which uni should i go to???

hi! i'm currently on a gap year, but in september i'll be studying psychology either bsc or msci (probably msci) wanting to become a clinical psychologist and am currently stuck between york and swansea. essentially i'm just going to outline push and pull factors surrounding both universities.

for york:
- the career link is amazing and means that i would be getting onto my apprenticeship (and therefore have my doctorate) in six years instead of 8-9 as they have a deal with hull to provide apprenticeships to bsc psych graduates from york and hull.
- it's a russell group university and has very high standards of teaching
- the libraries and resources are very impressive
- student union & societies are much larger and have significant funding, something i care about
- the campus is STUNNING
- i really like the modules that they offer on the courses
- i can hopefully transfer over my job
- i already have an unconditional offer there

against york:
- it's so far away. the distance to get from york to my nearest train station requires at least one change, and ticket prices range from £55-£100 for a SINGLE. i have found returns that start at £109 - and those are same-day returns
- it's quite a big city to me, i come from the midlands and have always lived in a very small town. it seems daunting.
- if i don't maximise my work hours, i simply won't have the expenses to live in york
- years/semesters/summers abroad seem to be very limited

for swansea:
- i love how small the city is. it reminds me a lot of my hometown in the way that you can memorise exactly where everything will be, something i'd assume i'd struggle with in york
- the campuses are both gorgeous, i could live with my best friend on bay campus!!
- living by a beach sounds incredible
- i get a £3000 scholarship (i got AAA)
- significantly cheaper city, both in actual cost of living AND cost of getting home
- warmer weather (i love the summer)
- i can afford to live there in many ways
- the societies are also great
- self-expression is a lot easier in swansea, something that's very big to me
- i can do a summer/semester/year abroad

against swansea:
- i don't particularly want to have to take 2 years out to then go on to do a doctorate apprenticeship
- unsure on the quality of education compared to york
- the facilities don't impress me nearly as much
- i'm not sure i would enjoy the course as much
- i don't know if they'd accept me (i'd need to apply through UCAS extra)

i truly don't know what i'd prefer but i honestly believe i would do more with my life if i went to york. i'm so confused

Reply 1

University of York

Official Rep

Hello juneeee,

It's lovely to hear you're thinking about York and it's reassuring that you've done lots of research. I can help with a few points.

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Size of the city. Don't worry about it being too big. I've lived all over the UK and have found York to be the most relaxed place. I find it hits the Goldilocks zone of not being so small I've got bored but it's not so big you get lost. Generally, I've found people here friendly and it's just a nice place to be. The university as a whole, departments and the college system are very supportive and give a nice feeling of community from the start.

•

Study abroad. We do have a dedicated team working to support students finding short courses/partnerships etc. On the right hand side of the page I've linked to are their contact details and I'd highly recommend calling them to find out what they can offer and asking any questions you might have.

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Train tickets; gosh they're expensive! Have you considered living on campus? If you do want to explore that option the accomodation team are lovely and can talk you through your options.

Whichever uni you decide on, I wish you well and hope you enjoy your course. If you have any questions let me know.

E.

Reply 2

Sybilll

Hello, based on what you have said, I think you can choose Swansea University. It has academic programs with a history of more than 100 years, and its psychology has an excellent reputation in the UK and even the world. The school focuses on students' practical ability, which is very important for you to be a Chartered Psychologist in the future. Besides, the cost of living in Swansea is more affordable, especially the student accommodation in Swansea, so you do not have great pressure to pay for the living expenses.

Reply 3

kitkatya789

York seems like the better option, you have to think about university more in terms of education not the other factors you mentioned but obviously I understand what you're saying too! but trust me the most important thing is the course and it's modules / options so it'd have to be york as long term the investment will probably be worth it.

The downside is though ofc it will be a lot more expensiver, i'm also from the midlands so i assume you wouldn't be commuting as that's far, and isn't swansea further/longer to get to than york? But yeh if you genuinely can't afford york (i'm hoping you can get support from eg a university bursay or parents and hopefully you can get the maximum loan of like 9000) then you'd have to pick a university more affordable such a swansea.