Exeter vs Leeds??
I’m applying for 2025 entry on a radiography course and currently weighing up my options. I haven’t had any offers yet. I’m currently debating whether to go to Exeter or a bigger city like leeds/liverpool. I also have interviews with Cardiff and Brighton but they are at the bottom of my choices. I am originally from Manchester so I would be very familiar with living in a metropolitan northern city and the sort of culture and people living there. I am not that bothered about nightlife, I don’t drink a lot and I am not interested in clubbing. Exeter appeals to me because of the great weather and beautiful campus, but the actual student population seriously puts me off as they seem to be extremely posh and come from a different background and upbringing than I do, I just don’t feel like I would have much in common with them and I don’t want to be left lonely without forming real connections. I want genuine friendship, with people who understand me. But the environment of Exeter is very lovely and would do wonders for my mental health i’m sure. Can anyone who has gone to any of these unis offer any advice or help me decide?
Have you had a chance to visit the unis you've applied to?
I believe the radiography course at Exeter is based at the St Lukes campus, so you're in kind of a bubble there anyway to a point (which can be a good thing to give a bit of a barrier to some of the nonsense that goes on up the hill), and I suspect an allied health professions course like radiography might have a bit more of a variety of backgrounds - so this may be a case where I will concede the usual concerns about Exeter (which in my experience on the main campus - some years ago now though to be sure - were unfortunately more true than false) may not be as big a factor here
Worth bearing in mind also though since you mention the "environment" of Exeter that you should consider this in term of the St Lukes campus rather than the main campus up the hill (granted that's just a short bus ride or longer trek on foot away - it's not like it's in another city). So be aware of that - all the lawns and weird sculptures and stuff are up on the main campus. Not sure what they have in that manner on the St Lukes campus.
Also anecdotally - I wouldn't consider Exeter to have "great weather". While it generally avoided extreme cold and rarely got snow when I was there (don't really recall more than flurries at best), it is very wet, even by UK standards, in my opinion. So while better in some respects, not necessarily in others. Don't expect a sun-soaked, mild temperature coastal life ala south Cornwall though!
Finally keep in mind too as an allied health professions student, you'll have placements at hospitals and such in the region - it's probably worth researching where these are as some courses at some unis can send you to relatively distant placements which you may be less keen on (even with accommodation provided)!
I believe the radiography course at Exeter is based at the St Lukes campus, so you're in kind of a bubble there anyway to a point (which can be a good thing to give a bit of a barrier to some of the nonsense that goes on up the hill), and I suspect an allied health professions course like radiography might have a bit more of a variety of backgrounds - so this may be a case where I will concede the usual concerns about Exeter (which in my experience on the main campus - some years ago now though to be sure - were unfortunately more true than false) may not be as big a factor here
Worth bearing in mind also though since you mention the "environment" of Exeter that you should consider this in term of the St Lukes campus rather than the main campus up the hill (granted that's just a short bus ride or longer trek on foot away - it's not like it's in another city). So be aware of that - all the lawns and weird sculptures and stuff are up on the main campus. Not sure what they have in that manner on the St Lukes campus.
Also anecdotally - I wouldn't consider Exeter to have "great weather". While it generally avoided extreme cold and rarely got snow when I was there (don't really recall more than flurries at best), it is very wet, even by UK standards, in my opinion. So while better in some respects, not necessarily in others. Don't expect a sun-soaked, mild temperature coastal life ala south Cornwall though!
Finally keep in mind too as an allied health professions student, you'll have placements at hospitals and such in the region - it's probably worth researching where these are as some courses at some unis can send you to relatively distant placements which you may be less keen on (even with accommodation provided)!
Reply 2
Original post by rizlmynizzle
I’m applying for 2025 entry on a radiography course and currently weighing up my options. I haven’t had any offers yet. I’m currently debating whether to go to Exeter or a bigger city like leeds/liverpool. I also have interviews with Cardiff and Brighton but they are at the bottom of my choices. I am originally from Manchester so I would be very familiar with living in a metropolitan northern city and the sort of culture and people living there. I am not that bothered about nightlife, I don’t drink a lot and I am not interested in clubbing. Exeter appeals to me because of the great weather and beautiful campus, but the actual student population seriously puts me off as they seem to be extremely posh and come from a different background and upbringing than I do, I just don’t feel like I would have much in common with them and I don’t want to be left lonely without forming real connections. I want genuine friendship, with people who understand me. But the environment of Exeter is very lovely and would do wonders for my mental health i’m sure. Can anyone who has gone to any of these unis offer any advice or help me decide?
