Struggling with university options

5

I’m applying to study maths and am predicted 3 A*s in maths, further maths and chemistry. I want to go to a highly ranked university but have ruled out oxford, cambridge and durham as I don’t think they’re really for me. I want to be in a big city and currently live in Manchester so would like somewhere similar to that, with a good nightlife. I think London universities like UCL and Kings sound like a good compromise but I’ve heard bad things about the amount of international students and students that live at home at London universities and I want to go somewhere with good social life. I’ve also considered Bristol and Birmingham as these rank pretty highly. Please provide any advice as to why you’d do in my situation or any information based on studying at any of these. Thanks.

Reply 1

Physician

21

Original post

by sarahryan

I’m applying to study maths and am predicted 3 A*s in maths, further maths and chemistry. I want to go to a highly ranked university but have ruled out oxford, cambridge and durham as I don’t think they’re really for me. I want to be in a big city and currently live in Manchester so would like somewhere similar to that, with a good nightlife. I think London universities like UCL and Kings sound like a good compromise but I’ve heard bad things about the amount of international students and students that live at home at London universities and I want to go somewhere with good social life. I’ve also considered Bristol and Birmingham as these rank pretty highly. Please provide any advice as to why you’d do in my situation or any information based on studying at any of these. Thanks.

First of all, what do you mean by universities that rank high? Only the global rankings measure the academic prestige of a university, and even they are not perfect. Also, why have you grouped Durham next to the very prestigious Oxbridge?

Bristol and Edinburgh would be brilliant choices if you don't fancy a crack at Oxbridge or London. Birmingham not so much, although it is a good university.

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by sarahryan

I’m applying to study maths and am predicted 3 A*s in maths, further maths and chemistry. I want to go to a highly ranked university but have ruled out oxford, cambridge and durham as I don’t think they’re really for me. I want to be in a big city and currently live in Manchester so would like somewhere similar to that, with a good nightlife. I think London universities like UCL and Kings sound like a good compromise but I’ve heard bad things about the amount of international students and students that live at home at London universities and I want to go somewhere with good social life. I’ve also considered Bristol and Birmingham as these rank pretty highly. Please provide any advice as to why you’d do in my situation or any information based on studying at any of these. Thanks.

Hi there,

It can be tricky finding the right uni for you so I understand how you are feeling!

I would suggest looking at league tables if you haven't already, if you are interested in where they rank. (The Times, The Guardian, The Complete University Guide are all good ones).

There are also things like Whatuni where you can find out what other students think and just general information about your uni and these may be helpful too in making your decision.

I would also suggest making a list of all of the potential universities you would go to, and then go to as many open days as you can as these are so helpful in getting a feel for the place and seeing which you think you would enjoy and where you can see yourself going. Try and talk to the lecturers here as well as going to the talks as then you can ask any specific questions you have, and I also recommend talking to the students that are there as they have a different perspective which can be so helpful.

Also, just looking online and seeing what the modules are like is helpful as this could sway your decision if there are things you are more/less interested in. You can sometimes also email the lecturers which could help you too!

I hope this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂

Reply 3

sarahryan

OP

5

Original post

by Physician

First of all, what do you mean by universities that rank high? Only the global rankings measure the academic prestige of a university, and even they are not perfect. Also, why have you grouped Durham next to the very prestigious Oxbridge?
Bristol and Edinburgh would be brilliant choices if you don't fancy a crack at Oxbridge or London. Birmingham not so much, although it is a good university.

I am aware that university rankings are often not very accurate. However I more meant I’d like to find somewhere with a balance of prestigious course and good social life. My comment on Oxbridge and Durham was more to do with their similar collegiate systems as these are all well renowned universities for maths, I’m just not making my decision solely based on academics.

Reply 4

Physician

21

Original post

by sarahryan

I am aware that university rankings are often not very accurate. However I more meant I’d like to find somewhere with a balance of prestigious course and good social life. My comment on Oxbridge and Durham was more to do with their similar collegiate systems as these are all well renowned universities for maths, I’m just not making my decision solely based on academics.

Durham is not renowned for Maths. And their collegiate system is just a halls of residence set up, with societies grouped into each of them.

Reply 5

UniLancashire

Official Rep

15

Hi there,

It's difficult to choose the right university so you're definitely not alone in feeling like this!

There's been some great advice shared already but I would just reiterate the importance of attending open days. Open days are really great ways to get a better feel for the university, the types of modules you'd be studying, and you'll have an opportunity to speak to current lecturers. It allows you to get a real feel for the course, the campus and the city. Many universities also offer virtual open days so if you have other commitments, time or money constraints then these are great ways of finding out more information from home.

I'd recommend starting with writing a pros and cons list, including all the universities you're slightly interested in. This will allow you to explore what is really important to you, for example social life or contact hours. You can then start to narrow your choices down or explore other universities that meet your criteria.

Hope this helps and best of luck with your search!
^Hannah 🙂

Reply 6

McGinger

20

Just be aware that not all Maths degrees are the same - you need to look at more than just 'the Uni'. Its also worth looking for courses with any sort of placement or study abroad - this adds heaps to your graduate CV. Look at Bristol and Newcastle, and don't just focus on 'London Unis'.

Reply 7

Muttley79

20

Original post

by sarahryan

I’m applying to study maths and am predicted 3 A*s in maths, further maths and chemistry. I want to go to a highly ranked university but have ruled out oxford, cambridge and durham as I don’t think they’re really for me. I want to be in a big city and currently live in Manchester so would like somewhere similar to that, with a good nightlife. I think London universities like UCL and Kings sound like a good compromise but I’ve heard bad things about the amount of international students and students that live at home at London universities and I want to go somewhere with good social life. I’ve also considered Bristol and Birmingham as these rank pretty highly. Please provide any advice as to why you’d do in my situation or any information based on studying at any of these. Thanks.