Which med school?

So basically I've recieved 4/4 medicine offers, and I've already got my A levels, so just need to choose. Unis are Birmingham, Lancaster, Sheffield, Newcastle.

If anyone can share their experience with any of these then that would be much appreciated.

Current thoughts:

Birmingham:
Pros:
- First uni i really liked/ had gut feeling about. I love the campus
- Really like the accommodation and sports facilities
- Med soc
- train station makes it easier for placements
- big hospital next to med school
- integrated course + prosections
-redoing their course for 2026

Cons:
- Very big year group so may not feel like a community (might make it easier to make friends idk)
- Rough city, high crime rates etc.
- Too focused on lectures in pre-clinical years/ small groups are not very small
- low % of scheduled teaching (highest is 19% in Y2) - idk what the other unis are like

Lancaster:
Pros:
- Smaller year group - will know everyone
- PBL better for learning - again good for getting to know people better
- very green, near the Lakes
- not as much of a party city so might
- sports facilities right next to med school
- highly ranked student satisfaction

Cons:
- I've heard sexual assault is an issue on campus
- I've heard people say how bad PBL is - it seems like it may not be as easy to grasp what you acc need to know
- year group too small (130-160 people)
- don't like the campus and accommodation anywhere near as much as B'ham
-campus distance from town makes it seem annoying to go for weekly shop, living out in y2-5 etc.
- I just don't have a strong gut feeling towards it

Sheffield
Pros:
- green/ Peak District
-systems based teaching
-about 1h drive from where I live (closest out of all 4)
-highly ranked student satisfaction/ SU
-changing course for 2026 - will include better surgical care experience (i'm v interested in surgery)
-accommodation looks good
- good size year group
- pubs: i don't drink and hate clubs so this is more ideal
-cheaper than other unis
-study sessions with older years

Cons:
-apparently teaching is really bad and lots of people fail important exams
-6 week research project in Y2 apparently a waste of time
-no more dissections
- not a campus
- again the city isn't great
-apparently very strict about attendance to lectures
-overpriced accommodation?
-get ranked amongst your year group which seems kinda stressful
-tbh i was ill at the open day so that kind of put me off but i'll see what the offer holder day is like

Newcastle:
Pros:
- year group size
- very integrated learning
- friendly people and good community spirit in med school
- cased based learning
- i have friends at newcastle uni
-longer summer holiday

Cons:
- could end up living in middlesborough (my Dad's from here so i've heard nothing but bad things)
- not a campus
- very big party scene (not my vibe)
- the way they sort the accommodation is not good/ slightly random
- don't know much about it - haven't been to the open day
- boring PPD
-stuffed lecture halls?
- rahs

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 1

Anopheles

Original post

by user_17

So basically I've recieved 4/4 medicine offers, and I've already got my A levels, so just need to choose. Unis are Birmingham, Lancaster, Sheffield, Newcastle.
If anyone can share their experience with any of these then that would be much appreciated.
Current thoughts:
Birmingham:
Pros:
- First uni i really liked/ had gut feeling about. I love the campus
- Really like the accommodation and sports facilities
- Med soc
- train station makes it easier for placements
- big hospital next to med school
- integrated course + prosections
-redoing their course for 2026
Cons:
- Very big year group so may not feel like a community (might make it easier to make friends idk)
- Rough city, high crime rates etc.
- Too focused on lectures in pre-clinical years/ small groups are not very small
- low % of scheduled teaching (highest is 19% in Y2) - idk what the other unis are like
Lancaster:
Pros:
- Smaller year group - will know everyone
- PBL better for learning - again good for getting to know people better
- very green, near the Lakes
- not as much of a party city so might
- sports facilities right next to med school
- highly ranked student satisfaction
Cons:
- I've heard sexual assault is an issue on campus
- I've heard people say how bad PBL is - it seems like it may not be as easy to grasp what you acc need to know
- year group too small (130-160 people)
- don't like the campus and accommodation anywhere near as much as B'ham
-campus distance from town makes it seem annoying to go for weekly shop, living out in y2-5 etc.
- I just don't have a strong gut feeling towards it
Sheffield
Pros:
- green/ Peak District
-systems based teaching
-about 1h drive from where I live (closest out of all 4)
-highly ranked student satisfaction/ SU
-changing course for 2026 - will include better surgical care experience (i'm v interested in surgery)
-accommodation looks good
- good size year group
- pubs: i don't drink and hate clubs so this is more ideal
-cheaper than other unis
-study sessions with older years
Cons:
-apparently teaching is really bad and lots of people fail important exams
-6 week research project in Y2 apparently a waste of time
-no more dissections
- not a campus
- again the city isn't great
-apparently very strict about attendance to lectures
-overpriced accommodation?
-get ranked amongst your year group which seems kinda stressful
-tbh i was ill at the open day so that kind of put me off but i'll see what the offer holder day is like
Newcastle:
Pros:
- year group size
- very integrated learning
- friendly people and good community spirit in med school
- cased based learning
- i have friends at newcastle uni
-longer summer holiday
Cons:
- could end up living in middlesborough (my Dad's from here so i've heard nothing but bad things)
- not a campus
- very big party scene (not my vibe)
- the way they sort the accommodation is not good/ slightly random
- don't know much about it - haven't been to the open day
- boring PPD
-stuffed lecture halls?
- rahs