Hi rizlmynizzle,
It's great to hear that you've applied to study at the University of Exeter, and I've got my fingers crossed that you receive your offer soon!
I can definitely relate to your question, as I shared many of the same concerns about stereotypes and student backgrounds when I applied - for context, I'm originally from a state school in the West Midlands. I thought it'd be helpful to provide some data on the topic, collected from the Times University Guide for 2025 here. If you search by social inclusion metrics you can actually ranked universities by percentage of independent school admissions (assuming this is the kind of thing you might mean by posh / different backgrounds), and you'll see Exeter ranks 7th in the UK with 30% (ranking just between Oxford and UCL, and lower than Durham, Edinburgh and Imperial). This means 7/10 students you meet won't be from private school, and perhaps have a background or upbringing more similar to your own. It's worth noting these figures are a university wide average, and so could vary for specific courses as artful_lounger suggests in their reply.
I think one of the really great things about university is the diversity of people who go there, and getting to learn alongside, and from, people with all sorts of different backgrounds, nationalities and perspectives. If you are concerned about making friends with like-minded people though, I'd definitely recommend looking at the list of sports and societies on the Guild website here. It's a great way to meet people with similar interests or hobbies to yourself, outside of those you'll already be meeting in class and from likely living in student accommodation. You might also specifically be interested in being part of 93% Club which is a society at Exeter (and part of a movement across many other universities) which is focused specifically on the experiences and community of state-educated students (although note some of the figures on their Guild profile are slightly out-of-date compared to my Times link above!). I've made lifelong friends through my time at the University of Exeter and attribute being involved in sports and societies as a big help in making those connections and meeting new people, especially outside of the stereotypical student nightlife / clubbing environment.
As artful_lounger has also stated, the weather in Exeter can still be a little variable, and leans more wet rather than especially cold, so make sure still to pack a good waterproof (although coming from Manchester I imagine that shouldn't be an issue!). I definitely notice it drops a few degrees from getting on the train at uni to getting off back home when travelling back around Christmas time. Saying that, the South West is a beautiful place to study and live, rain or shine, and we are really privileged to have great beaches, coastal walks and national parks like Dartmoor and Exmoor right on our doorstep. Similarly to you, I've never been too interested in clubbing and much prefer spending my weekends going out and exploring with a sea swim or countryside walk.
I hope that's helpful and reassured you somewhat that Exeter really is a university for everyone, but if you've got any further questions, please don't hesitate to get back in touch. If you've got the opportunity to, I'd also highly encourage you to visit the campus at one of our upcoming offer-holder open days which you should receive information about once you do (hopefully!) receive an offer from Exeter.
Kingsley
University of Exeter Student Ambassador
(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 3
Original post by rizlmynizzle
I’m applying for 2025 entry on a radiography course and currently weighing up my options. I haven’t had any offers yet. I’m currently debating whether to go to Exeter or a bigger city like leeds/liverpool. I also have interviews with Cardiff and Brighton but they are at the bottom of my choices. I am originally from Manchester so I would be very familiar with living in a metropolitan northern city and the sort of culture and people living there. I am not that bothered about nightlife, I don’t drink a lot and I am not interested in clubbing. Exeter appeals to me because of the great weather and beautiful campus, but the actual student population seriously puts me off as they seem to be extremely posh and come from a different background and upbringing than I do, I just don’t feel like I would have much in common with them and I don’t want to be left lonely without forming real connections. I want genuine friendship, with people who understand me. But the environment of Exeter is very lovely and would do wonders for my mental health i’m sure. Can anyone who has gone to any of these unis offer any advice or help me decide?
Hi! @rizlmynizzle
It's great to see your considering Brighton and I hope that you get an offer from us!
