History BA - which uni???
Hi!
I'm predicted A*A*A at A Level (although I'm thinking A*AB is more likely) in History, Geography and Biology respectfully (hot tip: listen to everyone when they tell you there's too much content to easily do all three - they were right).
Anyway, I've received all five offers back from my unis.
Cardiff - ABB
Exeter - BBB
Nottingham - AAB
Sheffield - ABB
York - ABB
I thought I wanted to firm Exeter, but now I'm having second doubts. The location and city are perfect, and because I love social/women's history, the course sounds really nice for me. But I'm worried about the usual stereotypes. I'm from a lower income background in Wales and I don't enjoy partying. I suffer with emetophobia (phobia of vomit) in an extreme way, which makes me nervous to even be around alcohol. I know alcohol-free accommodation is an option, but I want to try and challenge myself to be out of my comfort zone. But as I don't like partying and would much rather a night in with a movie and face masks, I don't want my social life to be hindered, as I've heard Exeter is big on the drinking scene. There's also the stereotypes of private school kids, but that doesn't bother me so much because I don't doubt they're lovely people. I just don't want to be lonely or isolated if I pick Exeter.
But I don't know where else I would pick. I want somewhere academically rigorous (hence the Russell Groups) but also affordable. I'm close to Cardiff so unsure, and Sheffield isn't too much on my radar either. I'm torn between Exeter, Notts and York.
If anybody has any advice on what life is like in these places sober, and history as a degree if possible, that would be amazing! Or even just general advice on how to make my own mind up outside of offer holder days
Thanks!
I'm predicted A*A*A at A Level (although I'm thinking A*AB is more likely) in History, Geography and Biology respectfully (hot tip: listen to everyone when they tell you there's too much content to easily do all three - they were right).
Anyway, I've received all five offers back from my unis.
Cardiff - ABB
Exeter - BBB
Nottingham - AAB
Sheffield - ABB
York - ABB
I thought I wanted to firm Exeter, but now I'm having second doubts. The location and city are perfect, and because I love social/women's history, the course sounds really nice for me. But I'm worried about the usual stereotypes. I'm from a lower income background in Wales and I don't enjoy partying. I suffer with emetophobia (phobia of vomit) in an extreme way, which makes me nervous to even be around alcohol. I know alcohol-free accommodation is an option, but I want to try and challenge myself to be out of my comfort zone. But as I don't like partying and would much rather a night in with a movie and face masks, I don't want my social life to be hindered, as I've heard Exeter is big on the drinking scene. There's also the stereotypes of private school kids, but that doesn't bother me so much because I don't doubt they're lovely people. I just don't want to be lonely or isolated if I pick Exeter.
But I don't know where else I would pick. I want somewhere academically rigorous (hence the Russell Groups) but also affordable. I'm close to Cardiff so unsure, and Sheffield isn't too much on my radar either. I'm torn between Exeter, Notts and York.
If anybody has any advice on what life is like in these places sober, and history as a degree if possible, that would be amazing! Or even just general advice on how to make my own mind up outside of offer holder days
Thanks!
Reply 1
Hi Anonymous!
Congratulations on your offer from Exeter, and I'm really pleased to hear that you're heavily considering it. I'm now a second year student here from a similar background, so I hope I can give you some insight into how I've found it here
I was initially also fairly worried about not fitting in before I came here, and hadn't really visited Exeter at all so came in pretty much 'blind', so to speak. It was more a step I knew I needed to take, to move a long way from home. Plus, my course is only really offered at a few universities so admittedly I didn't have very many options. However, when I got here, I genuinely did not struggle at all to fit in. In fact, most of my friends are publicly educated - but, honestly, it doesn't even matter. My first friend here was taught privately, and I genuinely would be so lost without them. The one big thing I learned is that this 'stereotype' built up around where you are educated wholeheartedly does not matter, which was pleasantly surprising after 18 years in a town where it's frowned upon. Ultimately, the company you surround yourself with will have similar values to you - class, fortune, etc. does not have to be at the forefront of your friendships. Equally, I have never been frowned upon because of I grew up less fortunate. So, please don't be put off by 'stereotypes' - the students are lovely, and you will also probably be pleasantly surprised.
