Which university should I choose? - Computer Science Lancaster vs Edinburgh

Hey guys, I'm applying to Computer Science and I'm stuck between choosing The University of Edinburgh or Lancaster as my firm. Both universities are ABB offered. I applied to the University of Edinburgh as a very last minute choice, Lancaster has always been my firm and I've always loved Lancaster. However, having the same offer from Edinburgh is making me reconsider. Edinburgh seems much more renowned and a better university to study Computer Science at. There's also the benefits of living in Scotland and the city seems more vibrant than Lancaster whilst still being safe. It also has plenty of hiking spots nearby. However, Edinburgh is really far away from home, but I'm not sure how much difference it makes compared to Lancaster. I live in Birmingham, so Lancaster is around 3 hours away, and Edinburgh is around 6. Distance from home is the main issue from me, and the fact that I've been set on Lancaster for around a year, and it feels like a sudden swap. What should I do, how do I decide?

Hey guys, I'm applying to Computer Science and I'm stuck between choosing The University of Edinburgh or Lancaster as my firm. Both universities are ABB offered. I applied to the University of Edinburgh as a very last minute choice, Lancaster has always been my firm and I've always loved Lancaster. However, having the same offer from Edinburgh is making me reconsider. Edinburgh seems much more renowned and a better university to study Computer Science at. There's also the benefits of living in Scotland and the city seems more vibrant than Lancaster whilst still being safe. It also has plenty of hiking spots nearby. However, Edinburgh is really far away from home, but I'm not sure how much difference it makes compared to Lancaster. I live in Birmingham, so Lancaster is around 3 hours away, and Edinburgh is around 6. Distance from home is the main issue from me, and the fact that I've been set on Lancaster for around a year, and it feels like a sudden swap. What should I do, how do I decide?

Hey guys, I'm applying to Computer Science and I'm stuck between choosing The University of Edinburgh or Lancaster as my firm. Both universities are ABB offered. I applied to the University of Edinburgh as a very last minute choice, Lancaster has always been my firm and I've always loved Lancaster. However, having the same offer from Edinburgh is making me reconsider. Edinburgh seems much more renowned and a better university to study Computer Science at. There's also the benefits of living in Scotland and the city seems more vibrant than Lancaster whilst still being safe. It also has plenty of hiking spots nearby. However, Edinburgh is really far away from home, but I'm not sure how much difference it makes compared to Lancaster. I live in Birmingham, so Lancaster is around 3 hours away, and Edinburgh is around 6. Distance from home is the main issue from me, and the fact that I've been set on Lancaster for around a year, and it feels like a sudden swap. What should I do, how do I decide?

Hi I would definitely try both journeys. We travel through Birmingham to Edinburgh regularly. The fast trains take 4 hours. To Lancaster it's around 2-3 hours. Really not too different. You have done so well to get offers from both. Congrats!

Did u get contextual for Edinburgh? What grades did u apply with??

At the level of Lancaster vs. Edinburgh, employers are not going to obsess about 'which Uni'.
You need to think instead about course-content, work-placement or study abroad opportunities, and if you will feel happier at a smaller, cosier Uni and smaller city or if you want the big-city, big-Uni experience. If you have not been to Edinburgh you definitely need to go to the Offer Holder day, and look critically at whats on offer there.

Hi, which train are you taking to get from here to Edinburgh in 4 hours? All the trains from New Street take 5-6 hours when I’m checking 😨

Hey guys, I'm applying to Computer Science and I'm stuck between choosing The University of Edinburgh or Lancaster as my firm. Both universities are ABB offered. I applied to the University of Edinburgh as a very last minute choice, Lancaster has always been my firm and I've always loved Lancaster. However, having the same offer from Edinburgh is making me reconsider. Edinburgh seems much more renowned and a better university to study Computer Science at. There's also the benefits of living in Scotland and the city seems more vibrant than Lancaster whilst still being safe. It also has plenty of hiking spots nearby. However, Edinburgh is really far away from home, but I'm not sure how much difference it makes compared to Lancaster. I live in Birmingham, so Lancaster is around 3 hours away, and Edinburgh is around 6. Distance from home is the main issue from me, and the fact that I've been set on Lancaster for around a year, and it feels like a sudden swap. What should I do, how do I decide?

Avanti West Coast direct train. Goes via Crewe and Warrington Bank Quay. No changes. We get that train regularly. I just checked now because I thought I had got it wrong but there is a train 12.07pm today leaving New Street, takes 4 hrs 11 mins to Waverley. Quite a regular service

Hello @ashleyyyy,
It's great to hear that you are considering Lancaster as one of your options. Choosing a university is never an easy choice, but I would recommend using factors such as employability, career opportunities, placements, the academic support, the wellbeing support and then also the more fun side of uni as well to help make a decision. If you're interested in having a city with a big nightlife for example maybe use this as a motivator for your university choice or if you want to join a specific society that only one of the universities has, this may help sway your decision too.
When I was choosing between my two main universities (Lancaster and York) I tried to imagine myself actually living in the cities and if I couldn't imagine myself living in York, then I think that's what fuelled my decision somewhat. I would really encourage you to make use of both University's websites and other information they may have to help you in picturing if this is where you want to be.
I would really recommend speaking to our current Computer Science students at Lancaster and ask them what made them choose Lancaster for their course, you can speak to them HERE.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to let us know!
Taylor (Lancaster Uni Student Ambassador).