Plymouth Vs Southampton

1

I'm struggling to decide whether to go to Plymouth university or Southampton University studying biomedical science. I really enjoyed the city and the socials in Plymouth with lots to do all in close proximity.
Whereas with Southampton I really preferred the learning environment and labs, with the modules fitting things more to my interest. Despite this, the city felt far away and compared to Plymouth couldn't find much to do in the city.
Anyone studying at these universities, any advise?

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

15

Original post by Cole.

I'm struggling to decide whether to go to Plymouth university or Southampton University studying biomedical science. I really enjoyed the city and the socials in Plymouth with lots to do all in close proximity.
Whereas with Southampton I really preferred the learning environment and labs, with the modules fitting things more to my interest. Despite this, the city felt far away and compared to Plymouth couldn't find much to do in the city.
Anyone studying at these universities, any advise?

Hey!

Although I'm a LJMU student and can't speak directly for Plymouth or Southampton, I understand where you're coming from! Choosing between a city you took a liking to and a Uni that seems better academically is tough

From what you've said, it sounds like Plymouth has a great student atmosphere and everything is really accessible, which can definitely makes day-to-day life more enjoyable, especially in first year where you're really meant to be enjoying student life. But if the course at Southampton excites you more and feels better aligned with your future goals, that might end up being the more rewarding option long-term?

Maybe try to imagine where you'd feel the most motivated and supported when Uni gets really intense, would the city environment or the course content matter more during those times?

Hope that helps a little! 🙂

Gemma
LJMU Official Student Rep

Reply 2

McGinger

20

Both these Unis are 'good' for Biology. Plym has expertise in Marine Biology, S'ton leans more towards Biomedical. S'ton a bigger Uni, and a bigger city, Plymouth is cosier but gets busy because of Navy presence and tourists.

I really preferred the learning environment and labs, with the modules fitting things more to my interest
This is the important bit. You'll find stuff to do once you get there and get going on the course

Reply 3

Tara753

8

Original post by Cole.

I'm struggling to decide whether to go to Plymouth university or Southampton University studying biomedical science. I really enjoyed the city and the socials in Plymouth with lots to do all in close proximity.
Whereas with Southampton I really preferred the learning environment and labs, with the modules fitting things more to my interest. Despite this, the city felt far away and compared to Plymouth couldn't find much to do in the city.
Anyone studying at these universities, any advise?

Hi there, I attend Univeristy of Plymouth and I really enjoy it. Everything is within walking distance and the accomodation is cheaper compared to some accomodation at Southampton. There are plenty of events going on in Plymouth for students and you are just a walk away from the sea.

Reply 4

Tara753

8

Original post by Tara753

Hi there, I attend Univeristy of Plymouth and I really enjoy it. Everything is within walking distance and the accomodation is cheaper compared to some accomodation at Southampton. There are plenty of events going on in Plymouth for students and you are just a walk away from the sea.

I would really advise, you visit an offer holder day fro each of them :smile:

Reply 5

University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Official Rep

12

Original post by Cole.

I'm struggling to decide whether to go to Plymouth university or Southampton University studying biomedical science. I really enjoyed the city and the socials in Plymouth with lots to do all in close proximity.
Whereas with Southampton I really preferred the learning environment and labs, with the modules fitting things more to my interest. Despite this, the city felt far away and compared to Plymouth couldn't find much to do in the city.
Anyone studying at these universities, any advise?

Hey there! 😊

I'm a current Plymouth student and, although I don't study the same course, I'd be more than happy to help answer any questions you have or chat to you about the uni/city! 🌟

One of the main reasons I chose to study at Plymouth was the city and location! It's a lovely city and really student friendly. It's easy to walk around or use public transport and I've never needed a car as of yet to get around. There is so much to do, as you mentioned, from the shopping centre to sea swimming, cinemas, bowling, clubs and pubs, parks, gyms, pools, restaurants, cafés and more just minutes from the university and all within walking distance (around 5-20 mins for most places)! 🏙️

The campus itself is also great- it's really modern and has nice well-equipped facilities with a nice atmosphere. There is a regular campus market, events, a great SU and societies, a new park coming soon, as well as brand new buildings with nice study spaces and cafés. ☕️

I'm not sure which buildings biomedical science uses but it's likely a mix of Davy and InterCity place I'd imagine (but it's worth asking at an open day or emailing to see for sure!)- Davy has a great LabPlus+ facility useful for all STEM students with lab kits available always to practice with, resources, staff, and space to study and complete coursework/revision. It also has some really modern labs that you might not have been able to see on an open day if they weren't open (as there's a lot of them across all floors!) and a unique Nikon 5G microscope lab too. InterCity place is the brand new building equipped for high-spec healthcare and medical-related courses with state of the art equipment and a café, study spaces, and more. 📝

If you have any more questions, feel free to let me know and I'd be happy to help out! Best of luck making the right choice for you and good luck if you have any exams too! 🤩

-Alfie, University of Plymouth Undergraduate Student Rep

Reply 6

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by McGinger

Both these Unis are 'good' for Biology. Plym has expertise in Marine Biology, S'ton leans more towards Biomedical. S'ton a bigger Uni, and a bigger city, Plymouth is cosier but gets busy because of Navy presence and tourists.

I really preferred the learning environment and labs, with the modules fitting things more to my interest
This is the important bit. You'll find stuff to do once you get there and get going on the course

Southampton has great strengths in marine biology as well, although its based in SOES down at NOCS rather than the school of biological sciences (although as I recall there's a joint course in biology and marine biology).

Reply 7

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

16

Original post by Cole.

I'm struggling to decide whether to go to Plymouth university or Southampton University studying biomedical science. I really enjoyed the city and the socials in Plymouth with lots to do all in close proximity.
Whereas with Southampton I really preferred the learning environment and labs, with the modules fitting things more to my interest. Despite this, the city felt far away and compared to Plymouth couldn't find much to do in the city.
Anyone studying at these universities, any advise?

Hi, I study Zoology at the University of Southampton, and shared many first year modules with biomed students. I think it is very important you enjoy the labs / modules / lectures as this will really impact your experience at university. I think the biological sciences department as Southampton is great, offering great support and high quality learning, and each student is assigned a PAT who you can go to with any questions. The university of Southampton campus is also a wonderful green environment.

If you stay in student accommodation in first year, the university gives free bus passes, which makes it really easy to explore Southampton and go into the city, and you will find it doesn't feel too far away at all! There are lots of societies, both sport and otherwise, to join in in Southampton, and lots of clubs, bars, pubs, cinemas, shops etc. I would check out Westquay shopping centre to find lots to do.

Let me know if you have any more questions about the course / area - I'm happy to help 😀
Rachel - Uos student ambassador

Plymouth Vs Southampton

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