In terms of the partying scene, I still have never been on an Exeter 'night out'. The city is only small, and there are a few clubs for you to choose from if you ever want to - but it's also a fairly quiet and very safe city. Whilst most people I know have naturally been clubbing, you won't feel like you're missing out - especially if it isn't your thing. There's not loads of pressure to drink, either, which is really nice - societies are required to run some sober events, and even at 'drinking' ones, nobody can force you to drink. Lots of people don't drink or go clubbing, so you won't feel hindered.
I would recommend choosing a quiet accommodation option if you can - these may see some casual pre-drinks but are relatively chilled, and 'quiet', as the option suggests. I was in a Lafrowda ensuite quiet block in first year, and it was pretty much perfect for me. If you prefer to have an alcohol-free flat, then that is also an option, as you know.
Whilst I don't study history, I can also tell you that Exeter has a great reputation for the subject - it is 6th in the UK for research for history, and is also in the top 10 UK universities for history. It's also a really flexible degree, meaning that you can choose a lot of the content you study. And, if you ever want to do a placement year or a year abroad, you can switch to these variants once you're here - doing one of these will give you something fun to talk about in job interviews, and will give you more unique skills.
I hope this helps you to decide, but please do reach out if you have anything else you want to talk about!
Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Congratulations on your offer from Exeter, and I'm really pleased to hear that you're heavily considering it. I'm now a second year student here from a similar background, so I hope I can give you some insight into how I've found it here
I was initially also fairly worried about not fitting in before I came here, and hadn't really visited Exeter at all so came in pretty much 'blind', so to speak. It was more a step I knew I needed to take, to move a long way from home. Plus, my course is only really offered at a few universities so admittedly I didn't have very many options. However, when I got here, I genuinely did not struggle at all to fit in. In fact, most of my friends are publicly educated - but, honestly, it doesn't even matter. My first friend here was taught privately, and I genuinely would be so lost without them. The one big thing I learned is that this 'stereotype' built up around where you are educated wholeheartedly does not matter, which was pleasantly surprising after 18 years in a town where it's frowned upon. Ultimately, the company you surround yourself with will have similar values to you - class, fortune, etc. does not have to be at the forefront of your friendships. Equally, I have never been frowned upon because of I grew up less fortunate. So, please don't be put off by 'stereotypes' - the students are lovely, and you will also probably be pleasantly surprised.
In terms of the partying scene, I still have never been on an Exeter 'night out'. The city is only small, and there are a few clubs for you to choose from if you ever want to - but it's also a fairly quiet and very safe city. Whilst most people I know have naturally been clubbing, you won't feel like you're missing out - especially if it isn't your thing. There's not loads of pressure to drink, either, which is really nice - societies are required to run some sober events, and even at 'drinking' ones, nobody can force you to drink. Lots of people don't drink or go clubbing, so you won't feel hindered.
I would recommend choosing a quiet accommodation option if you can - these may see some casual pre-drinks but are relatively chilled, and 'quiet', as the option suggests. I was in a Lafrowda ensuite quiet block in first year, and it was pretty much perfect for me. If you prefer to have an alcohol-free flat, then that is also an option, as you know.
Whilst I don't study history, I can also tell you that Exeter has a great reputation for the subject - it is 6th in the UK for research for history, and is also in the top 10 UK universities for history. It's also a really flexible degree, meaning that you can choose a lot of the content you study. And, if you ever want to do a placement year or a year abroad, you can switch to these variants once you're here - doing one of these will give you something fun to talk about in job interviews, and will give you more unique skills.
I hope this helps you to decide, but please do reach out if you have anything else you want to talk about!
Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Reply 2
Drinking stereotypes aside, you have some strong offers there so should firstly be looking into which course suits your interests best. Of the three you've shortlisted, they have similar levels in terms of general rankings (university as a whole), but York is probably the highest ranked for History (though not by much). York is the only one I know something of the specialisms - very strong on medieval and medieval literature in particular, so if either of those appeal to you, it could be a good bet. It has a lot of resources too, main library, but within that a good set of archives called the Borthwick centre (which I have used), which is up at the Heslington site, but also the Kings Manor in town and many seperate resources connected to the many museums and archeological interests.
Regarding the drinking culture, I think it's fair to say they all have them, but if it's not for you then simply don't get involved! None of them are full collegiate type unis (except for accommodation blocks), so there will be no real pressure I shouldn't imagine that can arise within the small cliquey groups you'd find at Oxbridge and Durham. All three cities you've shortlisted are actually all very different, both in terms of culture and size: Exeter the smallest, like a college town, York but bigger but more culturally diverse with plenty of pubs, shopping centres and cafes and Nottingham a big industrial city in the east midlands. It will in fact be your choice of city itself which will probably define your uni experience in this instance.
Regarding the drinking culture, I think it's fair to say they all have them, but if it's not for you then simply don't get involved! None of them are full collegiate type unis (except for accommodation blocks), so there will be no real pressure I shouldn't imagine that can arise within the small cliquey groups you'd find at Oxbridge and Durham. All three cities you've shortlisted are actually all very different, both in terms of culture and size: Exeter the smallest, like a college town, York but bigger but more culturally diverse with plenty of pubs, shopping centres and cafes and Nottingham a big industrial city in the east midlands. It will in fact be your choice of city itself which will probably define your uni experience in this instance.
Reply 3
Original post
by ExeterStudentRepHi Anonymous!
Congratulations on your offer from Exeter, and I'm really pleased to hear that you're heavily considering it. I'm now a second year student here from a similar background, so I hope I can give you some insight into how I've found it here
I was initially also fairly worried about not fitting in before I came here, and hadn't really visited Exeter at all so came in pretty much 'blind', so to speak. It was more a step I knew I needed to take, to move a long way from home. Plus, my course is only really offered at a few universities so admittedly I didn't have very many options. However, when I got here, I genuinely did not struggle at all to fit in. In fact, most of my friends are publicly educated - but, honestly, it doesn't even matter. My first friend here was taught privately, and I genuinely would be so lost without them. The one big thing I learned is that this 'stereotype' built up around where you are educated wholeheartedly does not matter, which was pleasantly surprising after 18 years in a town where it's frowned upon. Ultimately, the company you surround yourself with will have similar values to you - class, fortune, etc. does not have to be at the forefront of your friendships. Equally, I have never been frowned upon because of I grew up less fortunate. So, please don't be put off by 'stereotypes' - the students are lovely, and you will also probably be pleasantly surprised.
In terms of the partying scene, I still have never been on an Exeter 'night out'. The city is only small, and there are a few clubs for you to choose from if you ever want to - but it's also a fairly quiet and very safe city. Whilst most people I know have naturally been clubbing, you won't feel like you're missing out - especially if it isn't your thing. There's not loads of pressure to drink, either, which is really nice - societies are required to run some sober events, and even at 'drinking' ones, nobody can force you to drink. Lots of people don't drink or go clubbing, so you won't feel hindered.
I would recommend choosing a quiet accommodation option if you can - these may see some casual pre-drinks but are relatively chilled, and 'quiet', as the option suggests. I was in a Lafrowda ensuite quiet block in first year, and it was pretty much perfect for me. If you prefer to have an alcohol-free flat, then that is also an option, as you know.
