AAB in classical civilisations, politics, and geography from a relatively high ranking college.
I've recently submitted my application, applying for human geography at Reading, Southampton, King's College London, Bristol, and UCL. I have offers from Reading (BCC) Southampton (ABB) KCL (BBB) and Bristol (AAA). I'm still waiting on UCL, however I would tentatively expect an offer, as I think I have good teacher reports and an 'exceptionally strong' personal statement, according to a random bloke from the UEA. I don't really know where to go from here! I really like the look of soton, but I've just been reading really good things about each of the other four, and now I'm massively conflicted. Alongside this, my parents are well off enough that I'm in a lower loan bracket, but in reality, they can't afford to send me much money as my two younger brothers are homeschooled, which is more expensive than you'd think. As a result, I might struggle to afford KCL, UCL, and Bristol - especially when you factor in that KCL requires a firm to be considered for accomodation, otherwise I might have gone for Soton>KCL as my firm/insurance.
Thanks for any help :smile:

)

Hiya @AxelTC,

Congratulations on your offers, that’s amazing! I’m a second year student studying Geography BA. Now if you’ve either applied for Geography BA or Human Geography BA these can give you a different experience at Uni, especially within first year. First year for Geography BA allows you to experience physical geography alongside human, whereas Human Geography BA will give you a sole focus on human throughout your three years.
I personally loved the experience of getting a bit of physical geography within first year and then being able to specialise in human within second year, especially through my optional modules. Southampton offer a great set of optional modules, which also allow you to explore other schools - I’m currently taking a module part of the Department of Social Statistics and Demographics and love it!
Southampton’s School of Geography and Environmental Science also has a great support system in place, where you’ll be assigned a PAT (Tutor) who you’ll be able to go to from day one with any course related issues.

For accommodation, Southampton Uni offers a wide range of accommodation. All first year accommodations will come with a free bus pass, which is great since the city has an amazing bus network where all buses run regularly and have great accessible routes, so stressing about where an accommodation is in the city shouldn’t be a worry.
But if these are out of your price range there is a large selection of private accommodations that will give you more reasonable prices. For second year and third year where you might want to go into student houses, you’ll find there is plenty of affordable houses to choose from. I would personally say that when I’ve compared my experience to friends in other universities, Southampton is a lot less stressful in getting second/third year houses.

Southampton’s also a great city where it’s not too big and overwhelming (especially for me who also came from a rural area). There’s a lot of green spaces within Southampton - my favourite being Southampton Common. Southampton also offers great shopping opportunities and a good student nightlife.

If you have any other questions about Southampton, Geography courses or student life don’t be afraid to get in touch!
Lucy