The Student Room Group

University of Nottingham vs University of Southampton for medicine ?

I’ve gotten an offer from Nottingham and Southampton for medicine and I’m having a hard time deciding which one I should firm. I don’t drink and go to clubs/bars so would my time at Nottingham be less enjoyable? Would really appreciate the pros and cons for both universities.
Also is there an extra benefit for doing the extra degree in Nottingham in 3rd year , e.g. more likely to go to the hospital you rank first after graduation ?
Original post by j jackson
I’ve gotten an offer from Nottingham and Southampton for medicine and I’m having a hard time deciding which one I should firm. I don’t drink and go to clubs/bars so would my time at Nottingham be less enjoyable? Would really appreciate the pros and cons for both universities.
Also is there an extra benefit for doing the extra degree in Nottingham in 3rd year , e.g. more likely to go to the hospital you rank first after graduation ?

Hi, congrats on your offers!

Whilst I don't do medicine, I am currently in my second year of study at University of Southampton, and would be really happy to share by experience. In my opinion, there are lots of non-drinking social opportunities at Southampton, with hundreds of societies and sports. There is also Medsoc, which include many societies specifically for medics, which I have heard creates a great community.

You can find out more about the course itself here, including content and structure.
Speaking to other students is always helpful - so I hope your post can encourage this 😄

If you have any questions for me about the university of Southampton I will be more than happy to answer them
Rachel (UoS student ambassador)

Reply 2

Original post by Uni of Southampton Students
Hi, congrats on your offers!
Whilst I don't do medicine, I am currently in my second year of study at University of Southampton, and would be really happy to share by experience. In my opinion, there are lots of non-drinking social opportunities at Southampton, with hundreds of societies and sports. There is also Medsoc, which include many societies specifically for medics, which I have heard creates a great community.
You can find out more about the course itself here, including content and structure.
Speaking to other students is always helpful - so I hope your post can encourage this 😄
If you have any questions for me about the university of Southampton I will be more than happy to answer them
Rachel (UoS student ambassador)

hi could u describe ur time at soton, in terms of the area, the diversity, support from staff and whats the teaching actually like - is it mostly going to lectures etc + clinical placements or mostly online webinars - whats accom like, cost of living there, and do they tend to requests such as single-sex only flats w no alcohol?or js lmk how u find it in general and why i should/shouldnt go there. fanks xx

Reply 3

Original post by j jackson
I’ve gotten an offer from Nottingham and Southampton for medicine and I’m having a hard time deciding which one I should firm. I don’t drink and go to clubs/bars so would my time at Nottingham be less enjoyable? Would really appreciate the pros and cons for both universities.
Also is there an extra benefit for doing the extra degree in Nottingham in 3rd year , e.g. more likely to go to the hospital you rank first after graduation ?

Hey, I don’t know much about either uni however, I’m pretty sure the FY1 applications after grad are just luck now. You used to rank them and then would be more likely be placed in your top choices if you graduated with a high grade. That’s not the case anymore and, while you still out preferences down, its all random I think now. So intercalating as part of your degree wouldn’t affect which hospital you’re placed at as an FY1. Hope this helps! Also, personally, if you don’t drink or party, I would choose Southampton. You’ll still love Nottingham as there’s lots more to do but I feel like Southampton might be better suited to you (and it has the beach)!

Reply 4

Original post by Anonymous
Hey, I don’t know much about either uni however, I’m pretty sure the FY1 applications after grad are just luck now. You used to rank them and then would be more likely be placed in your top choices if you graduated with a high grade. That’s not the case anymore and, while you still out preferences down, its all random I think now. So intercalating as part of your degree wouldn’t affect which hospital you’re placed at as an FY1. Hope this helps! Also, personally, if you don’t drink or party, I would choose Southampton. You’ll still love Nottingham as there’s lots more to do but I feel like Southampton might be better suited to you (and it has the beach)!

*put
Original post by ihfdak
hi could u describe ur time at soton, in terms of the area, the diversity, support from staff and whats the teaching actually like - is it mostly going to lectures etc + clinical placements or mostly online webinars - whats accom like, cost of living there, and do they tend to requests such as single-sex only flats w no alcohol?or js lmk how u find it in general and why i should/shouldnt go there. fanks xx


In my opinion the teaching is great - my lecturers are very willing to answer questions, and everyone is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor which questions and problems can be taken to.

There is a range of options for accommodation - with Glen Eyre being 15 minutes from campus, Wessex Lane about 25, and there also being accomodation options in the city centre. You also receieve a free bus pass in first year which makes exploring the city much easier, and I found to be very useful! While I personally didn't request a specific flat (e.g. single sex), there is an option to choose that when applying for accomodation, and they are good at providing this. Southampton is ok for cost of living - it's not the cheapest but it's nowhere near London / Bath / Bristol prices, and I finding housing in second year, if choosing to move out of halls, is an easy process with support offered from the university.

I would visit Southampton itself to find out more about the city, it's a port city with lots of entertainment options - including the mayflower theatre.
Overall remember it's up to how you feel about a place - and I think visiting the university and place is a great way to decide if you would want to study / live in an area

Hope this can help
Rachel (UoS student ambassador)

Quick Reply