Whilst I don't study history, I can also tell you that Exeter has a great reputation for the subject - it is 6th in the UK for research for history, and is also in the top 10 UK universities for history. It's also a really flexible degree, meaning that you can choose a lot of the content you study. And, if you ever want to do a placement year or a year abroad, you can switch to these variants once you're here - doing one of these will give you something fun to talk about in job interviews, and will give you more unique skills.
I hope this helps you to decide, but please do reach out if you have anything else you want to talk about!
Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Congratulations on your offer from Exeter, and I'm really pleased to hear that you're heavily considering it. I'm now a second year student here from a similar background, so I hope I can give you some insight into how I've found it here
I was initially also fairly worried about not fitting in before I came here, and hadn't really visited Exeter at all so came in pretty much 'blind', so to speak. It was more a step I knew I needed to take, to move a long way from home. Plus, my course is only really offered at a few universities so admittedly I didn't have very many options. However, when I got here, I genuinely did not struggle at all to fit in. In fact, most of my friends are publicly educated - but, honestly, it doesn't even matter. My first friend here was taught privately, and I genuinely would be so lost without them. The one big thing I learned is that this 'stereotype' built up around where you are educated wholeheartedly does not matter, which was pleasantly surprising after 18 years in a town where it's frowned upon. Ultimately, the company you surround yourself with will have similar values to you - class, fortune, etc. does not have to be at the forefront of your friendships. Equally, I have never been frowned upon because of I grew up less fortunate. So, please don't be put off by 'stereotypes' - the students are lovely, and you will also probably be pleasantly surprised.
In terms of the partying scene, I still have never been on an Exeter 'night out'. The city is only small, and there are a few clubs for you to choose from if you ever want to - but it's also a fairly quiet and very safe city. Whilst most people I know have naturally been clubbing, you won't feel like you're missing out - especially if it isn't your thing. There's not loads of pressure to drink, either, which is really nice - societies are required to run some sober events, and even at 'drinking' ones, nobody can force you to drink. Lots of people don't drink or go clubbing, so you won't feel hindered.
I would recommend choosing a quiet accommodation option if you can - these may see some casual pre-drinks but are relatively chilled, and 'quiet', as the option suggests. I was in a Lafrowda ensuite quiet block in first year, and it was pretty much perfect for me. If you prefer to have an alcohol-free flat, then that is also an option, as you know.
Whilst I don't study history, I can also tell you that Exeter has a great reputation for the subject - it is 6th in the UK for research for history, and is also in the top 10 UK universities for history. It's also a really flexible degree, meaning that you can choose a lot of the content you study. And, if you ever want to do a placement year or a year abroad, you can switch to these variants once you're here - doing one of these will give you something fun to talk about in job interviews, and will give you more unique skills.
I hope this helps you to decide, but please do reach out if you have anything else you want to talk about!
Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Hi Grace
Thank you so much for the reply! It's definitely made me more likely to choose Exeter. Would you mind sharing your experience in a bit more detail about quiet accommodation? I was looking into it before, but there's not much information out there. How is it different to regular accommodation, are the prices reasonable, and what were your flatmates like?
Thank you!
Reply 4
Original post
by AnonymousHi!
I'm predicted A*A*A at A Level (although I'm thinking A*AB is more likely) in History, Geography and Biology respectfully (hot tip: listen to everyone when they tell you there's too much content to easily do all three - they were right).
Anyway, I've received all five offers back from my unis.
Cardiff - ABB
Exeter - BBB
Nottingham - AAB
Sheffield - ABB
York - ABB
I thought I wanted to firm Exeter, but now I'm having second doubts. The location and city are perfect, and because I love social/women's history, the course sounds really nice for me. But I'm worried about the usual stereotypes. I'm from a lower income background in Wales and I don't enjoy partying. I suffer with emetophobia (phobia of vomit) in an extreme way, which makes me nervous to even be around alcohol. I know alcohol-free accommodation is an option, but I want to try and challenge myself to be out of my comfort zone. But as I don't like partying and would much rather a night in with a movie and face masks, I don't want my social life to be hindered, as I've heard Exeter is big on the drinking scene. There's also the stereotypes of private school kids, but that doesn't bother me so much because I don't doubt they're lovely people. I just don't want to be lonely or isolated if I pick Exeter.
