Uni decisions

Hi,
I’m really struggling to decide between two of my university choices.
Uni A is really highly ranked for my subject and overall in the league tables, with a good reputation academically, and is considered very prestigious. It’s however less safe according to crime rate, and seems that there is less to do as a student aside from academics.
Uni B is also really good, but ranked lower with regards to both my subject and league tables standings, but again has a good reputation. It seems cleaner, safer, and has more potential for freedom away from academics.

I’m really torn, because I have offers from both, and want to be at the best possible place I can achieve, but I’m worried that I’ll struggle to have any freedom away from the uni (Uni A)
Any advice?

Reply 1

ageshallnot

Original post

by mollie.wdy

Hi,
I’m really struggling to decide between two of my university choices.
Uni A is really highly ranked for my subject and overall in the league tables, with a good reputation academically, and is considered very prestigious. It’s however less safe according to crime rate, and seems that there is less to do as a student aside from academics.
Uni B is also really good, but ranked lower with regards to both my subject and league tables standings, but again has a good reputation. It seems cleaner, safer, and has more potential for freedom away from academics.
I’m really torn, because I have offers from both, and want to be at the best possible place I can achieve, but I’m worried that I’ll struggle to have any freedom away from the uni (Uni A)
Any advice?

Not much point in not naming the universities in question.

Reply 2

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by mollie.wdy

Have you applied and had offers from both these universities or are you trying to decide on which to include as your final choice on UCAS?

Reply 3

UoL Students

Official Rep

Original post

by mollie.wdy

Hi,
I’m really struggling to decide between two of my university choices.
Uni A is really highly ranked for my subject and overall in the league tables, with a good reputation academically, and is considered very prestigious. It’s however less safe according to crime rate, and seems that there is less to do as a student aside from academics.
Uni B is also really good, but ranked lower with regards to both my subject and league tables standings, but again has a good reputation. It seems cleaner, safer, and has more potential for freedom away from academics.
I’m really torn, because I have offers from both, and want to be at the best possible place I can achieve, but I’m worried that I’ll struggle to have any freedom away from the uni (Uni A)
Any advice?

Hello,

I remember being in a similar situation. My advice is to follow your gut instinct as that's what I did and it was the right thing to do.

If you have any further questions please do let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

Reply 4

Walkablecities

How big is the difference in the league tables? There is really no need to bust your brains over whether a university is top 10 or top 20 especially when they could easily have gone up or down in 5 years' time anyway, and what the league tables measure is far too multidimensional to sum up in one number what university is better than another. Vibes are so important but easy to overlook or to cast off as silly, but if one just feels right and another doesn't there's probably a reason, even if you can't explain why. Visit both if you haven't already and choose the one you really feel you will have the best experience at, both in terms of teaching and academic support and in general life outside your course

Reply 5

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post

by mollie.wdy

Hi,
I’m really struggling to decide between two of my university choices.
Uni A is really highly ranked for my subject and overall in the league tables, with a good reputation academically, and is considered very prestigious. It’s however less safe according to crime rate, and seems that there is less to do as a student aside from academics.
Uni B is also really good, but ranked lower with regards to both my subject and league tables standings, but again has a good reputation. It seems cleaner, safer, and has more potential for freedom away from academics.
I’m really torn, because I have offers from both, and want to be at the best possible place I can achieve, but I’m worried that I’ll struggle to have any freedom away from the uni (Uni A)
Any advice?

Hi there @mollie.wdy ,

Deciding between two universities can feel overwhelming but I would suggest breaking the options down into priorities and long-term goals. For university A, if the academic prestige and subject ranking align with your goals, this may be worth prioritising. However, if your after a better work-life balance with more options to do outside of study, then university B may be a better choice!

I would advise making a pro's and con's list for both universities. Speaking to current students or past students from both uni's may also be worth doing to get a firsthand insight to what student life is truly like. Another great option is attending university open days (either in-person or virtually) so that you can get a feel for the university and surrounding area. Sometimes you will 'just know' which one is for you after visiting! This was certainly the case for me 🙂

Ultimately, there is no 'wrong' choice. Both universities sound like great options and Im sure you will end up where is right for you!

Best of luck with your decision,
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development

Reply 6

Picnicl

That sounds unusual because normally places with more to do outside of academics would have the higher crime rate. I'm thinking B is somewhere like Newcastle (which is quite a safe city in general I'd say).

My general rule is to pick somewhere where the campus/university/city, feels like 'your place' itself, even if your accommodation is further away from it. Crime rates wouldn't have any bearing on my decision. Crime can happen anywhere and can be relatively avoided by the law abiding most of the time. The personality of a place and its students would be more important to my enjoyment of being there.