The Student Room Group

Glasgow or Edinburgh uni?

Sorry for the basic question but I really am struggling here

I am in my final year of secondary school and have applied to both the university of Edinburgh and the university of Glasgow to study history and politics, but I cannot decide between the two. I’ve already had an unconditional offer from Glasgow but Edinburgh hasn’t gotten back yet (no one in my school has heard back yet, they’re known for being quite late)

Does anyone have any personal experiences that may help the decision or pros and cons for each?

Reply 1

Original post
by Person839572
Sorry for the basic question but I really am struggling here
I am in my final year of secondary school and have applied to both the university of Edinburgh and the university of Glasgow to study history and politics, but I cannot decide between the two. I’ve already had an unconditional offer from Glasgow but Edinburgh hasn’t gotten back yet (no one in my school has heard back yet, they’re known for being quite late)
Does anyone have any personal experiences that may help the decision or pros and cons for each?
i applied and got into both (intl student if that matters), but ill be firming edinburgh because the glasgow history modules specifically look a bit dull icl. there are quite a few required scottish history modules (which is understandable, but they’re also exam-based, which i’m not a fan of), and even at honours level edinburgh looks more interesting for both subjects imo (plus there’s more coursework overall, which i prefer). however, i’d definitely recommend looking through the dpt page for edinburgh hispol and the module lists for glasgow so you can decide from an academic perspective.

there are also other factors like social life and the area in general - i prefer the societies at edinburgh (discovered through stalking insta pages for socs from both unis), as well as the accommodation and the city itself (though the glasgow campus is gorggg asw), so it was quite easy for me to choose. a bit anecdotal, but after speaking to tons of other applicants and offer holders on social media, i also realised i clicked much better with people going to edinburgh.

overall though, it really depends on your interests, so this is a bit vague tbh but i’m happy to help more if needed :smile: if you do end up going to edi tho hopefully see u in sept (so good luck w ur app)!!

Reply 2

Original post
by hwhejdjdjfj
i applied and got into both (intl student if that matters), but ill be firming edinburgh because the glasgow history modules specifically look a bit dull icl. there are quite a few required scottish history modules (which is understandable, but they’re also exam-based, which i’m not a fan of), and even at honours level edinburgh looks more interesting for both subjects imo (plus there’s more coursework overall, which i prefer). however, i’d definitely recommend looking through the dpt page for edinburgh hispol and the module lists for glasgow so you can decide from an academic perspective.
there are also other factors like social life and the area in general - i prefer the societies at edinburgh (discovered through stalking insta pages for socs from both unis), as well as the accommodation and the city itself (though the glasgow campus is gorggg asw), so it was quite easy for me to choose. a bit anecdotal, but after speaking to tons of other applicants and offer holders on social media, i also realised i clicked much better with people going to edinburgh.
overall though, it really depends on your interests, so this is a bit vague tbh but i’m happy to help more if needed :smile: if you do end up going to edi tho hopefully see u in sept (so good luck w ur app)!!

I feel like I’m so biased because Edinburgh has been my dream university since first year however everyones been telling me I should go to glasgow instead because it’s ’less pretentious’ and ‘less tourist focused’ however I think I’d get on better in Edinburgh. So glad someone is more pro Edinburgh! :smile:

Reply 3

Original post
by Person839572
I feel like I’m so biased because Edinburgh has been my dream university since first year however everyones been telling me I should go to glasgow instead because it’s ’less pretentious’ and ‘less tourist focused’ however I think I’d get on better in Edinburgh. So glad someone is more pro Edinburgh! :smile:


fr and the pretentious comment generalizes a hugeee student population. i get where they’re coming from bc yes there is some elitism and a number of pretentious people, esp in humanities/social sciences programs - the stereotypes come from bits of truth - but they are still a relative minority. i’ve encountered tons of lovely people who r firming edi (for a bunch of diff subjects so hopefully they were representative of the larger body to an extent at least 😭😭), and you’ll def end up finding your people easier if you like the environment more!! hope you hear back soon ❤️❤️
Hi there, congrats for securing the spot in Glasgow Uni! I can share my student experience with you as I am a current 3rd year Business and Management student at the Glasgow University. Personally, it is been a very lovely journey here as Glasgow is one of the most friendliest cities in UK. Everybody is quite helpful and the Uni itself have a rich history with multiple museums and galleries. For History and Politics, the atmosphere is honestly so inspiring, walking through the Harry Potter style cloisters every day never gets old and it really makes you feel like you’re part of something historic. The student community is so down-to-earth and active with multiple clubs and societies for various interests. The West End is a cozy place where everything you need is right there, from the best coffee shops on Byres Road to the massive green space in Kelvingrove Park for when you need a breather from the library. Our library is also huge with a big Archives department. Might be helpful for your degree. You can also ready my in-depth post for the why Glasgow Uni is a great choice here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7658762#post101157215.

Best of luck!

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