Uni cut my course? HELP?

Hello!

I applied for history and Chinese at Sheffield and loved the idea of it as my insurance but they've gone and cut my course and I have no idea what to do lol. (I'm really stressed)

My options are as it stands:

1. Transfer to a different course

I don't know if they'd accept me on any other modern languages joints as I don't have a language GCSE due to extenuating circumstances. If I go for straight history it'll go above my firm offer. I don't really like the idea of straight Chinese

2. Transfer unis

Not many unis do this joint and I tailored my PS for Chinese and history specifically for this. Those that do are a mixed bag of requiring a language GCSE or not. Nottingham and Liverpool don't need one but I didn't like the idea of either of them much (I'd maybe consider Nottingham AT A PUSH) Would begging a uni that requires a GCSE to let me in work if I explained the situation?? Or I look into SOAS but idk much about it and London is scarily expensive as someone pretty broke. Similarly I could look into other unis but I haven't visited them and it'd be a little bit of a wild card

3. Cry about it and get rid of the Chinese

Go for my York offer instead which is slightly higher (ABB but requires the A in history) and give up on Chinese which I was really excited about (who knows what I'd do with the Sheffield offer at this point)

Please help. The deadline is next week and I'm devastated with such short notice. Durham is my firm (AAB) so offers can't go above that

Reply 1

McGinger

Remember that most Unis run extra-curricular language courses - could you still do Chinese but not as part of a degree?
Languages for All - Language and Linguistic Science, University of York
Undergraduate students | LfA | The University of Sheffield

Reply 2

random_matt

Edinburgh, Lancaster and Nottingham offer this combo if it helps.

Reply 3

Erinlol<3

Original post

by random_matt

Edinburgh, Lancaster and Nottingham offer this combo if it helps.

Edinburgh and Lancaster both have extra requirements I don't meet. I am considering Nottingham but I had mixed feelings on the open day

Reply 4

Szara_SOAS

Original post

by Erinlol&lt

Hello!
I applied for history and Chinese at Sheffield and loved the idea of it as my insurance but they've gone and cut my course and I have no idea what to do lol. (I'm really stressed)
My options are as it stands:
1. Transfer to a different course
I don't know if they'd accept me on any other modern languages joints as I don't have a language GCSE due to extenuating circumstances. If I go for straight history it'll go above my firm offer. I don't really like the idea of straight Chinese
2. Transfer unis
Not many unis do this joint and I tailored my PS for Chinese and history specifically for this. Those that do are a mixed bag of requiring a language GCSE or not. Nottingham and Liverpool don't need one but I didn't like the idea of either of them much (I'd maybe consider Nottingham AT A PUSH) Would begging a uni that requires a GCSE to let me in work if I explained the situation?? Or I look into SOAS but idk much about it and London is scarily expensive as someone pretty broke. Similarly I could look into other unis but I haven't visited them and it'd be a little bit of a wild card
3. Cry about it and get rid of the Chinese
Go for my York offer instead which is slightly higher (ABB but requires the A in history) and give up on Chinese which I was really excited about (who knows what I'd do with the Sheffield offer at this point)
Please help. The deadline is next week and I'm devastated with such short notice. Durham is my firm (AAB) so offers can't go above that

Hi Erin,

I’m so sorry to hear about your situation, it’s completely understandable why you’re feeling stressed, especially with such short notice. I’m currently studying at SOAS so I can share some insights on the university and my experience here.

SOAS is a fantastic place for Chinese studies, as the university specialises in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The courses are taught from non-Eurocentric perspectives, which I’ve found really refreshing. SOAS also has the largest concentration of Chinese specialists outside of China, and the quality of teaching is very high, with students often winning top prizes at the prestigious Chinese Bridge competition. You can read about one student’s experience here: “Blessing and Good Fortune: My Experience Learning Chinese at SOAS”.

Beyond timetabled classes, there are a lot of opportunities to explore Chinese culture and politics on campus. For example, there’s the SOAS Chinese Institute, which hosts lectures and seminars, as well as societies like the Chinese Percussion Ensemble or Mahjong Society. Current events taking place on campus include free weekly Chinese calligraphy classes and an upcoming Lunar New Year Gala with music, dance, and performances celebrating the Year of the Snake.

If you can avoid it, I’d recommend not dropping Chinese. I study International relations and Arabic and studying a language has been one of the most rewarding parts of my degree—it’s a lifelong skill that opens up a lot of opportunities. Doing a joint degree has also kept my course varied and interesting, which I’ve really enjoyed.

I know London’s cost of living can feel daunting, but there's lots of different things students can do to cope. Budgeting isn’t fun, but it’s doable, and the city offers so much in return—it’s been ranked the best student city in the world for six years running (QS Ranking). You can find tips for managing money as a student here: “Cost of Living: My Advice for Saving Money as a Student in London”.

I hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
-Szara

Reply 5