Go and visit. Then -
Really, only you know how to weight the pros and cons that you have listed for your preference. You have made a list so why don't you rank them somehow, and then work out a numerically weighted system for YOUR PRIORITIES.
Then see what your system suggests. You will immediately feel either pleased, or disappointed. Then you can go from there.
Another system is to pull one out of a hat, and see how you feel. This has worked in the past for a student I helped. They immediately knew that they had got the one they didn't want - so chose the other.

If green space is your thing, then whittle that down to Lancs / Sheff/ Newcastle.
Finally, beware of anecdotal reports. Eg sexual assault on campus? Source of info? Rahs at Ncl? Source?!

Reply 2

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

^{Hey there,}

^{I second what the person above has said about going to visit the universities that you are interested in as it really is the best way to see which one you think would make you the happiest to work/live at for the following years. As a representative from Lancaster, I will say that the campus is stunning and the communal environment is one of the most key aspects of the university as it is on the smaller side. Furthermore, yea the party scene is smaller but I found that to be quite nice as it is less isolating when it comes to going on a night out.}

^{Sadly, sexual assault is a pervasive issue all over the country but I will say that Lancaster does have a lot of support available all throughout the uni in an attempt to combat this. We have a society named the consent collective, doing vital work supporting students over the campus and working to improve legislation and student awareness. Furthermore, as someone who as worked at the student nightclub our cases of spiking and abuse is far lower than average, likely related to our top tier security and training. However, the other points discussed are best reviewed in person to see how you feel when you go in person, at the end of the day if Lancaster is not for you, then it is not for you}

All the best with your choices
El Fern Smith

Reply 3

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post

by user_17

So basically I've recieved 4/4 medicine offers, and I've already got my A levels, so just need to choose. Unis are Birmingham, Lancaster, Sheffield, Newcastle.
If anyone can share their experience with any of these then that would be much appreciated.
Current thoughts:
Birmingham:
Pros:
- First uni i really liked/ had gut feeling about. I love the campus
- Really like the accommodation and sports facilities
- Med soc
- train station makes it easier for placements
- big hospital next to med school
- integrated course + prosections
-redoing their course for 2026
Cons:
- Very big year group so may not feel like a community (might make it easier to make friends idk)
- Rough city, high crime rates etc.
- Too focused on lectures in pre-clinical years/ small groups are not very small
- low % of scheduled teaching (highest is 19% in Y2) - idk what the other unis are like
Lancaster:
Pros:
- Smaller year group - will know everyone
- PBL better for learning - again good for getting to know people better
- very green, near the Lakes
- not as much of a party city so might
- sports facilities right next to med school
- highly ranked student satisfaction
Cons:
- I've heard sexual assault is an issue on campus
- I've heard people say how bad PBL is - it seems like it may not be as easy to grasp what you acc need to know
- year group too small (130-160 people)
- don't like the campus and accommodation anywhere near as much as B'ham
-campus distance from town makes it seem annoying to go for weekly shop, living out in y2-5 etc.
- I just don't have a strong gut feeling towards it
Sheffield
Pros:
- green/ Peak District
-systems based teaching
-about 1h drive from where I live (closest out of all 4)
-highly ranked student satisfaction/ SU
-changing course for 2026 - will include better surgical care experience (i'm v interested in surgery)
-accommodation looks good
- good size year group
- pubs: i don't drink and hate clubs so this is more ideal
-cheaper than other unis
-study sessions with older years
Cons:
-apparently teaching is really bad and lots of people fail important exams
-6 week research project in Y2 apparently a waste of time
-no more dissections
- not a campus
- again the city isn't great
-apparently very strict about attendance to lectures
-overpriced accommodation?
-get ranked amongst your year group which seems kinda stressful
-tbh i was ill at the open day so that kind of put me off but i'll see what the offer holder day is like
Newcastle:
Pros:
- year group size
- very integrated learning
- friendly people and good community spirit in med school
- cased based learning
- i have friends at newcastle uni
-longer summer holiday
Cons:
- could end up living in middlesborough (my Dad's from here so i've heard nothing but bad things)
- not a campus
- very big party scene (not my vibe)
- the way they sort the accommodation is not good/ slightly random
- don't know much about it - haven't been to the open day
- boring PPD
-stuffed lecture halls?
- rahs

Hi @user_17!

Firstly, congratulations on your offers! A huge achievement!

