Encouraging Warwick if student isnt work a hard-play hard type?

I saw an interesting debate on TSR a while back where someone was asking whether Uni of Manchester or Manchester Met was the best choice for them.

One of the themes in the thread was about uni ethos and how that needed to fit the prospective student's needs . .

Some unis (maybe the more 'elite' ones) expect the student to be responsible for themselves and the uni will leave the student to get on with things. No spoon feeding with lots of emphasis on self guided study, self reliance etc

Whereas some other unis ('middle' rank ones maybe) tend to be a bit more "paternal / maternal", by that why I mean is the uni is more proactive in encouraging the student, supporting the student, spelling out what is required etc

So, to my question . . I am helping someone apply to uni this year. They are smart (but don't work that hard for their grades) are easily distracted and not well organised - They like Warwick uni, it has a great course and has made a nice offer

BUT - I am concerned the work hard - play hard ethos of Warwick might not be an ideal fit. Maybe Warwick will stretch them, help them mature and get organised. Maybe it will be too much, even reduce their self esteem and prospects

I can't be the first parent with this quandary, wondering what others have done

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

apologies typo in Title (rushing) - should say "work hard - play hard" . .

Reply 2

Manchester Metropolitan University

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I saw an interesting debate on TSR a while back where someone was asking whether Uni of Manchester or Manchester Met was the best choice for them.
One of the themes in the thread was about uni ethos and how that needed to fit the prospective student's needs . .
Some unis (maybe the more 'elite' ones) expect the student to be responsible for themselves and the uni will leave the student to get on with things. No spoon feeding with lots of emphasis on self guided study, self reliance etc
Whereas some other unis ('middle' rank ones maybe) tend to be a bit more "paternal / maternal", by that why I mean is the uni is more proactive in encouraging the student, supporting the student, spelling out what is required etc
So, to my question . . I am helping someone apply to uni this year. They are smart (but don't work that hard for their grades) are easily distracted and not well organised - They like Warwick uni, it has a great course and has made a nice offer
BUT - I am concerned the work hard - play hard ethos of Warwick might not be an ideal fit. Maybe Warwick will stretch them, help them mature and get organised. Maybe it will be too much, even reduce their self esteem and prospects
I can't be the first parent with this quandary, wondering what others have done

This is a really interesting post and I would love to hear what parents/teachers/other students think about this!

Reply 3

Parent2023

Hi, my son has applied to Warwick as one of his options (he really does want Warwick though if i read him correctly). University IS without a shadow of a doubt more than just the course and getting the course to be the 'right one' is tough enough. My eldest would not have suited any of the options (bar one) that my Son has applied to for Maths. She really wanted a city university initially (not campus) and wanted somewhere she could study/and party hard. I'm discovering the latter to be the case with some interest 😬 My son on the other hand, he would really just like somewhere that he can study Maths, do some running and enjoy an odd night out lol. In that priority order too 🙂 I'm actually even intrigued by the idea that Warwick has a 'play hard' reputation as every time he mentioned Warwick to someone whose child went there they said 'not really a going out place though'.

To me, Warwick is appealing for my Son as I know he wants to dip in to some of this lifestyle as he doesn't really experience that now (and i'd like that for him too)... but not feel under pressure to be constantly out and about either and not look daft for not being out the whole time.

It's always about striking the right balance for your very individual child in so far as you can. I had a good impression at Warwick on our visit, felt this could be accomplished there. I'll be disappointed for him if he doesn't get an offer as it ticks so many boxes. I do think it could be just the right combination of a good University with some decent social opportunities without feeling under pressure to be something you're not.

I hope that makes sense and helps in some way?
x

Reply 4

TopBun

I am interested in this, my youngest is very capable but still young, is easily distracted and she struggles with motivation until a deadline looms. Warwick is definitely one of her two preferred choices, though whether as Firm or Insurance is partly dependent on Applicant Days in March

My worry is, her being treated like an adult to self manage her work might mean she steps up to things and does well. Or it might mean she struggles, disengages, becomes very stressed and doesn't do so well.

Its (possibly) slightly different but I know a mum who really encouraged her eldest to go to Oxford. Bright as a button they got great grades and got in, but they didn't really enjoy the experience, it was too intense for them

FWIW I see Warwick as more of a work hard uni that is in a bit of a bubble, rather than work hard play hard. There isn't really much partying to be nearby but there are plenty of active, engaging clubs and societies on campus