Which uni for Law?
I am planning on going to uni in this coming september for Law. I am predicted AAA but i'm struggling to pick which uni to firm. I've been accepted to Royal Holloway and I really liked the campus and its not too far from where I live, which is a big factor. However, I also got an offer from Nottingham and I know it is a better uni in terms of graduate prospects, but i'm not sure about the area and how far I live from it now. I would rather be happy and enjoy uni than be unhappy in a place I feel uncomfortable, but im conflicted.
Reply 1
Original post
by aoifemcg19I am planning on going to uni in this coming september for Law. I am predicted AAA but i'm struggling to pick which uni to firm. I've been accepted to Royal Holloway and I really liked the campus and its not too far from where I live, which is a big factor. However, I also got an offer from Nottingham and I know it is a better uni in terms of graduate prospects, but i'm not sure about the area and how far I live from it now. I would rather be happy and enjoy uni than be unhappy in a place I feel uncomfortable, but im conflicted.
Hi @aoifemcg19 ,
Congratulations on your offers! This is a common debate and only you will know what's best for you, but here are a few factors you could consider when deciding between the two:
1) Distance - you've mentioned that Royal Holloway will be more convenient in terms of location than Nottingham. While this could certainly have financial advantages (such as being able to live at home and a shorter commute), it's also important to consider some potential disadvantages. Sometimes commuting students claim they aren't able to get the full 'student experience' due to social and practical barriers that come with living off-campus, and may find balancing home/uni life draining. However, I know from personal experience that living on campus can be equally draining, so it's useful to have your family nearby if you need! Ultimately, whether distance/commuting is an issue will depend on your individual priorities and what you personally want to get out of the university experience. I know several commuting students who have still played an active role in societies and done brilliant academically, so a balance can be reached!
2) Course Structure - while both universities may offer the same degree, the actual syllabus and module breakdown may vary between the two. I'd highly recommend doing a deep dive into their websites and module guidebooks to see the specific topics you will be studying each year - if you find one syllabus more appealing than the other, that's certainly one reason to favour that university. You should also make sure to check how the modules are assessed and which may better suit your needs - some universities are more heavily exam-based, for example, while others may favour coursework or group presentations.
3) Employability - you're right to consider graduate prospects, however I would argue that the university name itself doesn't have such a significant influence as you might think. Rather, it's more important you choose a university with a strong employability team - this will be hugely valuable once you start making applications for internships and, eventually, graduate positions. For example, I've found the employability team at ULaw incredible for both guiding me through application processes and also connecting me to potential employers.
Ultimately, it sounds like you're already leaning towards a preference - I completely agree that you want to be happy and enjoy university rather than being somewhere that makes you uncomfortable. The best way to explore this will be by attending open days at both universities and doing some further research on the above. While it is important to step out of your comfort zone from time to time, and starting university will always be nerve-wracking, you ideally want excitement to be the strongest emotion in the end. Go with your gut!
Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions 😊
Holly - PGDL Student
University of Law
Reply 2
Original post
by aoifemcg19I am planning on going to uni in this coming september for Law. I am predicted AAA but i'm struggling to pick which uni to firm. I've been accepted to Royal Holloway and I really liked the campus and its not too far from where I live, which is a big factor. However, I also got an offer from Nottingham and I know it is a better uni in terms of graduate prospects, but i'm not sure about the area and how far I live from it now. I would rather be happy and enjoy uni than be unhappy in a place I feel uncomfortable, but im conflicted.
Hi there @aoifemcg19 ,
League tables and graduate prospects are a useful starting point when it comes to choosing universities but do not give a full picture when it comes to the student experience. It might be more beneficial to look at what employers want - which universities/degrees are professionally accredited. What connections does the university have with employers, what professional accreditation does the course offer, what industrial experience/internship opportunities are offered? Is the university physically located in or near the geographic cluster for the industry?
