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University of Bristol or University of Birmingham?

I have been offered a place at both Bristol and Birmingham and I am struggling to choose.
They have both given me an offer of ABB, with Bristol specifying that the A must be in English.

I really liked the campus of Birmingham, it was beautiful, and prefer the idea of a campus over a city, like Bristol. Also, Birmingham appears to be much cheaper than Bristol, which is important to me. However, Bristol is closer to home, and the city is beautiful, unlike Birmingham’s actual city, but I wonder if prices will allow me to live in the nice areas anyway? I’m also slightly worried about being from a working class low income family going to Bristol.

I am not that bothered about nightlife tbh and don’t think I would end up going into Birmingham city centre that often.

I have applied for English Literature and, whilst Bristol is clearly more prestigious and ranked slightly higher, Birmingham is ranked higher for English. I am also likely going to go into teaching and do a PGCE after I graduate to become an English teacher, so I could go to Bristol for that instead? I don’t know…

Any tips or advice would be very appreciated!

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 1

University of Bath

Official Rep

Hi there,

Its a big decision choosing which uni to aim for so its good to hear you're thinking carefully about the pros and cons of each.

I would advise that the most important thing you should prioritise is the course. Which out of Birmingham and Bristol's courses have the modules that you think you'd find more interesting and engaging? This will play a big part in your motivation.

Have you visited these places? If so, what was the vibe like? Where did you feel most at home? I, like you, loved the idea of a campus uni because everything was so close together and convenient to get to, whereas city unis can be more difficult to navigate. I personally would find a campus uni better because it campuses have the feel of small villages, which I personally quite like! If you get invited to any offer holder days at these unis, then these will be a good chance to have a second look at them and chat to some students and academics.

Have you tried writing a list of pros and cons for each uni and seeing overall if there emerges a winner?

I hope some of this helps, and best of luck with your choices 🙂

Holly
University of Bath

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 2

McGinger

BIRMINGHAM.

Its cheaper and the Uni population is more diverse than Bristol.
Also, there has been considerable investment in the city recently - its a fun place to be a student with lots to do.

Reply 3

WaistcoatRich

Nice problem to have! I think your analysis of the universities and cities is on the mark; your idea for Birmingham for UG and Bristol for PG sounds like an excellent solution.

Reply 4

PG Study Chester

Official Rep

Original post by Eva200

I have been offered a place at both Bristol and Birmingham and I am struggling to choose.
They have both given me an offer of ABB, with Bristol specifying that the A must be in English.
I really liked the campus of Birmingham, it was beautiful, and prefer the idea of a campus over a city, like Bristol. Also, Birmingham appears to be much cheaper than Bristol, which is important to me. However, Bristol is closer to home, and the city is beautiful, unlike Birmingham’s actual city, but I wonder if prices will allow me to live in the nice areas anyway? I’m also slightly worried about being from a working class low income family going to Bristol.
I am not that bothered about nightlife tbh and don’t think I would end up going into Birmingham city centre that often.
I have applied for English Literature and, whilst Bristol is clearly more prestigious and ranked slightly higher, Birmingham is ranked higher for English. I am also likely going to go into teaching and do a PGCE after I graduate to become an English teacher, so I could go to Bristol for that instead? I don’t know…
Any tips or advice would be very appreciated!

Hi Eva 200,

Well done on receiving offers from two super universities, amazing result! Firstly don't worry about being from a working class low income family going to Bristol, you have earned your place everyone is equal and so never think that you should not be somewhere for that.

It is a really good start that you have been to visit both universities, as that is often the first thing I would suggest you do if you are struggling to decide between the two. Did one course appeal to you more? Did one university have more options that you were interested in? And how did you find the tutors? How about the campus itself? You say that you aren't really bothered about the nightlife, but how about life outside of academic work, did one uni have more opportunities for you to have a go at the hobbies etc that you enjoy? It's important that you take all of these considerations into account as you need to choose a university that you feel that you are most at home at. Don't necessarily consider the league tables, instead opt for somewhere that you like being, that appeals to you personally. This way you will be happier and that will enable you to really do justice to yourself and your studies and will be reflected in your ultimate grade.

Good luck with your decision,
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester