LLB Law at Exeter VS Reading
Hi! I’m 21, a mature home student from an Arab background, deciding between Exeter and Reading for LLB Law. My goal is to do corporate law at a well-known firm or even a Magic Circle firm.
I’ve visited Exeter, but I’m not sure if I’d feel like I truly belong there as an Arab student. My Reading offer holder day is coming up soon, so I’ll be visiting there as well. How’s the social vibe and diversity at both universities?
Do you think it’s stupid to pick Reading over Exeter for my career goals?
Any other advice about student life, feeling included, or law opportunities would be awesome!
I’ve visited Exeter, but I’m not sure if I’d feel like I truly belong there as an Arab student. My Reading offer holder day is coming up soon, so I’ll be visiting there as well. How’s the social vibe and diversity at both universities?
Do you think it’s stupid to pick Reading over Exeter for my career goals?
Any other advice about student life, feeling included, or law opportunities would be awesome!
Reply 1
Original post
by Hannah-2005Hi! I’m 21, a mature home student from an Arab background, deciding between Exeter and Reading for LLB Law. My goal is to do corporate law at a well-known firm or even a Magic Circle firm.
I’ve visited Exeter, but I’m not sure if I’d feel like I truly belong there as an Arab student. My Reading offer holder day is coming up soon, so I’ll be visiting there as well. How’s the social vibe and diversity at both universities?
Do you think it’s stupid to pick Reading over Exeter for my career goals?
Any other advice about student life, feeling included, or law opportunities would be awesome!
I’ve visited Exeter, but I’m not sure if I’d feel like I truly belong there as an Arab student. My Reading offer holder day is coming up soon, so I’ll be visiting there as well. How’s the social vibe and diversity at both universities?
Do you think it’s stupid to pick Reading over Exeter for my career goals?
Any other advice about student life, feeling included, or law opportunities would be awesome!
Hello,
This is a really valid question, and it is definitely not stupid to be thinking about both your career and where you will feel comfortable and included.
In terms of career prospects, Exeter does have a slightly stronger reputation for law and tends to have more direct links with top firms, including Magic Circle. However, choosing Reading will not close doors for you. Law firms care much more about your grades, work experience, and how you present yourself than the exact university name. You can absolutely reach corporate or Magic Circle firms from Reading if you are proactive.
What matters just as much is where you feel you belong. If you are already questioning whether you would feel comfortable at Exeter, that is something to take seriously. You are going to spend several years there, and feeling included and supported will have a direct impact on your confidence, your performance, and ultimately your opportunities.
Reading is generally known to be more diverse, and you may find it easier to connect with people from similar backgrounds. When you visit, pay attention to how you feel on campus, who you see around you, and whether you can picture yourself there day to day.
My advice would be to think of it like this. Exeter may give you a slight advantage on paper, but Reading could give you the environment where you thrive. And where you thrive is where you perform best.
You are not choosing between success and failure. You are choosing between two different paths to the same goal.
Kind regards,
Faith
Law MA Conversion Student and ULaw Ambassador
Reply 2
Unless you have a strong reason that Reading suits you much better than Exeter, go to Exeter. The previous poster is absolutely right that you can be successful regardless of where you go to university; however, being successful at a less targeted institution is going to require significantly more work. Think of it this way: lower ranked universities might send 1 people to the magic circle every other year; Exeter will send dozens. Ultimately up to you but do think about it carefully and decide if you’re happy to go the extra mile to have the benefits that Reading may provide you with.
Reply 3
Original post
by Hannah-2005Hi! I’m 21, a mature home student from an Arab background, deciding between Exeter and Reading for LLB Law. My goal is to do corporate law at a well-known firm or even a Magic Circle firm.
I’ve visited Exeter, but I’m not sure if I’d feel like I truly belong there as an Arab student. My Reading offer holder day is coming up soon, so I’ll be visiting there as well. How’s the social vibe and diversity at both universities?
Do you think it’s stupid to pick Reading over Exeter for my career goals?
Any other advice about student life, feeling included, or law opportunities would be awesome!
I’ve visited Exeter, but I’m not sure if I’d feel like I truly belong there as an Arab student. My Reading offer holder day is coming up soon, so I’ll be visiting there as well. How’s the social vibe and diversity at both universities?
Do you think it’s stupid to pick Reading over Exeter for my career goals?
Any other advice about student life, feeling included, or law opportunities would be awesome!
