Deciding which uni to put as my firm choice

2

Hi everyone. I'm hoping to study chemistry/biology at uni in September this year. I have offers from Uni of Southampton (AAB or ABB), Uni of Bath (ABC) and Uni of Surrey (BBB). I'm not sure which to put as my firm choice tho. I'm mainly torn between Southampton and Bath. My sister went to Southampton and I went to visit her quite a bit so maybe it's cause I'm more familiar with it that I'm drawn to it. It's also a lot closer because I live on the Isle of Wight so that could also be a reason that subconsciously I feel like I'd prefer it. I feel like I should be going further away for uni tho; I'm quite an independent person so idk why that would have a big impact. Also, I'm gay and Southampton seems like it has more diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ people so more options for dating (I'm single and I'd like to put myself out there and start dating when I start uni) which might sound like a bit of a stupid reason idk. In terms of modules, both offer very similar ones but for Bath it seems like you need to decide sooner and as an indecisive person, I don't really like that. But Bath seems like such a good uni especially for science. There's a lot of tutors/lecturers so they get to know you properly. It's also highly regarded as a good science uni and Bath postgraduates are apparently highly sought after for careers afterwards. The sports facilities are very good too and the area is lovely (especially the fact that the chem society balls happen at the Roman Bathouse). If anyone went to/is at either, can you lmk what you think or if anyone is in the same/similar situation to me, how did you make your decision.

Reply 1

De Montfort University

Official Rep

17

Original post

by Lucas626

Hi everyone. I'm hoping to study chemistry/biology at uni in September this year. I have offers from Uni of Southampton (AAB or ABB), Uni of Bath (ABC) and Uni of Surrey (BBB). I'm not sure which to put as my firm choice tho. I'm mainly torn between Southampton and Bath. My sister went to Southampton and I went to visit her quite a bit so maybe it's cause I'm more familiar with it that I'm drawn to it. It's also a lot closer because I live on the Isle of Wight so that could also be a reason that subconsciously I feel like I'd prefer it. I feel like I should be going further away for uni tho; I'm quite an independent person so idk why that would have a big impact. Also, I'm gay and Southampton seems like it has more diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ people so more options for dating (I'm single and I'd like to put myself out there and start dating when I start uni) which might sound like a bit of a stupid reason idk. In terms of modules, both offer very similar ones but for Bath it seems like you need to decide sooner and as an indecisive person, I don't really like that. But Bath seems like such a good uni especially for science. There's a lot of tutors/lecturers so they get to know you properly. It's also highly regarded as a good science uni and Bath postgraduates are apparently highly sought after for careers afterwards. The sports facilities are very good too and the area is lovely (especially the fact that the chem society balls happen at the Roman Bathouse). If anyone went to/is at either, can you lmk what you think or if anyone is in the same/similar situation to me, how did you make your decision.

Hey there 😃

Choosing a university is definitely a big decision. You're right, it's rarely straightforward 😅 One thing I always recommend is to really tune in to your inner voice. It often knows what you truly want deep down, beyond the “logical” pros and cons list. If that voice feels unsure, then take a step back and reflect on what you value most and what you hope to gain from your university experience - whether it's career development, academic excellence, social life, independence, or personal growth.

Once you've got clarity on your priorities, it becomes easier to see which university aligns with them and will help you get to where you want to be not just in terms of academics, but as a whole experience.

