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Worried I made the wrong uni choice?

Hey guys! Was really stuck between two unis to firm, love both courses but one (A) is ranked higher and the other (B) has better facilities?

I got a really big gut feeling about when I saw it B and loved it, felt the course was really interesting but I don’t see it taking me further whereas A also has some interesting course material and the option to do placements. I’m a really work focused person so the lack of placement options at B was originally a deal breaker for me.

I’ve been to B twice on official open days and interviews (so got to meet and have good discussions with lecturers and people who were wanting to take the course) but I’ve only been to A once and that was on a random day so I didn’t get to see inside the actual uni and can’t find ANYONE online who is taking the same course.

I firmed A but recently I’ve been feeling really worried/anxious that I’ve made the wrong choice whenever it’s brought up, I’m not sure it’s because of buyer’s remorse, or because I don’t know as much/feel as comfortable about it or if I just really don’t want to go deep down.

Was wondering if anyone had a similar experience? How they found it in the end or if they switched?
Original post
by badchoices
Hey guys! Was really stuck between two unis to firm, love both courses but one (A) is ranked higher and the other (B) has better facilities?

I got a really big gut feeling about when I saw it B and loved it, felt the course was really interesting but I don’t see it taking me further whereas A also has some interesting course material and the option to do placements. I’m a really work focused person so the lack of placement options at B was originally a deal breaker for me.

I’ve been to B twice on official open days and interviews (so got to meet and have good discussions with lecturers and people who were wanting to take the course) but I’ve only been to A once and that was on a random day so I didn’t get to see inside the actual uni and can’t find ANYONE online who is taking the same course.

I firmed A but recently I’ve been feeling really worried/anxious that I’ve made the wrong choice whenever it’s brought up, I’m not sure it’s because of buyer’s remorse, or because I don’t know as much/feel as comfortable about it or if I just really don’t want to go deep down.

Was wondering if anyone had a similar experience? How they found it in the end or if they switched?

Given that you were so conflicted, it seems odd that you've "been to B twice on official open days and interviews" but have "only been to A once and that was on a random day". Had to attended A in a more "formal" capacity (e.g. an an open day), then you may have had an opportunity to "meet and have good discussions with lecturers and people who were wanting to take the course" - as you did with B. That may have given you some reassurance that A was a good choice, or may have done the opposite and convinced you that you should follow your "big gut feeling" about B.

Have you checked whether A has an open days coming up?
Original post
by badchoices
Hey guys! Was really stuck between two unis to firm, love both courses but one (A) is ranked higher and the other (B) has better facilities?
I got a really big gut feeling about when I saw it B and loved it, felt the course was really interesting but I don’t see it taking me further whereas A also has some interesting course material and the option to do placements. I’m a really work focused person so the lack of placement options at B was originally a deal breaker for me.
I’ve been to B twice on official open days and interviews (so got to meet and have good discussions with lecturers and people who were wanting to take the course) but I’ve only been to A once and that was on a random day so I didn’t get to see inside the actual uni and can’t find ANYONE online who is taking the same course.
I firmed A but recently I’ve been feeling really worried/anxious that I’ve made the wrong choice whenever it’s brought up, I’m not sure it’s because of buyer’s remorse, or because I don’t know as much/feel as comfortable about it or if I just really don’t want to go deep down.
Was wondering if anyone had a similar experience? How they found it in the end or if they switched?

Hey , sorry to hear you are juggling such a tough decision but here's my take on your situation .
Three years ago I got into 5 universities for engineering and in the end I didn't going with the highest ranking because When I went to the open days I went with the university I felt most at home with. At all the other open days I felt so out of place and uncomfortable despite them being the better university on paper.
In the end I realised that I could work hard in any university and probably achieved everything I wanted but I couldn't do that in a space that would make me depressed. And ultimately the universities might rank different but they had similar facilities and were all accredited by the governing Bodies that would allow me to be chartered . And my university had one of the best careers teams in the country which served me really well .

