Uni choices for biochem

Hi long story short I'm not sure which unis I want to apply to and made a mistake of sending out for all 5. I have a 2 week window where I can replace a uni choice should I wish.

Context: applied to unis for biochemistry (integrated masters 4 years)
Currently applied to: UCL, Bristol, Bath, Nottingham and Leeds
So I am considering whether I should change Nottingham or Leeds for Sheffield or not at all.

Any advice appreciated!

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by Trickia

Why would you like to switch to Sheffield? Which of Nottingham or Leeds do you prefer less?

Reply 2

McGinger

Why have you now got cold-feet about your choices?
And have you got a good spread of grade requirements across your current choices?

Reply 3

Trickia

Study Forum Helper

Original post

by mesub

Why would you like to switch to Sheffield? Which of Nottingham or Leeds do you prefer less?

I was unable to visit any unis in person so that does kind of limit my decision making
Sheffield is close in terms of transport and my family were quite worried especially for Leeds (but also for other reasons). The courses look pretty similar and I heard lots of bad rep for Nottingham so I sort of ended up regretting my choice.

Original post

by McGinger

Why have you now got cold-feet about your choices?
And have you got a good spread of grade requirements across your current choices?

Indecisiveness on my part (mainly) but also the people around me telling me this and that😭
Sort of it goes AAA - ABB and my predicated are A*AA if that helps

Reply 4

McGinger

I was unable to visit any unis in person so that does kind of limit my decision making

Look on YouTube for any Campus Tour or Open Day films - you will also be able to find 'tourist' films for each city.

Reply 5

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post

by Trickia

Hi long story short I'm not sure which unis I want to apply to and made a mistake of sending out for all 5. I have a 2 week window where I can replace a uni choice should I wish.
Context: applied to unis for biochemistry (integrated masters 4 years)
Currently applied to: UCL, Bristol, Bath, Nottingham and Leeds
So I am considering whether I should change Nottingham or Leeds for Sheffield or not at all.
Any advice appreciated!

Hi Trickia,

Its totally normal to feel conflicted about your choices at this stage so please try not to worry.

McGinger's suggestion of looking around YouTube for campus tour/city vids is a good call. Also, have you looked at the course page for Sheffield to see what units are involved, what kind of optionals you might have and how you'll be assessed (exams/coursework/presentations etc)? Does it sound interesting to you? How does it compare to Leeds and Notts' courses?

I would caution against making major decisions based on second-hand evidence as everyone's opinions and experience of a place is different - what matters is whether you think you would enjoy life there. Have you thought of making an old-fashioned pros and cons list of each uni you're second-guessing, and talking it through with your family to see what they think?

Hopefully some of this helps, wishing you luck 🙂

Reply 6

Trickia

Study Forum Helper

Original post

by McGinger

I was unable to visit any unis in person so that does kind of limit my decision making
Look on YouTube for any Campus Tour or Open Day films - you will also be able to find 'tourist' films for each city.

Yea I think I will look at the tourist films because some of the open days haven't been that good

Original post

by University of Bath

Hi Trickia,
Its totally normal to feel conflicted about your choices at this stage so please try not to worry.
McGinger's suggestion of looking around YouTube for campus tour/city vids is a good call. Also, have you looked at the course page for Sheffield to see what units are involved, what kind of optionals you might have and how you'll be assessed (exams/coursework/presentations etc)? Does it sound interesting to you? How does it compare to Leeds and Notts' courses?
I would caution against making major decisions based on second-hand evidence as everyone's opinions and experience of a place is different - what matters is whether you think you would enjoy life there. Have you thought of making an old-fashioned pros and cons list of each uni you're second-guessing, and talking it through with your family to see what they think?
Hopefully some of this helps, wishing you luck 🙂

Yes I have and they are pretty much similar and I think I will make a pros and cons table to ease the doubts in my head!

Thank you both

Reply 7

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post

by Trickia

Hi long story short I'm not sure which unis I want to apply to and made a mistake of sending out for all 5. I have a 2 week window where I can replace a uni choice should I wish.
Context: applied to unis for biochemistry (integrated masters 4 years)
Currently applied to: UCL, Bristol, Bath, Nottingham and Leeds
So I am considering whether I should change Nottingham or Leeds for Sheffield or not at all.
Any advice appreciated!

Hi Trickia, 👋

It's perfectly natural to doubt your choices. What others have suggested are good ideas, but also see if you can visit the city of Sheffield just to get a feel for it. As much as it matters what you think of the course, it also makes a difference what you think of the place you will be spending the next three years.

I was torn between Sheffield and a few other options but visiting Sheffield is what helped me make my decision. And I liked it that much I stayed on for my master's and PhD! 😄

Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions about Sheffield and I would be more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can talk to a current biochem student here if you have any questions about the course specifically.

All best wishes,
Phoebe
Student Ambassador - PhD in English Literature

Reply 8

Trickia

Study Forum Helper

Original post

by University of Sheffield Students

Hi Trickia, 👋
It's perfectly natural to doubt your choices. What others have suggested are good ideas, but also see if you can visit the city of Sheffield just to get a feel for it. As much as it matters what you think of the course, it also makes a difference what you think of the place you will be spending the next three years.
I was torn between Sheffield and a few other options but visiting Sheffield is what helped me make my decision. And I liked it that much I stayed on for my master's and PhD! 😄
Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions about Sheffield and I would be more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can talk to a current biochem student here if you have any questions about the course specifically.
All best wishes,
Phoebe
Student Ambassador - PhD in English Literature

Thank you!