Exeter wins on all counts - there's huge INTO centre and you will find plenty of people you can relate to.
https://my.exeterguild.com/
Reply 4
Hi.
I'm Sid, currently studying LLB Law w/ international business at the University of Reading. - a great new program, which combines both law and business studies at Henley Business School (on campus - good for commercial and corporate law)
Reading is a respected institution, and the Law programme attracts many strong applicants each year so it’s great that you have got an offer!
I’ll just recap on our offerings then discuss opportunities with careers and our connections.
As the ambassador from UoL said law firms now look for your experiences and commercial awareness and Reading does offer this as I’ll mention below from Pro-Bono to volunteer to Moots to Work Shadowing from magic circle law firms, really giving you that grounding in law beyond academics.
Please do come to our OH day on 25th April - it’s really worth attending these, we usually hold talks and student insights on our offer holder days , where much more detail is given about the course, uni life and opportunities. - if you are unsure about any offer holder day timings / if you need to update any contact details make sure to email our admissions team.
The Careers Team and Law School regularly host events, insight days, and employer talks to help you explore different legal paths. - we have “connections” with key law firms, just like other unis have in regards to offering you opportunities to apply for internship schemes and pro bono charity work which are vital in securing a training contract etc. we also have a Mlaw course - after your main degree has finished, for a SQE prep. We are also close to London as well which is great for opportunities.
As with any law applications - all universities can support in providing you with information and access to opportunities, it is down to the individual to be proactive and take these opportunities - which I’m sure you will! , as law firms look for individual qualities.
There's a clear focus on helping you prepare for your future, whether that's becoming a solicitor, barrister, or working in a related field.
Outside of academics, Reading offers a vibrant social scene. There are over 100 student societies, including the Law Society, which organises mooting competitions, socials, networking events and more. Plus, the university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including club nights and career fairs, so there's always something
going on. I believe there is also a mature student get together and we do have a diverse range of societies from people of every background to support our diverse student community.
The decision about which uni to go to is 100% down to you and which university you feel will better align with your goals and which university community you will feel apart of, I hope I’ve been able to help share an insight into Reading to support your choice.
If you have any more questions about the course, or student life at Reading, feel free to reply to this message, l'd be happy to help!
Kind Regards,
Sid
- UoR Student Ambassador
- LLB Law w/ International Business (Yr1)
- Business Management (Foundation)
my working day is: thursday
Ask a Question? - to the law schools teachers.
https://www.reading.ac.uk/uor-forms/crm/question
Our Admissions Team:
[email protected]
School of Law Webpage -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/law/
LLB LAW -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/law-ug/llb-law
My course - (With Business)
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/2026/law-ug/llb-law-with-international-business
Careers -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/careers / https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/careers/employers/careers-fairs/law-fair
EDI -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/Diversity-and-Inclusion
Students Union Societies -
https://readingsu.co.uk/student-opportunities
Taster Days & Visits -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days
I'm Sid, currently studying LLB Law w/ international business at the University of Reading. - a great new program, which combines both law and business studies at Henley Business School (on campus - good for commercial and corporate law)
Reading is a respected institution, and the Law programme attracts many strong applicants each year so it’s great that you have got an offer!
I’ll just recap on our offerings then discuss opportunities with careers and our connections.
As the ambassador from UoL said law firms now look for your experiences and commercial awareness and Reading does offer this as I’ll mention below from Pro-Bono to volunteer to Moots to Work Shadowing from magic circle law firms, really giving you that grounding in law beyond academics.
Please do come to our OH day on 25th April - it’s really worth attending these, we usually hold talks and student insights on our offer holder days , where much more detail is given about the course, uni life and opportunities. - if you are unsure about any offer holder day timings / if you need to update any contact details make sure to email our admissions team.
The Careers Team and Law School regularly host events, insight days, and employer talks to help you explore different legal paths. - we have “connections” with key law firms, just like other unis have in regards to offering you opportunities to apply for internship schemes and pro bono charity work which are vital in securing a training contract etc. we also have a Mlaw course - after your main degree has finished, for a SQE prep. We are also close to London as well which is great for opportunities.
As with any law applications - all universities can support in providing you with information and access to opportunities, it is down to the individual to be proactive and take these opportunities - which I’m sure you will! , as law firms look for individual qualities.
There's a clear focus on helping you prepare for your future, whether that's becoming a solicitor, barrister, or working in a related field.
