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UCL vs Warwick Econ

I know this question probably gets asked loads but I really just need some reassurance since it's been stressing me out.

I'm lucky enough to have received offers for BSc Economics from:

Bath (AAB Contextual)
Bristol (A*AA)
Birmingham (AAA)
Warwick (A*AA)
UCL (A*AA)

Initially I've been very set on going to Warwick - I loved the campus on the open day and everyone was really friendly. I think I'd prefer a campus uni since it would be easier to make friends (I'm a bit of an introvert so I can struggle) but I don't mind a city uni either. I didn't think I'd get the UCL offer so I never really thought much about going there. Warwick/Coventry is obviously also a lot cheaper and I already live in the Midlands so I'd be closer to home.

My friends/relatives are now all pressuring me to go to UCL because its "a much better uni" or "London is better" etc. etc. but does that really matter? For context I'm not looking to go into investment banking or anything like that, I'm more interested in economist roles or just any jobs involving economic research (sorry I'm inexperienced so I might not be making sense). Would the higher prestige of UCL really matter in these roles? They're both similarly ranked for econ anyway, it's not like I'd be turning down LSE or Oxbridge. I'm also really worried about the cost of London as I'd need to get accomodation too.

Am I overthinking this? I most likely will firm Warwick but I'd appreciate any other opinions. I will attend a Warwick offer holder day and virtual insight day for UCL before I finalise my decision. Also, if anyone knows much about studying at Bath/Birmingham I'd appreciate that too since I need to pick one for my insurance.

Thanks :smile:
Original post by pagan-scimitar
I know this question probably gets asked loads but I really just need some reassurance since it's been stressing me out.

I'm lucky enough to have received offers for BSc Economics from:

Bath (AAB Contextual)
Bristol (A*AA)
Birmingham (AAA)
Warwick (A*AA)
UCL (A*AA)

Initially I've been very set on going to Warwick - I loved the campus on the open day and everyone was really friendly. I think I'd prefer a campus uni since it would be easier to make friends (I'm a bit of an introvert so I can struggle) but I don't mind a city uni either. I didn't think I'd get the UCL offer so I never really thought much about going there. Warwick/Coventry is obviously also a lot cheaper and I already live in the Midlands so I'd be closer to home.

My friends/relatives are now all pressuring me to go to UCL because its "a much better uni" or "London is better" etc. etc. but does that really matter? For context I'm not looking to go into investment banking or anything like that, I'm more interested in economist roles or just any jobs involving economic research (sorry I'm inexperienced so I might not be making sense). Would the higher prestige of UCL really matter in these roles? They're both similarly ranked for econ anyway, it's not like I'd be turning down LSE or Oxbridge. I'm also really worried about the cost of London as I'd need to get accomodation too.

Am I overthinking this? I most likely will firm Warwick but I'd appreciate any other opinions. I will attend a Warwick offer holder day and virtual insight day for UCL before I finalise my decision. Also, if anyone knows much about studying at Bath/Birmingham I'd appreciate that too since I need to pick one for my insurance.

Thanks :smile:

From everything you've written, you should firm Warwick. Others (including your family) are obviously welcome to give advice, and you are welcome to ignore it. :smile:

Reply 2

Original post by DataVenia
From everything you've written, you should firm Warwick. Others (including your family) are obviously welcome to give advice, and you are welcome to ignore it. :smile:


Thanks for the response. I think you're right, it's just hard with parents since I'd rather have their support (especially financially) but I will talk with them.

Reply 3

I'd firm Warwick and insure Bath.

The only advantage UCL has over Warwick is that it's based in London so you could connect well into finance, but seeing as you don't want to go into investment banking this doesn't even matter. Regardless, both universities are practically the same standard for Economics - go for Warwick.

I'd say Bath for insurance since it has a strong econ department and ranks higher.

Reply 4

I'd firm Warwick and insure Bath.
The only advantage UCL has over Warwick is that it's based in London so you could connect well into finance, but seeing as you don't want to go into investment banking this doesn't even matter. Regardless, both universities are practically the same standard for Economics - go for Warwick.
I'd say Bath for insurance since it has a strong econ department and ranks higher.


Thanks :smile:

Reply 5

Probably bath insurance as it’s equal or maybe even slightly stronger than Bristol and it’s definitely better than Birmingham. And probably firm out of UCL or Warwick on which one you prefer the surrounding area on (Both incredible for economics)

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