Outside of careers and academics, it would be useful to try and speak to students studying your course or even just studying at universities you are considering, here on The Student Room or on Unibuddy to try and gauge their experiences, thoughts and feelings, see what societies are on offer or what support is available, etc. You could also try and find YouTube videos to actually see campuses and facilities.
Obviously, hearing of better graduate prospects makes one more inclined to prefer that university, but it is more important - especially when looking at a course like Law, where you should not have to worry too much about getting a job - to consider which course and university suits you best, in terms of things like location, activities, opportunities, safety. Seeing as you already seem to be leaning towards Royal Holloway, I would definitely rely more on your comfortability with the location and campus rather than graduate prospects, but I would not rule out Nottingham or other universities, I would just suggest weighing up the pros and cons and try and choose more based on your preferences rather than statistics.
I hope that this helps and that you get accepted into the university you pick!
Rehman, 2nd Year Accounting and Finance
Student Ambassador
Reply 3
Original post
by aoifemcg19I am planning on going to uni in this coming september for Law. I am predicted AAA but i'm struggling to pick which uni to firm. I've been accepted to Royal Holloway and I really liked the campus and its not too far from where I live, which is a big factor. However, I also got an offer from Nottingham and I know it is a better uni in terms of graduate prospects, but i'm not sure about the area and how far I live from it now. I would rather be happy and enjoy uni than be unhappy in a place I feel uncomfortable, but im conflicted.
As a first year Law student at Swansea University, I remember being in a similar position last year.
Firstly, congratulations on being predicted AAA. That's an amazing achievement!
In my opinion, don’t ignore the fact you really liked Royal Holloway. Liking the campus and being closer to home is a big deal. You’re there for 3+ years! If you feel comfortable, you’ll settle quicker, make friends easier and probably do better. While the academic side of university is important, the social side is an equally important consideration when choosing your uni.
Yes, University of Nottingham might have slightly stronger graduate prospects, but for Law what really matters is your grades and work experience. A first with good experience at Royal Holloway is way better than spending 3 years at uni that might not be for you.
Ask yourself: are you choosing Nottingham because you want it, or because you feel like you should?
You said you’d rather be happy than uncomfortable, that already kind of answers it. Both are great unis. Go where you think you’ll enjoy living the most!
All the best,
Lucy
Reply 4
Original post
by aoifemcg19I am planning on going to uni in this coming september for Law. I am predicted AAA but i'm struggling to pick which uni to firm. I've been accepted to Royal Holloway and I really liked the campus and its not too far from where I live, which is a big factor. However, I also got an offer from Nottingham and I know it is a better uni in terms of graduate prospects, but i'm not sure about the area and how far I live from it now. I would rather be happy and enjoy uni than be unhappy in a place I feel uncomfortable, but im conflicted.
Hi Aoife!
Congratulations on your offers! Both options are great universities and it's great that you are weighing up your options and considering so many factors. I was in a similar position when I applied to universities, and my greatest advice would be to think about what is the most important to you in terms of your university experience. Some people love a closer, campus atmosphere where it almost feels like a neighbourhood, whilst others love more of a city vibe where there is more going on. From my experience, I had applied to Manchester and Lancaster and decided ultimately that I would prefer a more campus atmosphere, green spaces, a slightly more homely feel (in my opinion), but this totally depends on the kind of person you feel you are.
Id also recommend looking at the modules/programme structure for the two universities, since each university may offer slightly different modules, formats and content, and you may find that one suits your interests more than the other. I found that Lancaster offered many modules that I was more interested in, and I personally preferred the term rather than semester structure, meaning I didn't have winter exams like the majority of my friends do, and my modules tend to last a little longer and be a bit more in depth than at some other universities too.
Prospects wise, many universities have great graduate prospects, and you can make your graduate prospects what you want them to be by getting involved in events, experiences and internships etc, so I wouldn't worry too much about this, since league tables may vary from year to year and everybody's experience will be different. it could also be useful to attend open days/offer holder days where you can, or try to get in contact with current students or alumni from your top universities to give you some more personal experiences.
