course vs experience (ucl vs warwick)

2

I'm deciding between firming ucl or warwick for biomedical engineering. I like the course at ucl more since its more focused on biomedical and is its own degree and department, and its better for my course in general (and also ranked higher). However for ucl I would have to travel about 1.5 hours twice every day on public transport and I don't know if I could manage that (in terms of time, motion sickness and safety worries). I also liked the vibe of warwick more on open day. Which one should I choose?

Reply 1

UniofLawstudent2

Official Rep

11

Original post

by sleepy-panda

I'm deciding between firming ucl or warwick for biomedical engineering. I like the course at ucl more since its more focused on biomedical and is its own degree and department, and its better for my course in general (and also ranked higher). However for ucl I would have to travel about 1.5 hours twice every day on public transport and I don't know if I could manage that (in terms of time, motion sickness and safety worries). I also liked the vibe of warwick more on open day. Which one should I choose?

Both are great unis, so it comes down to course fit vs daily quality of life.
If you genuinely prefer UCL’s biomedical engineering course and department, that’s a strong reason to pick it, but a 1.5-hour commute each way, every day, especially with motion sickness and safety worries, will add up fast. That’s 3 hours daily you could be using for studying, sleep, friends or downtime, and long commutes do affect motivation over time.
Warwick gives you:

•

A campus environment (which you liked on open day)

•

A much more manageable lifestyle

•

More time, less stress, and an easier daily routine

•

It's ranking and reputation is still very good, even if it's less than UCL

UCL gives you:

•

The stronger course fit

•

A higher ranking Uni

•

Course affinity

But if getting there every day drains you, the benefit of the “better course” may shrink quickly.

Ask yourself: Will I thrive more with the perfect course but a difficult commute, or with a very good course and a lifestyle I can actually maintain?
Most students find that a manageable routine > a slightly stronger course, because you’ll perform better and enjoy your degree more.

Hope this helped,
Ulaw,
Alfred.

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post

by sleepy-panda

I'm deciding between firming ucl or warwick for biomedical engineering. I like the course at ucl more since its more focused on biomedical and is its own degree and department, and its better for my course in general (and also ranked higher). However for ucl I would have to travel about 1.5 hours twice every day on public transport and I don't know if I could manage that (in terms of time, motion sickness and safety worries). I also liked the vibe of warwick more on open day. Which one should I choose?

As someone that commutes a similar length of time to UCL and is only a part-time student: I don't think that's a reasonable commute for a full time student where you may well have lectures 5 days a week. It's pretty brutal even only part time going in 2-3 times a week most years so far.

If you aren't planning to move to London and your only option is to commute, I would strongly recommend choosing the alternative (in this case Warwick).

Reply 3

UoW Haiming

Official Rep

8

Original post

by sleepy-panda

I'm deciding between firming ucl or warwick for biomedical engineering. I like the course at ucl more since its more focused on biomedical and is its own degree and department, and its better for my course in general (and also ranked higher). However for ucl I would have to travel about 1.5 hours twice every day on public transport and I don't know if I could manage that (in terms of time, motion sickness and safety worries). I also liked the vibe of warwick more on open day. Which one should I choose?

Honestly, the commute to UCL sounds really tough. Travelling 1.5 hours each way every day will make you tired and stressed, and it can seriously affect your study time, sleep and wellbeing.
If you already felt more comfortable at Warwick and liked the vibe there, that is a huge point. You will spend years on campus, so feeling safe, relaxed and happy actually matters more than people think.

Both places are good, but if the UCL commute feels too much, then Warwick is the better choice for your actual life, your health and your daily experience. A course can look great, but you also need a place where you can live well.

course vs experience (ucl vs warwick)

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