But I don't know where else I would pick. I want somewhere academically rigorous (hence the Russell Groups) but also affordable. I'm close to Cardiff so unsure, and Sheffield isn't too much on my radar either. I'm torn between Exeter, Notts and York.
If anybody has any advice on what life is like in these places sober, and history as a degree if possible, that would be amazing! Or even just general advice on how to make my own mind up outside of offer holder days
Thanks!
I'm predicted A*A*A at A Level (although I'm thinking A*AB is more likely) in History, Geography and Biology respectfully (hot tip: listen to everyone when they tell you there's too much content to easily do all three - they were right).
Anyway, I've received all five offers back from my unis.
Cardiff - ABB
Exeter - BBB
Nottingham - AAB
Sheffield - ABB
York - ABB
I thought I wanted to firm Exeter, but now I'm having second doubts. The location and city are perfect, and because I love social/women's history, the course sounds really nice for me. But I'm worried about the usual stereotypes. I'm from a lower income background in Wales and I don't enjoy partying. I suffer with emetophobia (phobia of vomit) in an extreme way, which makes me nervous to even be around alcohol. I know alcohol-free accommodation is an option, but I want to try and challenge myself to be out of my comfort zone. But as I don't like partying and would much rather a night in with a movie and face masks, I don't want my social life to be hindered, as I've heard Exeter is big on the drinking scene. There's also the stereotypes of private school kids, but that doesn't bother me so much because I don't doubt they're lovely people. I just don't want to be lonely or isolated if I pick Exeter.
But I don't know where else I would pick. I want somewhere academically rigorous (hence the Russell Groups) but also affordable. I'm close to Cardiff so unsure, and Sheffield isn't too much on my radar either. I'm torn between Exeter, Notts and York.
If anybody has any advice on what life is like in these places sober, and history as a degree if possible, that would be amazing! Or even just general advice on how to make my own mind up outside of offer holder days
Thanks!
If you achieve the grades predicted, you would be a viable candidate for Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and KCL (with a gap year). You may be selling yourself a bit short by applying to universities which offer below AAA.
Reply 5
Original post
by Stiffy ByngIf you achieve the grades predicted, you would be a viable candidate for Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and KCL (with a gap year). You may be selling yourself a bit short by applying to universities which offer below AAA.
Just to reply to this comment specifically, entry requirements aren't the only way to judge the quality or suitability of a university. I had a successful offer for Oxford at undergrad but declined it to go to Exeter (with a slightly lower entry requirement), and I honestly haven't regretted it at all since - I'm now still with the University of Exeter partway through my PhD!
Deciding which university to go to can be quite a personal decision involve involving multiple factors, and I'd be wary of using something as simple as the offer tariff as a proxy for which university to apply to or not - but by all means do your research and check out the full range of universities that offer your subject within and around your predicted grade range!
Kingsley
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Reply 6
Each to his or her own, of course, but there may be a risk of feeling insufficiently challenged intellectually if many or most of the students in a cohort have A level grades one or two places below the grades which you have achieved.
Reply 7
Original post
by Stiffy ByngIf you achieve the grades predicted, you would be a viable candidate for Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, and KCL (with a gap year). You may be selling yourself a bit short by applying to universities which offer below AAA.
Hi!
I do appreciate this and was encouraged by my teachers to apply to Oxbridge. Unfortunately, there were a lot of things going on my life during the early admissions period, so applying to Oxbridge at that time was never a viable option for me. Also, London unis were never going to be an option for me, purely because I'm not a big city person and the living costs would be way too high for me to comfortably afford.