I hope it will be helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 2

SharlLeglerg16

5

Original post

by Lucas626

Hi everyone. I'm hoping to study chemistry/biology at uni in September this year. I have offers from Uni of Southampton (AAB or ABB), Uni of Bath (ABC) and Uni of Surrey (BBB). I'm not sure which to put as my firm choice tho. I'm mainly torn between Southampton and Bath. My sister went to Southampton and I went to visit her quite a bit so maybe it's cause I'm more familiar with it that I'm drawn to it. It's also a lot closer because I live on the Isle of Wight so that could also be a reason that subconsciously I feel like I'd prefer it. I feel like I should be going further away for uni tho; I'm quite an independent person so idk why that would have a big impact. Also, I'm gay and Southampton seems like it has more diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ people so more options for dating (I'm single and I'd like to put myself out there and start dating when I start uni) which might sound like a bit of a stupid reason idk. In terms of modules, both offer very similar ones but for Bath it seems like you need to decide sooner and as an indecisive person, I don't really like that. But Bath seems like such a good uni especially for science. There's a lot of tutors/lecturers so they get to know you properly. It's also highly regarded as a good science uni and Bath postgraduates are apparently highly sought after for careers afterwards. The sports facilities are very good too and the area is lovely (especially the fact that the chem society balls happen at the Roman Bathouse). If anyone went to/is at either, can you lmk what you think or if anyone is in the same/similar situation to me, how did you make your decision.

Hey! I can't answer specifically so this may or may not help, but my bf is at Bath for chemistry and he really loves it. As far as I'm aware Bath have an excellent LGBT community as you can get LGBT accommodation at Bath, and many of my bf's friends who are LGBT feel very supported by the uni.

I had a look at Southampton and originally firmed it for History (so yeah we are looking into very different subject areas and this response may nor help at all!) but in the end I decided to switch my firm and insurance and go to Royal Holloway. Southampton seems great if you're someone who likes partying and going out and doesn't mind a more city uni feel, as whilst it is campus the campus really is quite spread out compared to other campus unis I looked at.

I'm sure whichever you pick you'll do amazing, and feel free to dm if theres anything youd like me to ask my bf about Bath, or me about Southampton

Reply 3

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Hi there Lucas,

Congrats on your offers from those great unis!

I personally cannot speak for what the course is like at either, but as a former Bath student I can say that I genuinely loved my time at Bath. Its one of the safest cities in the UK and also has one of the best industrial placement schemes in the country which will add its weight in gold to your graduate CV and is a great opportunity to do something fun and different for a year whilst earning some money and getting valuable career experience.

In terms of size the uni itself is similar in size to Southampton, but what Bath has that Southampton doesn't have is the historic, oldy-worldy feel of the city. Southampton, however, is a livelier city with a faster pace of life and potentially more of a nightlife scene (and also they have a coast which is nice!) - although there are loads of pubs, a few nice cocktail bars and nightclubs in Bath such as Moles, the Second Bridge and Komedia.

Something that particularly drew me to Bath (over another university) was, besides the placement scheme, the fact that is was well-known for my course (which was psychology) and that all the student ambassadors I spoke to here before getting my offer just seemed so happy. They seemed to enjoy the variety of extra curricular activities Bath offered (such as loads of different societies including LGBT+, and excellent sport opportunities). Another thing I really liked about Bath was the fact that it has a really nice, open feel with plenty of green space and a lake where lives a small community of mallard ducks who are NOT afraid of people! I had several friends during my time here who are LGBT+ and there is definitely a vibrant scene here at Bath, not just for LGBT+ people but also people of different nationalities, gender identities and cultures/faiths.

Overall I find the uni a really welcoming place to be with a lot of great opportunities both academic and non-academic 🙂

However at the end of the day its 100% your decision and its mostly about deciding A) which course you think better suits your needs, interests and aspirations, B) which uni makes you feel most at home and C) which city you feel you'd be happier living in for the next 3-4 years of your life.

