Advice on Choosing Between Loughborough and Birmingham for Computer Science

Hey everyone,

I’ve got offers for Computer Science from both Loughborough and Birmingham, and I’m struggling to decide between which of them to firm. My insurance will be Leicester Uni.
I live in Leicester, so Loughborough is much closer, making it an easier commute. Birmingham needs a longer commute (probably ~2h by train or 1h 20m by car) or I’d have to take out a maintenance loan and live there. A good few of my friends are going to UOB.

One thing making the decision harder is that Birmingham ranks higher for Computer Science in subject league tables but Loughborough is ranked higher overall as a university. I’m planning to go to both offer holder days, but I’d like to hear you guys’ insights.

For anyone who’s studied at or knows about these unis:
• How do they compare in terms of course quality, teaching, and career prospects?
• Would the commute to Birmingham be worth it, or would it make more sense to stay at home and go to Loughborough with a 20m drive?
• If you commuted to uni, how did you find the experience? Was it super draining and not worth it in the long run?
• If you moved out, was the extra cost worth it for the experience and opportunities?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Reply 1

McGinger

20

They are very much on the same academic level - so it really comes down to which course do you prefer, which course offers you a work-placement or study abroad, and which Uni environment is going to suit you best. The big plus about LB is the sports facilities.

You will probably be invited to Offer Holder visit days, and these are a great opportunity to look around, listen to more detailed course presentations, and ask current students questions - why do they like being there?

Reply 2

mike23mike

16

Loughborough is a much smaller campus uni than Birmingham but still a lovely campus. Loughborough has been consistently ranked in the top 10 for the last decade. Ultimately the uni you go to will be on your CV for the rest of your life. I recommend Loughborough even if the Birmingham course is ranked higher.

Reply 3

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

22

Original post by Mabdi98

Hey everyone,

I’ve got offers for Computer Science from both Loughborough and Birmingham, and I’m struggling to decide between which of them to firm. My insurance will be Leicester Uni.
I live in Leicester, so Loughborough is much closer, making it an easier commute. Birmingham needs a longer commute (probably ~2h by train or 1h 20m by car) or I’d have to take out a maintenance loan and live there. A good few of my friends are going to UOB.

One thing making the decision harder is that Birmingham ranks higher for Computer Science in subject league tables but Loughborough is ranked higher overall as a university. I’m planning to go to both offer holder days, but I’d like to hear you guys’ insights.

For anyone who’s studied at or knows about these unis:
• How do they compare in terms of course quality, teaching, and career prospects?
• Would the commute to Birmingham be worth it, or would it make more sense to stay at home and go to Loughborough with a 20m drive?
• If you commuted to uni, how did you find the experience? Was it super draining and not worth it in the long run?
• If you moved out, was the extra cost worth it for the experience and opportunities?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I know a few people in Loughborough who commute in. It's doable. There's also a commuter's lounge in the Edward Herbert Building - so it's something the university does recognise.

As others have said - down to preference at this point. I support your decision to go to the offer holder days to see for yourself what it's like, and if you can imagine yourself being there for the next few years.

My own advice is to also look at the course content. Computer Science is broad - what do you want to end up learning and then possibly specialising in? Does the uni have the equipment to support that?

Advice on Choosing Between Loughborough and Birmingham for Computer Science

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