I'm a Final Year Medical Student at the University of Sheffield, so can help shed some light on what it is like to study Medicine here! 🙂

I agree with all of your pros- some of those are reasons that I picked Sheffield too! The Peak District being so nearby is amazing- a quick bus journey and you're out in some beautiful scenery. You can actually get a bus straight into the Peak District from Broomhill (a 5 min walk from Endcliffe/Ranmoor accommodation- a huge plus for living there in first year!). If you love the outdoors/ walking, you might also love the Wilderness Medicine Society (I'll link here). They combine Medicine in fun, hands-on scenarios and walks/ trips away. Another huge plus is the number of parks and green spaces- there are 4 in a short walking distance from Endcliffe/Ranmoor including the beautiful botanical gardens.

I stayed in Endcliffe in my First Year and loved it- the accomm was really nice (and green!). It felt really social and like a big community. The Edge is a central hub there that has a study space, a student bar, piano rooms and sports studios which gave a really nice, local communal space. It was conveniently located near Broomhill, with lots of supermarkets for you to do your food shop as, as well as lots of independent cafes/ pubs/ restaurants/ bars. Unfortunately, accommodation costs across have gone up in recent years in line with cost of living, but you do get all utility bills (water, gas, electric) included in the rent, as well as contents insurance, wifi, and access to all Residence Life events and sports activities throughout the year. You also get access to a free fitness suite in Ranmoor, and up to 20 washes in the launderettes across the residences (laundry detergent and fabric softener are included in the price so you don’t need to buy your own). If Endcliffe/ Ranmoor isn't for you, you could always look at our City accommodation. There's more on this, including 360 degree virtual tours, here.

The systematic structure of the course made a lot of sense to me when I was a prospective applicant, and is one of the reasons I chose Sheffield. In Year 1, you learn the physiology of the various different systems, and in Year 2, you then learn the pathophysiology. After that, you make the progression to clinical years, which felt like a very natural transition. Another reason I loved the Medicine course here was the exposure to patients right from the start, with GP placement for 3 hours bi-weekly in first year. These were really helpful for consolidating the information you are learning on the course, and gaining confidence in communication skills with patients.

I've honestly loved my time at Uni of Sheffield and can see why it is ranked so highly in student satisfaction surveys. The fact that it is a pretty cheap student city, as you've highlighted, definitely contributes to this. There is so much to do here- there's a reason why so many graduates end up staying here!

The Medical School host frequent 'Town Hall' sessions with each year group where they get feedback from the students, and show how they have responded to previous feedback. I know the Medical School are constantly working to improve the course and through these sessions, I have heard about some of the changes they will be making to the course in the coming years and they sound great! There is lots of support from older years here including Peer Teaching Society, which are really helpful when learning how to revise for the years exams/ make the most of your time at Med School!

The 6 week research project in Year 2 is very subjective. Different people will have very different experiences based on their individual project/ supervisors/ how interested they are in the research they are doing, so I would bear this in mind🙂. I did my 6 week research project in SITraN, and I had a great supervisor who got me really involved. Many people go on to later publish with their supervisor from their 6 week research project in 2a, or even intercalate in that same department! It gives everyone a flavour of Academic Medicine, so is a great time to see if it's something you're interested in without committing to a project or intercalation. If it's not for you, it's still valuable research exposure that you have gained vital skills from, and can put on your portfolio, so I definitely wouldn't personally say it was a waste! I had never really considered Academic Medicine until that point, and eventually went on to intercalate here in Medical Sciences Research.

Being 'ranked' across the year isn't as daunting as it seems- you only get told your quintile, eg grade A means you came top 20% of the year, B means you came top 20-40% and so forth. Before Uni I wondered if this would make it a really competitive environment where nobody shares resources but its quite the opposite- none of us really ever acknowledge the quintiles🙂.

I love the city but I think, as with every city, it's about knowing where to go! I would recommend the following to visit/ have a look at while in Sheffield (just to name a few!): Division street (lots of food places/ vintage shops), West street (many bars/ restaurants), Botanical Gardens, Weston Park, Cambridge st collective (Europe's largest indoor food hall, I believe), Leahs yard, Kelham Island (lots of history to it, lots of cafes/ food places/ pubs), Eccesall Road, Endcliffe Park, Broomhill, Bole Hills (beautiful view- great for fish and chips and watching the sunset!), Peace Gardens, Leopold Square.

I'm in my 6th (and final) year here now and I've found the teaching to be of a good standard, and it has improved even more over the time that I've been here. I'm not sure where you've heard this from but far as I'm aware, Sheffield has good pass rates across the Medical School and few fail each year outside of extentuating circumstances- I wasn't aware that we were any different to any other Med School in that regard, if that helps to put your mind at ease!🙂

I hope this answers some of your questions! I'd definitely recommend coming to the Offer Holder Day and seeing as much of the campus/ accommodation/ city as possible to get a good feel for it! Definitely go to the course talk to, and use the opportunity to chat to course leads/ current students!

Do you have any other questions about the Medicine course or student life here? Happy to answer any you might have!😊

-Alicia, Final Year Medical Student + Intercalated BSc Medical Sciences Research

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