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Which university has the best computer science school?

I am an international student at a somewhat well known public university in Scotland studying CS, and I feel disenchanted and disappointed with the environment at my school.
It is my observation that many of the students here do not seem committed to their studies and rather choose to attend for the social events and because it's free. Many don't even go to classes. I want to be among students who are truly as passionate and creative as I am about computing. One of my expectations and hopes when trying to study in the UK was inserting myself into a community of dedicated, engaged, motivated, and intelligent people who share interests with me.
Does anyone know of any schools of computer science in the UK which are more innovative where the environment is more proactive and stimulating?
Original post
by ForloratTerreno
I am an international student at a somewhat well known public university in Scotland studying CS, and I feel disenchanted and disappointed with the environment at my school.
It is my observation that many of the students here do not seem committed to their studies and rather choose to attend for the social events and because it's free. Many don't even go to classes. I want to be among students who are truly as passionate and creative as I am about computing. One of my expectations and hopes when trying to study in the UK was inserting myself into a community of dedicated, engaged, motivated, and intelligent people who share interests with me.
Does anyone know of any schools of computer science in the UK which are more innovative where the environment is more proactive and stimulating?


I mean outside of Oxbridge and Imperial, you'll likely have at least a few people who you have described above.

But forget about those people - are you making the most of the opportunities available at your uni? Does the course challenge you (or do you at least enjoy it)? Are the staff passionate about their module and are approachable?

Reply 2

Original post
by mesub
I mean outside of Oxbridge and Imperial, you'll likely have at least a few people who you have described above.
But forget about those people - are you making the most of the opportunities available at your uni? Does the course challenge you (or do you at least enjoy it)? Are the staff passionate about their module and are approachable?
Certainly, there will always be slackers, no doubt about that. But sitting in lectures and working on group assignments it seems like maybe half of all students don't really care. I haven't met anyone who had proper development projects prior to applying.
I am trying to find what there is to make the most of. I think my university's department of CS may be too small (there are ~100 students in my year and ~500 students in the school in total). The course does not challenge me in the slightest (We are being taught basic HTML right now, stuff I learned myself a decade ago, and many of my peers are learning this for the first time!). Many of the staff are indeed passionate about their modules and two of them are approachable.
I am very seriously looking for opportunities to transfer away or look at restarting my education elsewhere in a better environment because I am concerned that I am wasting my time here. I'm open to anything and flexible, but I really don't think I'm in the right course.
Original post
by ForloratTerreno
Certainly, there will always be slackers, no doubt about that. But sitting in lectures and working on group assignments it seems like maybe half of all students don't really care. I haven't met anyone who had proper development projects prior to applying.
I am trying to find what there is to make the most of. I think my university's department of CS may be too small (there are ~100 students in my year and ~500 students in the school in total). The course does not challenge me in the slightest (We are being taught basic HTML right now, stuff I learned myself a decade ago, and many of my peers are learning this for the first time!). Many of the staff are indeed passionate about their modules and two of them are approachable.
I am very seriously looking for opportunities to transfer away or look at restarting my education elsewhere in a better environment because I am concerned that I am wasting my time here. I'm open to anything and flexible, but I really don't think I'm in the right course.


First year is designed to get everyone up to speed, so you should expect a step up in difficulty from the second year onwards. Have you tried asking lectures for extensions/ways to push yourself further in the module?


Regardless, if you're genuinely feeling like you can't spend the next few years there, I would speak to your Personal Tutor. There's obviously implications and caveats to leaving (e.g., student finance, if you'll be able to transfer to second year/have to start again) and these are discussed somewhat in the Transfer FAQ. I think it may be useful to you.

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