Our Diagnostic Radiography course is Approved by the College of Radiographers and the Health and Care Professions Council. This means that once you complete our degree, you can register with the HCP. To work as a diagnostic radiographer you need to be registered with the HCP!
Brighton is also in the UK top 20% for graduate earnings in allied health, three years after graduating – Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2024.
Though Brighton is a bit rainy, We are also one of the sunniest cities in the UK! and with the beach basically right outside your doorstep the environment is amazing. We also have a lot of countryside just a bus ride away, which is great for going on walks and connecting with nature.
Brighton also has great mental health support as well as dedicated student support and guidance tutors
We have a lot of sober events and activities in Brighton as well! There are loads of cafes in the campuses as well as the city. Most of the society events are also sober/drinking not required.
I hope this helps you make your decision. And if you have any more questions please feel free to ask!
Blue - TSR Student Ambassador
Reply 4
Original post by rizlmynizzle
I’m applying for 2025 entry on a radiography course and currently weighing up my options. I haven’t had any offers yet. I’m currently debating whether to go to Exeter or a bigger city like leeds/liverpool. I also have interviews with Cardiff and Brighton but they are at the bottom of my choices. I am originally from Manchester so I would be very familiar with living in a metropolitan northern city and the sort of culture and people living there. I am not that bothered about nightlife, I don’t drink a lot and I am not interested in clubbing. Exeter appeals to me because of the great weather and beautiful campus, but the actual student population seriously puts me off as they seem to be extremely posh and come from a different background and upbringing than I do, I just don’t feel like I would have much in common with them and I don’t want to be left lonely without forming real connections. I want genuine friendship, with people who understand me. But the environment of Exeter is very lovely and would do wonders for my mental health i’m sure. Can anyone who has gone to any of these unis offer any advice or help me decide?
Leeds.
Original post by rizlmynizzle
I’m applying for 2025 entry on a radiography course and currently weighing up my options. I haven’t had any offers yet. I’m currently debating whether to go to Exeter or a bigger city like leeds/liverpool. I also have interviews with Cardiff and Brighton but they are at the bottom of my choices. I am originally from Manchester so I would be very familiar with living in a metropolitan northern city and the sort of culture and people living there. I am not that bothered about nightlife, I don’t drink a lot and I am not interested in clubbing. Exeter appeals to me because of the great weather and beautiful campus, but the actual student population seriously puts me off as they seem to be extremely posh and come from a different background and upbringing than I do, I just don’t feel like I would have much in common with them and I don’t want to be left lonely without forming real connections. I want genuine friendship, with people who understand me. But the environment of Exeter is very lovely and would do wonders for my mental health i’m sure. Can anyone who has gone to any of these unis offer any advice or help me decide?
Hi
Have you visited any of the Unis at Open Days? You might get more of a feel for it if you visit and become clear where your priorities lie and what is the feel of the student population.
My daughter got offers at Cardiff, Birmingham, Southampton, Bristol and Exeter - we live Bradford /Leeds border, state school education. We did loads of Open Days and she was able to work out what was most important to her. Final choice was clear for Cardiff Uni. It’s a long way to travel to visit and that only becomes apparent when you’re missing family / needing some support. I think she’d have chosen Exeter as her course looked amazing but the campus was in Falmouth, and in the end her priority was to live in a city, hence Cardiff was a great fit for her. I think if it had been in Exeter itself, she’d have chosen Exeter. The students we met at the Falmouth campus were pleasant and open, didn’t seem overly posh, they were in all Open Days. I think a lot depends on who you’re in Halls with - sadly that’s a bit of a lottery!
Reply 6
Original post by resident-self-ex
Leeds.
I had my interview with them and i’m still waiting to hear back. Any reason for Leeds in particular?
Original post by rizlmynizzle
I had my interview with them and i’m still waiting to hear back. Any reason for Leeds in particular?
Have you heard back get?