I hope this helps, and good luck in deciding!!
Beth- 2nd Year Law with Criminology
Reply 5
Original post
by aoifemcg19I am planning on going to uni in this coming september for Law. I am predicted AAA but i'm struggling to pick which uni to firm. I've been accepted to Royal Holloway and I really liked the campus and its not too far from where I live, which is a big factor. However, I also got an offer from Nottingham and I know it is a better uni in terms of graduate prospects, but i'm not sure about the area and how far I live from it now. I would rather be happy and enjoy uni than be unhappy in a place I feel uncomfortable, but im conflicted.
Hey,
Law at uni is already challenging, so I'd suggest you choose whichever university you feel will give you the best support for your wellbeing. Graduate prospects do not matter if you feel you will not be able to perform well at that university. Congratulations on your offers!
Original post
by aoifemcg19I am planning on going to uni in this coming september for Law. I am predicted AAA but i'm struggling to pick which uni to firm. I've been accepted to Royal Holloway and I really liked the campus and its not too far from where I live, which is a big factor. However, I also got an offer from Nottingham and I know it is a better uni in terms of graduate prospects, but i'm not sure about the area and how far I live from it now. I would rather be happy and enjoy uni than be unhappy in a place I feel uncomfortable, but im conflicted.
Hi there!
It’s great to hear you’re considering Royal Holloway, and well done on your offers- AAA is a fantastic achievement.
Choosing between universities can feel overwhelming, so it’s completely normal to be torn between two strong options. Since you’ve already visited our campus and felt comfortable here, that’s an important factor to pay attention to. Feeling at home in your environment can make a big difference to your overall wellbeing and your experience both academically and socially.
When you’re comparing universities, it’s worth thinking about a few key things:
✔ Your personal comfort and happiness: If you already feel positive about the campus, the community and the distance from home, that’s a really strong starting point. A place where you feel settled can help you focus and enjoy your time at university.
✔ Course content and teaching style: Have a look at the Law course breakdowns for both universities - the modules, assessment style, optional pathways, placement opportunities and any specialist areas. You might find one aligns more with what you enjoy.
✔ Graduate prospects: While reputation is one factor, your individual experience, grades, internships, placements, and involvement in societies or pro bono activities have a huge impact on future opportunities. Many students do incredibly well wherever they study because they thrive in an environment where they feel comfortable.
✔ Distance and lifestyle: If being closer to home matters to you - whether emotionally, logistically, or financially- that’s completely valid. Some students love moving far away; others prefer staying within reach of familiar surroundings. There’s no wrong answer.
Ultimately, trust your instincts. If one place already feels like somewhere you could see yourself living, studying and growing, that’s a strong sign.
If you want an honest, student‑eye view of studying Law here at Royal Holloway, you can chat directly with one of our current Law students here 💬
If you have any questions about Law at Royal Holloway, student life, accommodation, or anything else, I’m really happy to help!
Best wishes,
Royal Holloway, University of London Official Rep
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Are my choices too aspirational?
- Yr 13 Help for applying to uni :(
- A-Level Choices
- Urgent: Bristol or Manchester or Warwick for law?
- Official Law Applicants Thread 2026
- Chances of getting into LLB Law without studying Higher Maths?
- Which law uni should I give a chance?
- worried about law career prospects
- Law: Kent, Royal Holloway or Reading
- Do i have a shot of getting into russel groups with AS level grades aabb or abbb?
- law at uni
- Do particular A-Levels matter?
- University choices for law
- Would I be stupid for firming Bristol Law over KCL Law?
- Firm choice: Leicester vs York?
- Best for big law
- UCAS Application tips
- History Ba at The Uni of Southampton OR Law llb at Royal holloway
- ucas extra for law
- law or dentistry?
Latest
Trending
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
