Uni of york or manchester

Hi, So ive currently got an offer for biosciences foundation year for manchester (and then after i do a 3 year biotech course). But i called into clearing and also got a normal offer for york for biotechnology. Which one should i pick? is there discrimination against foundation year between employers?

manchester is a lively city with lots to do and wide diversity. also i think its a better ranked uni than york(although it doesnt say that on the uni comparison ranking table on websites). But i'd have to do 4 years and theres the issue of more debt. York is quieter with less diversity and people but its also nice and i get to do a normal degree.

Help!

Reply 1

WrexhamUniReps

Official Rep

Original post

by leyix

Hi, So ive currently got an offer for biosciences foundation year for manchester (and then after i do a 3 year biotech course). But i called into clearing and also got a normal offer for york for biotechnology. Which one should i pick? is there discrimination against foundation year between employers?
manchester is a lively city with lots to do and wide diversity. also i think its a better ranked uni than york(although it doesnt say that on the uni comparison ranking table on websites). But i'd have to do 4 years and theres the issue of more debt. York is quieter with less diversity and people but its also nice and i get to do a normal degree.
Help!

Hey @leyix 👋

First of all, congratulations on your A-levels 😁

It's great that you're weighing up your options - it sounds to me like you have more of a preference towards Manchester than York, but there are many factors that you should consider before making your choice. Here are some examples of things to consider:

•

Local area - What is the local area like in Manchester vs York? What can you get involved with? Would you prefer to be in a busy city, or a quieter area?

•

Campus - Which campus do you prefer? Are either of them spread spread out within the city or are they self-contained campuses? Which would you prefer?

•

Course modules - This is arguably one of the most important factors, as you want to ensure that the university's modules appeal to you. Ask yourself - which university has more appealing course modules - is there one in particular which appeals to you more? which aligns more with your interests?

•

Accommodation - Are you guaranteed a place to stay in your first year? Is your accommodation close-by to campus?

•

Student support - what support is available to you as a student should you need it?

•

Career support - which university seems to have a better support network and resources for obtaining a career on a short-term basis (internships, volunteering, placements) and more long-term (graduate role, entrepreneurship, entry-level role etc).

•

Clubs/societies - which university offers the most appealing clubs/societies that you can get involved with? What's their Student's Union like? clubs/societies are the perfect way to make friends, and so it's important to choose a university that offers clubs/societies matching your interests - especially if you have a hobby that you'd like to continue in university.

I wouldn't worry about receiving a negative perception if you were to decide upon studying a foundation year - it is unlikely that you would face discrimination for this. Many people find foundation years so beneficial - it gives a great taster in to what you're going to be studying and you can pick up on a range of academic skills that will benefit you throughout your degree.

Best of luck with whichever choice you make. Please do let us know if we can offer any further advice or support! 🤝

Lauren
WrexhamUniReps

Reply 2

Kingston Zhi En

Official Rep

Original post

by leyix

Hi, So ive currently got an offer for biosciences foundation year for manchester (and then after i do a 3 year biotech course). But i called into clearing and also got a normal offer for york for biotechnology. Which one should i pick? is there discrimination against foundation year between employers?
manchester is a lively city with lots to do and wide diversity. also i think its a better ranked uni than york(although it doesnt say that on the uni comparison ranking table on websites). But i'd have to do 4 years and theres the issue of more debt. York is quieter with less diversity and people but its also nice and i get to do a normal degree.
Help!

Hiya @leyix ,
Just to add on to the amazing advice from Lauren, I don't think a foundation reflects in your degree certification, it is mainly a difference on that extra year before you enter the first year of university.
Another factor you may want to consider is which uni has better industry connections or alumni for your course. This may be helpful if you want to do a summer placement or gain some experience.
At the end of the day what matters most is that you find a university and course which provides the best environment for you to grow and succeed 🥳
I wish you the best of luck in whatever choice you make and I hope this helps.

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

Reply 3

University of York

Official Rep

Original post

by leyix

Hi, So ive currently got an offer for biosciences foundation year for manchester (and then after i do a 3 year biotech course). But i called into clearing and also got a normal offer for york for biotechnology. Which one should i pick? is there discrimination against foundation year between employers?
manchester is a lively city with lots to do and wide diversity. also i think its a better ranked uni than york(although it doesnt say that on the uni comparison ranking table on websites). But i'd have to do 4 years and theres the issue of more debt. York is quieter with less diversity and people but its also nice and i get to do a normal degree.
Help!

Hi!

Congrats on your offers! York is an amazing city and I've loved living here. There's so much to do and the atmosphere is really buzzing and friendly.

If you did want to do a placement year, that would add another year on, so maybe factor that into your decision?

Trust your gut feeling and carefully think about all the different factors that are important to you - course length, location, social opportunities, campus.

If you have any questions about the University, course, student life etc, just drop me a message and I can help!

I'm sure wherever you choose, you'll have an amazing time!

Hazel 🙂

Reply 4

leyix

Original post

by University of York

Hi!
Congrats on your offers! York is an amazing city and I've loved living here. There's so much to do and the atmosphere is really buzzing and friendly.
If you did want to do a placement year, that would add another year on, so maybe factor that into your decision?
Trust your gut feeling and carefully think about all the different factors that are important to you - course length, location, social opportunities, campus.
If you have any questions about the University, course, student life etc, just drop me a message and I can help!
I'm sure wherever you choose, you'll have an amazing time!
Hazel 🙂

Heya! bit of a weird question but would you know the percentage of asian students compared to white students on campus? im scared im going to be one of the only asian on site😭

Reply 5

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by leyix

Heya! bit of a weird question but would you know the percentage of asian students compared to white students on campus? im scared im going to be one of the only asian on site😭