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Loughborough or Southampton for Aerospace Engineering?

I originally intended to put Southampton as my firm choice, but when on an applicant day to Brunel (my second choice), I heard that Southampton is not the place to go, and Loughborough is far better. Does anyone know which would be better? I don't care about how hard they are to get into, just how good they are. Thank you! :biggrin:

Also, I haven't received any sort of invitation to visit Lougborough since getting an offer, am I missing something or they forgot to send the email? Thx again
What subject are you planning to study? Southampton and Loughborough are broadly similar academically so if you like Southampton I doubt there's anything wrong with going there. Southampton is also realistically stronger for e.g. engineering or earth sciences/oceanography/marine biology.

Reply 2

As above, excellent academic reputation for both - but very different Unis. Southampton is a big city campus in a large city, Loughborough is much smaller in both respects but has the big plus of world-class sports facilities. It depends what will suit you best.

Check your junk-mail, and if you need to, just give LB admissions a call and ask if there will be an Offer Holder visit day.

Btw, beware of all chatter criticising any Uni that you hear at another's Open Day. Make your own decisions, and based on your own thoughts and perceptions, not on 3rd-hand rumours.

Reply 3

Original post
by artful_lounger
What subject are you planning to study? Southampton and Loughborough are broadly similar academically so if you like Southampton I doubt there's anything wrong with going there. Southampton is also realistically stronger for e.g. engineering or earth sciences/oceanography/marine biology.

Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering. Southampton is also closer to home. Tho tbh i missed the open days for both so I don't know which I prefer, since they were more last minute choices. So hows Southampton stronger? Thx

Reply 4

Original post
by McGinger
As above, excellent academic reputation for both - but very different Unis. Southampton is a big city campus in a large city, Loughborough is much smaller in both respects but has the big plus of world-class sports facilities. It depends what will suit you best.
Check your junk-mail, and if you need to, just give LB admissions a call and ask if there will be an Offer Holder visit day.
Btw, beware of all chatter criticising any Uni that you hear at another's Open Day. Make your own decisions, and based on your own thoughts and perceptions, not on 3rd-hand rumours.

I don't do any sports but I'm thinking of changing that, and I also like staying relatively fit. I'm really looking for a uni with a comfortable setting, with decent local places for walking/hanging out, and good support. In the end I might leave it to a coin flip lol.
Will do, I want to visit them at least once.
Thank you for the advice, I rly appreciate it.
(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 5

Have a look at the Open Day / Campus Tour films on YouTube for both Unis.
Loughborough Campus Tour
Highfield Campus Tour | University of Southampton

Reply 6

Original post
by McGinger
Have a look at the Open Day / Campus Tour films on YouTube for both Unis.
Loughborough Campus Tour
Highfield Campus Tour | University of Southampton

Er didn't think of that, thank you!
Original post
by maybeAverage_
Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering. Southampton is also closer to home. Tho tbh i missed the open days for both so I don't know which I prefer, since they were more last minute choices. So hows Southampton stronger? Thx

It has a very well established department that's been very reputable in the field of engineering for a long time. I think they also have a good track record of graduate placements, although I haven't really followed that recently so it's possible it's changed in the last few years.

Granted Loughborough is also well regarded in the engineering sector so you aren't going to be in a bad position going to either of them.

If you prefer Southampton then got there - it might be worth trying to go to the next open day, or seeing if you can visit the campus or just general city/area to get a feel for what it's like (although granted, Southampton city centre isn't really indicative of what the main uni campus is like; I can't comment on Loughborough as have never been there).

Reply 8

Original post
by artful_lounger
It has a very well established department that's been very reputable in the field of engineering for a long time. I think they also have a good track record of graduate placements, although I haven't really followed that recently so it's possible it's changed in the last few years.
Granted Loughborough is also well regarded in the engineering sector so you aren't going to be in a bad position going to either of them.
If you prefer Southampton then got there - it might be worth trying to go to the next open day, or seeing if you can visit the campus or just general city/area to get a feel for what it's like (although granted, Southampton city centre isn't really indicative of what the main uni campus is like; I can't comment on Loughborough as have never been there).

That's really helpful, thank you :biggrin:
I'll visit them and make my final decision.

Reply 9

Original post
by maybeAverage_
That's really helpful, thank you :biggrin:
I'll visit them and make my final decision.

Both Loughborough and Southampton are ranked very highly and very well thought of for engineering so its really up to you for which campus and course you prefer.