As I said, I really do appreciate the sentiment of this! But in a way I'm thankful that the offers I have are slightly lower - there's less pressure for me to get immaculate grades during a difficult period of my life. Especially as I achieved AAA at AS Level, I have room to get Cs and still be in a top choice at uni.
For some people, this is something to consider, but enjoying the course and having less to worry about right now are definitely my priorities 🙂
Reply 8
Original post
by AnonymousHi!
I do appreciate this and was encouraged by my teachers to apply to Oxbridge. Unfortunately, there were a lot of things going on my life during the early admissions period, so applying to Oxbridge at that time was never a viable option for me. Also, London unis were never going to be an option for me, purely because I'm not a big city person and the living costs would be way too high for me to comfortably afford.
As I said, I really do appreciate the sentiment of this! But in a way I'm thankful that the offers I have are slightly lower - there's less pressure for me to get immaculate grades during a difficult period of my life. Especially as I achieved AAA at AS Level, I have room to get Cs and still be in a top choice at uni.
For some people, this is something to consider, but enjoying the course and having less to worry about right now are definitely my priorities 🙂
I do appreciate this and was encouraged by my teachers to apply to Oxbridge. Unfortunately, there were a lot of things going on my life during the early admissions period, so applying to Oxbridge at that time was never a viable option for me. Also, London unis were never going to be an option for me, purely because I'm not a big city person and the living costs would be way too high for me to comfortably afford.
As I said, I really do appreciate the sentiment of this! But in a way I'm thankful that the offers I have are slightly lower - there's less pressure for me to get immaculate grades during a difficult period of my life. Especially as I achieved AAA at AS Level, I have room to get Cs and still be in a top choice at uni.
For some people, this is something to consider, but enjoying the course and having less to worry about right now are definitely my priorities 🙂
Fair points. Have fun!
Reply 9
Original post
by AnonymousHi Grace
Thank you so much for the reply! It's definitely made me more likely to choose Exeter. Would you mind sharing your experience in a bit more detail about quiet accommodation? I was looking into it before, but there's not much information out there. How is it different to regular accommodation, are the prices reasonable, and what were your flatmates like?
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the reply! It's definitely made me more likely to choose Exeter. Would you mind sharing your experience in a bit more detail about quiet accommodation? I was looking into it before, but there's not much information out there. How is it different to regular accommodation, are the prices reasonable, and what were your flatmates like?
Thank you!
Hi Anonymous!
From my experience, quiet accommodation was really lovely. You have access to the same amenities, so it’s the same layout as other blocks of the same accommodation (e.g, I was in a Lafrowda en-suite, which was the same as other Lafrowda en-suites). The main difference was I was put with others who preferred to live in a quieter block. For us, this meant less parties/pre-drinking in the flat which I loved because it meant I could sleep well at night. That’s not to say that non-quiet blocks are overly noisy though - you might just find that they’re slightly more lively.
Your flatmates are really just luck of the draw, but I got along really well with my flatmates last year. We all became fairly close, and I still talk to some of them even now. We had a few nights in together, where we’d maybe chill in the kitchen or someone’s room and watch a film or play games, which I look back on fondly.
In terms of prices, quiet blocks are exactly the same as the non-quiet blocks. I’d say that they’re reasonably priced for what you get. In Lafrowda, you have a nice room and kitchen, and you’re super close to central campus. In East Park, you’ve got what is effectively a 24-hour reception (8am-11pm from the top of my head) and get use of study rooms there. Each option is different, but you will find something that works for you.
This year, I’m on campus again for medical reasons and I’m staying in one of the East Park access rooms. I opted for a quiet block again, and I’d say it is pretty quiet; there is a bit of noise maybe outside at night, but not disturbingly so. My flatmates this year definitely keep to themselves more, but we’ve had no issues. They’re lovely people, truly, and we’ll tend to have a chat in the kitchen when we cross paths. Even if you’re not that close to your flatmates like I was in first year, it really isn’t the end of the world.