I don't know how things will work for you but my choice paid off , I had an amazing academic career , amazing career changing internships , was apart of clubs and even played sports .And I had amazing friends , travelled and genuinely met my forever people and I wouldn't change my choice .

I hope this helps .
Cece
Engineering student

Reply 3

I agree! Definitely a big regret in hindsight, honestly I hadn’t considered B as an option until I went and with A I hadn’t considered it an option until I got my offer and realised it has some great opportunities.

A does have open days coming up but they’re all past the window I have to change my firm choice so I’m not sure if it would just make me overthink (even more than I already am!)

Reply 4

Original post
by badchoices
I agree! Definitely a big regret in hindsight, honestly I hadn’t considered B as an option until I went and with A I hadn’t considered it an option until I got my offer and realised it has some great opportunities.
A does have open days coming up but they’re all past the window I have to change my firm choice so I’m not sure if it would just make me overthink (even more than I already am!)

I would still go to the Open Day just to put you mind at rest or otherwise. No Uni wants an unhappy student and you could sort this out later if needs be.
Original post
by Muttley79
I would still go to the Open Day just to put you mind at rest or otherwise. No Uni wants an unhappy student and you could sort this out later if needs be.

@Muttley79, how are you proposing that the OP "sort this out later if needs be"? UCAS provide applicants with a 14-day window during which they can change their mind, but beyond that it's at the discretion of the unis involved. Is that what you're suggesting the OP attempts to take advantage of?

@badchoices, have a read of the "Changed your mind about your replies?" section of this UCAS page, which says:

"Here’s what to do if you change your mind:

If you replied to your offers in the last 14 days, contact one of our advisers to make any changes to your replies.

If it’s been more than 14 days since you replied to your offers, there is a more detailed process you need to follow. As you’ve agreed to a contract with your chosen uni or college, it may be possible, but we are unable to guarantee you can change them. You’ll need to speak to them about changing your replies, and then call us, to let us know what you want to do.

No reply swaps are possible after 24 July 2025."
(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 6

Original post
by DataVenia
@Muttley79, how are you proposing that the OP "sort this out later if needs be"? UCAS provide applicants with a 14-day window during which they can change their mind, but beyond that it's at the discretion of the unis involved. Is that what you're suggesting the OP attempts to take advantage of?
@badchoices, have a read of the "Changed your mind about your replies?" section of this UCAS page, which says:
"Here’s what to do if you change your mind:
If you replied to your offers in the last 14 days, contact one of our advisers to make any changes to your replies.
If it’s been more than 14 days since you replied to your offers, there is a more detailed process you need to follow. As you’ve agreed to a contract with your chosen uni or college, it may be possible, but we are unable to guarantee you can change them. You’ll need to speak to them about changing your replies, and then call us, to let us know what you want to do.
No reply swaps are possible after 24 July 2025."

Just follow what you posted! No uni has refused this in my experience - they want students who want to be there ..

Anyway going to the Open Day might put their mind at test - are you honestly suggesting they don't do this and wonder "What if?" for ever? Not very helpful ...
Original post
by Muttley79
Just follow what you posted! No uni has refused this in my experience - they want students who want to be there ..

Anyway going to the Open Day might put their mind at test - are you honestly suggesting they don't do this and wonder "What if?" for ever? Not very helpful ...

I was just attempting to clarify the approach you were suggesting, is wasn't entirely clear. So thanks for doing that. :smile:

Reply 8

i had a similar problem! i had already firmed a uni and then going back to both i realised that my gut was telling me to go to my insurance based on overall feelings and experience that i didn’t have at my firm,i was worried as my insurance was ranked lower but not by much but still is top 5 for graduates.if you feel down the line you have made the wrong decision it’s not too late! i was able to email and call the uni i wanted to firm and had it switched with no problems! i would definitely visit again before rushing a decision and go with your gut! good luck!!

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