Original post by rizlmynizzle
I’m applying for 2025 entry on a radiography course and currently weighing up my options. I haven’t had any offers yet. I’m currently debating whether to go to Exeter or a bigger city like leeds/liverpool. I also have interviews with Cardiff and Brighton but they are at the bottom of my choices. I am originally from Manchester so I would be very familiar with living in a metropolitan northern city and the sort of culture and people living there. I am not that bothered about nightlife, I don’t drink a lot and I am not interested in clubbing. Exeter appeals to me because of the great weather and beautiful campus, but the actual student population seriously puts me off as they seem to be extremely posh and come from a different background and upbringing than I do, I just don’t feel like I would have much in common with them and I don’t want to be left lonely without forming real connections. I want genuine friendship, with people who understand me. But the environment of Exeter is very lovely and would do wonders for my mental health i’m sure. Can anyone who has gone to any of these unis offer any advice or help me decide?
I’m literally in the same position as you. I can’t pick between Liverpool, Leeds and Exeter
Reply 9
Original post by 18alfredg
I’m literally in the same position as you. I can’t pick between Liverpool, Leeds and Exeter
I got rejected from liverpool after my interview (my dream uni)😢, i received unconditional offers from leeds, exeter, and brighton. I’ve ended up firming Leeds! Congrats on getting into Liverpool!! I would pick there personally if i could.
Original post by rizlmynizzle
I got rejected from liverpool after my interview (my dream uni)😢, i received unconditional offers from leeds, exeter, and brighton. I’ve ended up firming Leeds! Congrats on getting into Liverpool!! I would pick there personally if i could.
Oh no! Was that for radiography as well? I’m sorry to hear that. And wow that’s amazing you got 3 unconditional offers tho!
I liked Exeter but I think it’s very posh , which isn’t a bad thing but coming from someone in a state school and on bursary , it probably isn’t very smart. Also the fear of divert was a big thing for me because my sixth form was quite diverse which has been really rewarding. After so much research and pro and con listing I’m probably going to go for Liverpool. I started looking at Cardiff bc I got an offer there as well but kinda disregarded it. If you asked me a few weeks ago I would’ve said I would firm Leeds uni… But I think out of Leeds ,Liverpool and Cardiff, Liverpool has everything I want and need in a uni so it’s kinda great I think the reason I chose over Cardiff and Leeds it’s how nice Liverpool is and how it’s diverse so you can have a sense of community. Leeds university is also meant to be really good! Apparently it’s a really great area for students as well
I think the reason I chose over Cardiff and Leeds it’s how nice Liverpool is and how it’s diverse so you can have a sense of community. Leeds university is also meant to be really good! Apparently it’s a really great area for students as well Reply 12
Original post by 18alfredg
I liked Exeter but I think it’s very posh , which isn’t a bad thing but coming from someone in a state school and on bursary , it probably isn’t very smart. Also the fear of divert was a big thing for me because my sixth form was quite diverse which has been really rewarding. After so much research and pro and con listing I’m probably going to go for Liverpool. I started looking at Cardiff bc I got an offer there as well but kinda disregarded it. If you asked me a few weeks ago I would’ve said I would firm Leeds uni… But I think out of Leeds ,Liverpool and Cardiff, Liverpool has everything I want and need in a uni so it’s kinda great I think the reason I chose over Cardiff and Leeds it’s how nice Liverpool is and how it’s diverse so you can have a sense of community. Leeds university is also meant to be really good! Apparently it’s a really great area for students as well
I think the reason I chose over Cardiff and Leeds it’s how nice Liverpool is and how it’s diverse so you can have a sense of community. Leeds university is also meant to be really good! Apparently it’s a really great area for students as well Hope you enjoy Liverpool! I would hope you have applied for accommodation already as I know Liverpool has a giant student population
Original post by rizlmynizzle
Hope you enjoy Liverpool! I would hope you have applied for accommodation already as I know Liverpool has a giant student population
Liverpool doesn't have student accomodation problem despite having three unis and LIPA. There are lots of private halls in addition to uni-owned options.
Original post by normaw
Liverpool doesn't have student accomodation problem despite having three unis and LIPA. There are lots of private halls in addition to uni-owned options.
Yeah I’ve already found loads of private’s accommodation for affordable prices about a ranging from 2-10 mins walk away from the uni
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