Reply 10

Original post
by maybeAverage_
I originally intended to put Southampton as my firm choice, but when on an applicant day to Brunel (my second choice), I heard that Southampton is not the place to go, and Loughborough is far better. Does anyone know which would be better? I don't care about how hard they are to get into, just how good they are. Thank you! :biggrin:

Also, I haven't received any sort of invitation to visit Lougborough since getting an offer, am I missing something or they forgot to send the email? Thx again


Both are excellent, two of the best for aeronautical engineering in the UK, as to reputation & career prospects they are equal no employer would have a preference.
Original post
by maybeAverage_
I originally intended to put Southampton as my firm choice, but when on an applicant day to Brunel (my second choice), I heard that Southampton is not the place to go, and Loughborough is far better. Does anyone know which would be better? I don't care about how hard they are to get into, just how good they are. Thank you! :biggrin:
Also, I haven't received any sort of invitation to visit Lougborough since getting an offer, am I missing something or they forgot to send the email? Thx again

Hey,
First of all, congratulations on getting your offers that’s a really big achievement and you should be proud of yourself!

I’m really sad after hearing someone told you Southampton isn’t good. I’m a student here now, and I honestly think it’s an amazing place to go to university.

The teaching quality is really strong, especially because Southampton is part of the Russell Group, meaning it’s known for excellent research and academic standards. The campus itself has a really friendly, supportive atmosphere, and there’s a great balance between study life and social life. The facilities are modern, there’s loads of green space, and being close to the coast means you can easily go for a beach day when you need a break. Plus, the Students’ Union is very active, with tons of societies and events, so there’s always something happening if you want to get involved.

Career-wise, Southampton is really focused on helping students build up experience while studying there are plenty of placement opportunities, career fairs, and support services to help you get ready for life after uni.

Wherever you end up, you’re going to do great but I just wanted to say that Southampton has been a really positive and rewarding place for me and many others here.

Wishing you all the best with your decision!

Best wishes
Junfan

Reply 12

I'm also torn between Loughborough and Southampton, although I think I'm leaning towards Loughborough! 🧐

Reply 13

Original post
by maybeAverage_
I originally intended to put Southampton as my firm choice, but when on an applicant day to Brunel (my second choice), I heard that Southampton is not the place to go, and Loughborough is far better. Does anyone know which would be better? I don't care about how hard they are to get into, just how good they are. Thank you! :biggrin:
Also, I haven't received any sort of invitation to visit Lougborough since getting an offer, am I missing something or they forgot to send the email? Thx again


I was wanting to do mechanical at Loughborough uni and got a an offer for AAB , when I went for the open day what I will say is the engineering for areo (I also looked at areo at the time) was very good and the faculties are great. The issue with Loughborough for me was the area as soon as I walked off campus the town was terrible and nothing to do. However if you sorely just want a good course Loughborough is good but personally i didn’t want to be bored

Reply 14

Original post
by Uni of Southampton Students
Hey,
First of all, congratulations on getting your offers that’s a really big achievement and you should be proud of yourself!
I’m really sad after hearing someone told you Southampton isn’t good. I’m a student here now, and I honestly think it’s an amazing place to go to university.
The teaching quality is really strong, especially because Southampton is part of the Russell Group, meaning it’s known for excellent research and academic standards. The campus itself has a really friendly, supportive atmosphere, and there’s a great balance between study life and social life. The facilities are modern, there’s loads of green space, and being close to the coast means you can easily go for a beach day when you need a break. Plus, the Students’ Union is very active, with tons of societies and events, so there’s always something happening if you want to get involved.
Career-wise, Southampton is really focused on helping students build up experience while studying there are plenty of placement opportunities, career fairs, and support services to help you get ready for life after uni.
Wherever you end up, you’re going to do great but I just wanted to say that Southampton has been a really positive and rewarding place for me and many others here.
Wishing you all the best with your decision!
Best wishes
Junfan

Thank you for your insight ^^
seriously, as a student you know best, and if you say that southampton is good then it'll probably be good for me too.
thx again

Reply 15

Original post
by lobster1111122
I'm also torn between Loughborough and Southampton, although I think I'm leaning towards Loughborough! 🧐

Ooh fair, tho tbh I have selected Southampton as my first choice and Loughborough as my second, purely because the first had higher entry requirements lol

Reply 16

Original post
by Dangosling06
I was wanting to do mechanical at Loughborough uni and got a an offer for AAB , when I went for the open day what I will say is the engineering for areo (I also looked at areo at the time) was very good and the faculties are great. The issue with Loughborough for me was the area as soon as I walked off campus the town was terrible and nothing to do. However if you sorely just want a good course Loughborough is good but personally i didn’t want to be bored

is there anything further out tho? tho it would be a pain if it was some distance away. Thanks for letting me know about it :biggrin:

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