Outside of academics, Reading offers a vibrant social scene. There are over 100 student societies, including the Law Society, which organises mooting competitions, socials, networking events and more. Plus, the university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including club nights and career fairs, so there's always something
going on. I believe there is also a mature student get together and we do have a diverse range of societies from people of every background to support our diverse student community.
The decision about which uni to go to is 100% down to you and which university you feel will better align with your goals and which university community you will feel apart of, I hope I’ve been able to help share an insight into Reading to support your choice.
If you have any more questions about the course, or student life at Reading, feel free to reply to this message, l'd be happy to help!
Kind Regards,
Sid
- UoR Student Ambassador
- LLB Law w/ International Business (Yr1)
- Business Management (Foundation)
my working day is: thursday
Ask a Question? - to the law schools teachers.
https://www.reading.ac.uk/uor-forms/crm/question
Our Admissions Team:
[email protected]
School of Law Webpage -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/law/
LLB LAW -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/law-ug/llb-law
My course - (With Business)
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/2026/law-ug/llb-law-with-international-business
Careers -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/careers / https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/careers/employers/careers-fairs/law-fair
EDI -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/essentials/Diversity-and-Inclusion
Students Union Societies -
https://readingsu.co.uk/student-opportunities
Taster Days & Visits -
https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 5
2
Original post
by PusbsotvUnless you have a strong reason that Reading suits you much better than Exeter, go to Exeter. The previous poster is absolutely right that you can be successful regardless of where you go to university; however, being successful at a less targeted institution is going to require significantly more work. Think of it this way: lower ranked universities might send 1 people to the magic circle every other year; Exeter will send dozens. Ultimately up to you but do think about it carefully and decide if you’re happy to go the extra mile to have the benefits that Reading may provide you with.
I still have visits planned for Reading and Liverpool, so I’m keeping an open mind. I do understand that Exeter is academically stronger, but at the same time, I think feeling comfortable and happy in the place I’ll be living in for three years is really important too.
That’s also why I’m asking, I keep hearing completely different opinions from everyone, which makes the decision even more confusing.
Reply 6
Original post
by Hannah-2005I actually visited Exeter, and honestly I didn’t feel comfortable with the overall atmosphere. The vibes just didn’t feel right for me, and it came across as quite quiet and a bit boring, I don’t see myself living there for three years.
I still have visits planned for Reading and Liverpool, so I’m keeping an open mind. I do understand that Exeter is academically stronger, but at the same time, I think feeling comfortable and happy in the place I’ll be living in for three years is really important too.
That’s also why I’m asking, I keep hearing completely different opinions from everyone, which makes the decision even more confusing.
I still have visits planned for Reading and Liverpool, so I’m keeping an open mind. I do understand that Exeter is academically stronger, but at the same time, I think feeling comfortable and happy in the place I’ll be living in for three years is really important too.
That’s also why I’m asking, I keep hearing completely different opinions from everyone, which makes the decision even more confusing.
Reply 7
2
Original post
by thegeek888One word...Exeter!!! 🙂
Not sure tbh 😅 I did visit Exeter but I just didn’t really click with it, it felt a bit too quiet for me. I know it’s a great uni academically though.
What do you think about Liverpool then?
Reply 8
Original post
by Hannah-2005I actually visited Exeter, and honestly I didn’t feel comfortable with the overall atmosphere. The vibes just didn’t feel right for me, and it came across as quite quiet and a bit boring, I don’t see myself living there for three years.
I still have visits planned for Reading and Liverpool, so I’m keeping an open mind. I do understand that Exeter is academically stronger, but at the same time, I think feeling comfortable and happy in the place I’ll be living in for three years is really important too.
That’s also why I’m asking, I keep hearing completely different opinions from everyone, which makes the decision even more confusing.
I still have visits planned for Reading and Liverpool, so I’m keeping an open mind. I do understand that Exeter is academically stronger, but at the same time, I think feeling comfortable and happy in the place I’ll be living in for three years is really important too.
That’s also why I’m asking, I keep hearing completely different opinions from everyone, which makes the decision even more confusing.
Reply 9
Original post
by Hannah-2005Not sure tbh 😅 I did visit Exeter but I just didn’t really click with it, it felt a bit too quiet for me. I know it’s a great uni academically though.
What do you think about Liverpool then?
What do you think about Liverpool then?
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