I hope some of this helps you with your decision but I'm sure whichever you end up choosing you'll have a great time and make some fantastic memories with the people you meet and the opportunities you take 🙂

Holly
University of Bath

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 4

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Lucas626

Hi everyone. I'm hoping to study chemistry/biology at uni in September this year. I have offers from Uni of Southampton (AAB or ABB), Uni of Bath (ABC) and Uni of Surrey (BBB). I'm not sure which to put as my firm choice tho. I'm mainly torn between Southampton and Bath. My sister went to Southampton and I went to visit her quite a bit so maybe it's cause I'm more familiar with it that I'm drawn to it. It's also a lot closer because I live on the Isle of Wight so that could also be a reason that subconsciously I feel like I'd prefer it. I feel like I should be going further away for uni tho; I'm quite an independent person so idk why that would have a big impact. Also, I'm gay and Southampton seems like it has more diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ people so more options for dating (I'm single and I'd like to put myself out there and start dating when I start uni) which might sound like a bit of a stupid reason idk. In terms of modules, both offer very similar ones but for Bath it seems like you need to decide sooner and as an indecisive person, I don't really like that. But Bath seems like such a good uni especially for science. There's a lot of tutors/lecturers so they get to know you properly. It's also highly regarded as a good science uni and Bath postgraduates are apparently highly sought after for careers afterwards. The sports facilities are very good too and the area is lovely (especially the fact that the chem society balls happen at the Roman Bathouse). If anyone went to/is at either, can you lmk what you think or if anyone is in the same/similar situation to me, how did you make your decision.

Hi, congrats on your offers!

I am a second year student at Southampton studying zoology, so while I can't tell you about chemistry, I do know more about biology and the overall uni!
Southampton is a lovely campus university, with most lectures being in the main Highfield campus, with lots of green areas, study spaces and cafes. There is also Avenue campus, only a short (10 minutes) from Highfield, with more lecture theatres and spaces. The facilities at Southampton are great, and you will be assigned a personal academic tutor which is really helpful with any questions you might have, and acts as a great point of contact to the rest of your department.

I would recommend looking at the modules and specifics about each course, as this will be a very big part of how your university experience will go. I would also recommend visiting each place if you haven't already as it gives you a good feel of what it will be like living there.

Hope this helps, please ask any more questions you might have 😀

Rachel (UoS student ambassador)

Reply 5

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Lucas626

Hi everyone. I'm hoping to study chemistry/biology at uni in September this year. I have offers from Uni of Southampton (AAB or ABB), Uni of Bath (ABC) and Uni of Surrey (BBB). I'm not sure which to put as my firm choice tho. I'm mainly torn between Southampton and Bath. My sister went to Southampton and I went to visit her quite a bit so maybe it's cause I'm more familiar with it that I'm drawn to it. It's also a lot closer because I live on the Isle of Wight so that could also be a reason that subconsciously I feel like I'd prefer it. I feel like I should be going further away for uni tho; I'm quite an independent person so idk why that would have a big impact. Also, I'm gay and Southampton seems like it has more diversity in terms of LGBTQ+ people so more options for dating (I'm single and I'd like to put myself out there and start dating when I start uni) which might sound like a bit of a stupid reason idk. In terms of modules, both offer very similar ones but for Bath it seems like you need to decide sooner and as an indecisive person, I don't really like that. But Bath seems like such a good uni especially for science. There's a lot of tutors/lecturers so they get to know you properly. It's also highly regarded as a good science uni and Bath postgraduates are apparently highly sought after for careers afterwards. The sports facilities are very good too and the area is lovely (especially the fact that the chem society balls happen at the Roman Bathouse). If anyone went to/is at either, can you lmk what you think or if anyone is in the same/similar situation to me, how did you make your decision.

Dear Lucas

Thank you for being brave to express everything and I just want to share with you some of mine personal experiences. Southampton honestly sounds like a great fit for you, especially since you already feel a connection to the place and live close by. You’re right the university is really inclusive and has loads of events for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during Pride Week and throughout the year. There are also plenty of societies and socials where everyone’s encouraged to just be themselves, and it’s easy to meet people and make genuine connections.

The campus has a great vibe, and being familiar with it already can actually be a big advantage it helps you settle in quicker and feel more at home. We’re really hoping to see you here soon! It sounds like you’d thrive at Southampton!

Best wishes
Junfan student ambassador

Deciding which uni to put as my firm choice

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