You will have a cleaner come by once a week, too, so if there’s any mess your flatmates leave, it’ll be tidied within reason. There’s also the Residence Life Team, who are brilliant if you have any major disputes. You can contact them by phone or online.
And, there is a 24/7 Estate Patrol, who act as security. You’d ring them if you lost your key and nobody was home to let you in, or for any other security-related purposes. This applies across campus, and even the city.
I hope this helps, but do reach out if there’s more!
Grace
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
Reply 10
Original post
by AnonymousHi!
I'm predicted A*A*A at A Level (although I'm thinking A*AB is more likely) in History, Geography and Biology respectfully (hot tip: listen to everyone when they tell you there's too much content to easily do all three - they were right).
Anyway, I've received all five offers back from my unis.
Cardiff - ABB
Exeter - BBB
Nottingham - AAB
Sheffield - ABB
York - ABB
I thought I wanted to firm Exeter, but now I'm having second doubts. The location and city are perfect, and because I love social/women's history, the course sounds really nice for me. But I'm worried about the usual stereotypes. I'm from a lower income background in Wales and I don't enjoy partying. I suffer with emetophobia (phobia of vomit) in an extreme way, which makes me nervous to even be around alcohol. I know alcohol-free accommodation is an option, but I want to try and challenge myself to be out of my comfort zone. But as I don't like partying and would much rather a night in with a movie and face masks, I don't want my social life to be hindered, as I've heard Exeter is big on the drinking scene. There's also the stereotypes of private school kids, but that doesn't bother me so much because I don't doubt they're lovely people. I just don't want to be lonely or isolated if I pick Exeter.
But I don't know where else I would pick. I want somewhere academically rigorous (hence the Russell Groups) but also affordable. I'm close to Cardiff so unsure, and Sheffield isn't too much on my radar either. I'm torn between Exeter, Notts and York.
If anybody has any advice on what life is like in these places sober, and history as a degree if possible, that would be amazing! Or even just general advice on how to make my own mind up outside of offer holder days
Thanks!
I'm predicted A*A*A at A Level (although I'm thinking A*AB is more likely) in History, Geography and Biology respectfully (hot tip: listen to everyone when they tell you there's too much content to easily do all three - they were right).
Anyway, I've received all five offers back from my unis.
Cardiff - ABB
Exeter - BBB
Nottingham - AAB
Sheffield - ABB
York - ABB
I thought I wanted to firm Exeter, but now I'm having second doubts. The location and city are perfect, and because I love social/women's history, the course sounds really nice for me. But I'm worried about the usual stereotypes. I'm from a lower income background in Wales and I don't enjoy partying. I suffer with emetophobia (phobia of vomit) in an extreme way, which makes me nervous to even be around alcohol. I know alcohol-free accommodation is an option, but I want to try and challenge myself to be out of my comfort zone. But as I don't like partying and would much rather a night in with a movie and face masks, I don't want my social life to be hindered, as I've heard Exeter is big on the drinking scene. There's also the stereotypes of private school kids, but that doesn't bother me so much because I don't doubt they're lovely people. I just don't want to be lonely or isolated if I pick Exeter.
But I don't know where else I would pick. I want somewhere academically rigorous (hence the Russell Groups) but also affordable. I'm close to Cardiff so unsure, and Sheffield isn't too much on my radar either. I'm torn between Exeter, Notts and York.
If anybody has any advice on what life is like in these places sober, and history as a degree if possible, that would be amazing! Or even just general advice on how to make my own mind up outside of offer holder days
Thanks!
Hi!
I don't drink and I studied at York for three years. I found that there's a real mix of people at university. Given the drinking culture stereotypes, you'd be surprised at how many people don't actually drink! There is so much else going on that you can get involved with and meet people who share similar interests. York is quite touristy and bustling, so there are loads of events and things on in the city.
You have offers from five amazing places, so no matter where you go, I'm sure you'll have the best time 🙂
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