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Help choosing between Top Scottish uni for free / higher ranked English university CS

Hi everyone, I am a Scottish student from Edinburgh who achieved 8 As in my national 5 exams, 5 As in my higher exam and currently predicted 3 As at advanced higher.

I am interested in going to university for computer science next year, but I am in a dilemma.

I have received an unconditional to Edinburgh for Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science, however I am also I applying for Imperial (Computing), depending on how my TMUA goes I may receive an offer. I am struggling to choose between the two due to the following reasons:

Pros for Edinburgh
- Well ranked for CS
- Free tuition and less living costs as I can live with my family after year 1
Cons for Edinburgh
- I feel I won’t develop as a person if I don’t move to a different city

Pros for Imperial
- Extremely well ranked, some consider them better than oxbridge for CS and they are ranked second in the world (the main reason that I am drawn to imperial)
- London I feel will definitely develop my horizons and help me mature.
- One year less than Edinburgh
Cons for Imperial
- What is obvious is that London is expensive, and also tuition cost. This is the main reason I am feeling iffy about going if I get an offer, I estimate I would be in around 100k debt if I go.


So my main question is, would it be worth going to such a prestigious university that will cause me to get into 100k of debt, when I have the option of avoiding all of the debt? Imperial’s reputation is a big drawing factor.


I would appreciate any advice, thanks again for your time.

Reply 1

Original post
by HappyMLK1
Hi everyone, I am a Scottish student from Edinburgh who achieved 8 As in my national 5 exams, 5 As in my higher exam and currently predicted 3 As at advanced higher.
I am interested in going to university for computer science next year, but I am in a dilemma.
I have received an unconditional to Edinburgh for Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science, however I am also I applying for Imperial (Computing), depending on how my TMUA goes I may receive an offer. I am struggling to choose between the two due to the following reasons:
Pros for Edinburgh
- Well ranked for CS
- Free tuition and less living costs as I can live with my family after year 1
Cons for Edinburgh
- I feel I won’t develop as a person if I don’t move to a different city
Pros for Imperial
- Extremely well ranked, some consider them better than oxbridge for CS and they are ranked second in the world (the main reason that I am drawn to imperial)
- London I feel will definitely develop my horizons and help me mature.
- One year less than Edinburgh
Cons for Imperial
- What is obvious is that London is expensive, and also tuition cost. This is the main reason I am feeling iffy about going if I get an offer, I estimate I would be in around 100k debt if I go.
So my main question is, would it be worth going to such a prestigious university that will cause me to get into 100k of debt, when I have the option of avoiding all of the debt? Imperial’s reputation is a big drawing factor.
I would appreciate any advice, thanks again for your time.

Hi there,

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