The Student Room Group

Is it silly to transfer from University of Edinburgh to Cardiff University?

Hey so I'm about to start my 2nd term 1st year in UniofEdi and I'm feeling quite down about returning to a city so far away (I'm from Wales.)
I've made really good friends, I love my flat and nothing is going wrong perse but I can't shake this feeling that I should've gone to Cardiff - it's only 40 minutes away, love the city, close enough to home etc.
Though I am aware maybe Edinburgh is more prestigious and well known as an institution, so would I be shooting myself in the foot career-wise if I made this transfer? Is it really going to affect my prospects?
Original post
by Anonymous
Hey so I'm about to start my 2nd term 1st year in UniofEdi and I'm feeling quite down about returning to a city so far away (I'm from Wales.)
I've made really good friends, I love my flat and nothing is going wrong perse but I can't shake this feeling that I should've gone to Cardiff - it's only 40 minutes away, love the city, close enough to home etc.
Though I am aware maybe Edinburgh is more prestigious and well known as an institution, so would I be shooting myself in the foot career-wise if I made this transfer? Is it really going to affect my prospects?

I was an overseas student in UK years ago and I understand your feelings.

It would be difficult to keep on if you could not get out from the feeling "I should've gone to Cardiff". Anyway Cardiff Uni is a RG uni though some might argue Edin Uni is more prestigous, but on the basis that you could go on and finish the course.

Have you thought of anything after graduation? Are you going to stay in Cardiff? What if your career requires going elsewhere, even away from UK? It may be the best time for you to starting expanding your life circle, with supports from your good friends. Anyway you are still in the UK and Cardiff is within same day travel. Of course if it is too difficult, Cardiff Uni would be the only remaining option.
Original post
by Anonymous
Hey so I'm about to start my 2nd term 1st year in UniofEdi and I'm feeling quite down about returning to a city so far away (I'm from Wales.)
I've made really good friends, I love my flat and nothing is going wrong perse but I can't shake this feeling that I should've gone to Cardiff - it's only 40 minutes away, love the city, close enough to home etc.
Though I am aware maybe Edinburgh is more prestigious and well known as an institution, so would I be shooting myself in the foot career-wise if I made this transfer? Is it really going to affect my prospects?


Talk to your Edinburgh tutor asap and get a UCAS application in to transfer to Cardiff before the January deadline.
Applying doesn’t commit you to transferring but applying before the deadline maximises your options so you can make a decision in the summer.

Reply 3

Original post
by Anonymous
Hey so I'm about to start my 2nd term 1st year in UniofEdi and I'm feeling quite down about returning to a city so far away (I'm from Wales.)
I've made really good friends, I love my flat and nothing is going wrong perse but I can't shake this feeling that I should've gone to Cardiff - it's only 40 minutes away, love the city, close enough to home etc.
Though I am aware maybe Edinburgh is more prestigious and well known as an institution, so would I be shooting myself in the foot career-wise if I made this transfer? Is it really going to affect my prospects?

Hi there,

As @PQ said, consider making the application before the deadline. Having options will be helpful, whatever you choose to do.

Definitely talk to your personal tutor and the careers team at your university. They will be able to support and advise you. They can also help you to understand a little more about how it will impact your career and prospects, if at all, and can help you with whatever path you choose to take.

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 4

Original post
by Anonymous
Hey so I'm about to start my 2nd term 1st year in UniofEdi and I'm feeling quite down about returning to a city so far away (I'm from Wales.)
I've made really good friends, I love my flat and nothing is going wrong perse but I can't shake this feeling that I should've gone to Cardiff - it's only 40 minutes away, love the city, close enough to home etc.
Though I am aware maybe Edinburgh is more prestigious and well known as an institution, so would I be shooting myself in the foot career-wise if I made this transfer? Is it really going to affect my prospects?

What is the subject of the degree, and what do you want to do afterwards? In most cases employers will not distinguish between Edinburgh and Cardiff. Though l personally wouldn't make the change unless it was absolutely necessary. Edinburgh gave you a place that was in high demand, and so you should be grateful for what they did. It is a great university.
Original post
by Anonymous
Hey so I'm about to start my 2nd term 1st year in UniofEdi and I'm feeling quite down about returning to a city so far away (I'm from Wales.)
I've made really good friends, I love my flat and nothing is going wrong perse but I can't shake this feeling that I should've gone to Cardiff - it's only 40 minutes away, love the city, close enough to home etc.
Though I am aware maybe Edinburgh is more prestigious and well known as an institution, so would I be shooting myself in the foot career-wise if I made this transfer? Is it really going to affect my prospects?

Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear you're not feeling great about your uni, I know its hard to be far away from family. Definitely talk to your personal tutor in Edinburgh.
I'm a student here at Cardiff, and if you have any questions please feel free to ask me anything.

Grace - Cardiff Uni Student Rep

Reply 6

Original post
by cksiu
I was an overseas student in UK years ago and I understand your feelings.
It would be difficult to keep on if you could not get out from the feeling "I should've gone to Cardiff". Anyway Cardiff Uni is a RG uni though some might argue Edin Uni is more prestigous, but on the basis that you could go on and finish the course.
Have you thought of anything after graduation? Are you going to stay in Cardiff? What if your career requires going elsewhere, even away from UK? It may be the best time for you to starting expanding your life circle, with supports from your good friends. Anyway you are still in the UK and Cardiff is within same day travel. Of course if it is too difficult, Cardiff Uni would be the only remaining option.

I'm studying German and History, which is ironic I know - a course that has a compulsory year abroad and career-wise could take me out of the UK.
Beyond graduation I don't have any clear idea of a career. I've considered civil service/ a general direction in politics which is of course useful in Cardiff, being the capital with devolved government etc. I should probably mention I'm a Welsh Speaker too which gives me more sense of direction in Wales (rather than being at the centre of Scottish politics) as this line of work is in high demand for such.
I agree though, studying in Edinburgh has definitely expanded my life circle as I feel the city is a lot more international.
I will be returning to finish the 2nd semester as it's not unbearable but I've definitely considered the January deadlines as others have mentioned, just incase my doubts continue.
Thank you for your reply!

Reply 7

Original post
by PQ
Talk to your Edinburgh tutor asap and get a UCAS application in to transfer to Cardiff before the January deadline.
Applying doesn’t commit you to transferring but applying before the deadline maximises your options so you can make a decision in the summer.

I'll definitely consider this! Thanks for reminding me about the deadlines.

Reply 8

Original post
by Chester Student
Hi there,
As @PQ said, consider making the application before the deadline. Having options will be helpful, whatever you choose to do.
Definitely talk to your personal tutor and the careers team at your university. They will be able to support and advise you. They can also help you to understand a little more about how it will impact your career and prospects, if at all, and can help you with whatever path you choose to take.
I hope this helps,
Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Many thanks for the deadline reminder! I'll talk to my tutor.

Reply 9

Original post
by Anonymous
What is the subject of the degree, and what do you want to do afterwards? In most cases employers will not distinguish between Edinburgh and Cardiff. Though l personally wouldn't make the change unless it was absolutely necessary. Edinburgh gave you a place that was in high demand, and so you should be grateful for what they did. It is a great university.

My degree is German and History. Yes I'm very grateful for my position at Edinburgh, I know it's the dream for many.
I believe that was my main concern, I had no idea how Cardiff ranked against Edinburgh.
I'm committed to finishing the year anyway, and have considered the deadlines others have mentioned.

Reply 10

Original post
by CardiffUni Rep 4
Hi there,
I'm so sorry to hear you're not feeling great about your uni, I know its hard to be far away from family. Definitely talk to your personal tutor in Edinburgh.
I'm a student here at Cardiff, and if you have any questions please feel free to ask me anything.
Grace - Cardiff Uni Student Rep

Thank you for your reply 😀

Reply 11

Original post
by Anonymous
My degree is German and History. Yes I'm very grateful for my position at Edinburgh, I know it's the dream for many.
I believe that was my main concern, I had no idea how Cardiff ranked against Edinburgh.
I'm committed to finishing the year anyway, and have considered the deadlines others have mentioned.

I would stay at Edinburgh. If you leave the uni, it will stay with you forever. Cardiff is one of the weakest universities in the Russell Group.
not sure rankings are nearly as relevant as how the individual student will thrive and succeed at any given university
( a cursory glance at CUG for German has the two institutions a mere 4 placings apart, in any event)

Reply 13

Original post
by MedMama
not sure rankings are nearly as relevant as how the individual student will thrive and succeed at any given university
( a cursory glance at CUG for German has the two institutions a mere 4 placings apart, in any event)

And we all know how good those rankings are . . .
Original post
by Anonymous
Thank you for your reply 😀

Good luck with everything.

Grace - Cardiff Uni Student Rep

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