Leeds or Edinburgh?? :(

Ok so I applied for English & Philosophy and 4 offers later had my heart absolutely set on Leeds <3 Loved it as soon as I stepped off the train. I was just waiting to be rejected by Edinburgh (no way I was getting an offer!) so I could firm Leeds and la la laa.. So guess what happened yesterday? Yup, offer from Edinburgh. Apart from being completely gobsmacked I couldn't help feel depressed. I've had everything planned with Leeds. My boyfriend is going there too and people have told me again and again it's a stupid idea to go somewhere just cos your boyfriend is but he's probably the most influential part of the decision. I love the university and the accomodation and how everyone who goes there seems to love it. But Edinburgh, as many people have told me, is Edinburgh! I feel honoured to have an offer from them especially for English! My English teacher told me I shouldn't bother applying cos my GCSEs were too low so I never thought I would get in! So I'm torn. On one hand Leeds is where I want to be, with the person I love having a great time. But I'm so scared I'll spend the rest of my life going "I did get into Edinburgh.." and regretting the decision. Has anyone got any advice?

Scroll to see replies

Reply 1

River85

Well what does Edinburgh have that Leeds doesn't, apart from the name? Leeds is still a very good university, there's little difference overall imo (don't know about English).

So what does Edinburgh have that Leeds doesn't?

You could look at it another way, either way you can't lose. Both very good unis in cities you love (I'm assuming you like Edinburgh?)

Reply 2

Stanyon

Both brilliant cities
I think Edinburgh has much more culture/ history, that's why I am choosing it over Leeds.
But each to their own and either way you will have fun.
For the record
Edinburgh!!

Reply 3

orange_monsoon

I prefer edinburgh, but there's no objective truth. Have you been to see edinburgh, found out about accommodation etc.?
You say you don't want to be always thinking 'i wish i'd gone to edinburgh', but nor do you want to always be wishing you'd gone to leeds if that's where your heart is.

Reply 4

Natsuko

Try putting up an opinion poll.
I've applied to both (although I have yet to hear from Edinburgh) and I have to say, I think I prefer Leeds. It seems better for my subject (Japanese) although both have their pluses and minuses for the course. As for the cities, I would say Edinburgh wins there because of the beauty of some of the architecture. Although when I went to Leeds, I fell in love with it straight away (some of the buildings on the campus were lovely, too) and I liked the fact that it was a campus. But then in Edinburgh you're more integrated into the city, which is also good. If I get an offer from Edinburgh, I'll be in a similar situation to you, except it'll be my insurance (providing I like SOAS when we go to see it this week).
Have a look on this website... http://www.unionview.com/

Reply 5

RamocitoMorales

I'm actually having to make the same decision myself after receiving offers from both.

But I think Edinburgh just edges it.

Reply 6

Joseph1234

Go to Edinburgh; you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't...

Reply 7

Haz313

Joseph1234

Go to Edinburgh; you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't...

Since when did we have a psychic on TSR?:O

Reply 8

RamocitoMorales

Haz313

Since when did we have a psychic on TSR?:O

No "Clever" comments please.

Let's try and stay on topic. Edinburgh is a very prestigious University and achieves well domestically and even more internationally.

Both are good Universities, but it really depends on what you're after. Don't let your boyfriend hold you back, because the chances our you won't be with him forever, they come and go.

Follow your heart, then your head.

Reply 9

Loulabell

Edinburgh! :biggrin:

The tutition fees are less than english universities, unless your scottish, then its free!

Reply 10

hopefull89

ex polys, and scottish unis arent prestigius - id say neither

Reply 11

Flummox

Blah, I'm still so torn.. I'm just wondering how much effect my choice will have on my future in the end..

Reply 12

alexyfoot

Flummox

Blah, I'm still so torn.. I'm just wondering how much effect my choice will have on my future in the end..

A lot. GO where you will feel best - which is obviously Leeds...I cant see a reason not to go there. SOme vague word "prestige" which actually is meaningless in your case as Edin does not edge Leeds that much (if any).

Reply 13

alexyfoot

EmmaDilemma

Well yeah you're going to university to get the best degree you can.. but I reckon most people go for the experience. Edinburgh is a beautiful city (i've never been to leeds so I'll just give my opinion on edinburgh), great night life but it's quite expensive and theres a lot of snobs... my Mum and Dad used to live there and they said that. There's also glasgow an hour away on the train.
People are saying that the prestige thing means nothing .. but you know deep down it does in a way. If two people applied for the same job, one from leeds & one from edinburgh.. who do you think would get it?

The one with better recommendations and experience, and the better performer at the interview?

Reply 14

Rock 'n' Roll

Both very good unis but Edinburgh is the more prestigous of the two. Go to Edinburgh.

Reply 15

Flummox

Gahh, so many people saying Edinburgh! I'm still definitely swaying towards Leeds though..

Reply 16

elisabethbridge

Don't go to Edinburgh just because you feel like you should because it's prestigious and hard to get an offer for. You seem like you've made up your mind already anyway. A degree in Leeds isn't going to hinder you in anyway when it comes to getting a job if you just do well at uni. Also, I don't think a graduate from Edinburgh would always automatically be selected over a Leeds graduate. If you're feeling unsure though, go visit Edinburgh, and find out more about the course and uni, and the city (an open day would be a good one to attend), and then make the decision. If after seeing Edinburgh, you still feel like Leeds is where you should go, then go there and have an awesome time.

Reply 17

melissamel

Hmm. I don't enjoy leeds that much, but it all depends. I think I don't enjoy leeds because (I really dont want to sound up myself) but I come from London and I'm used to there always being something to do, and I'm not just talking night life, clubbing can bore me after a while.

But then its all a matter of personal choice, most people here seem to love it. I love edinburgh however, I didnt apply and I wish I had. Beautiful city, so vibrant and fun. I definitely want to live there for a while after uni. I love how its small enough to not get completely lost and overwhelmed in, but with all the benefits of having so much going on culture, night life. Also the student flats you can get in edinburgh are AMAZING for what you pay! I would say there are a LOT more snobs in Leeds really, half the people in Leeds seem to be rah London ugg boot wanna-be -socialites, and rugger boys.

As I say though its completely a matter of personal choice. Choose wisely and do what you want, not just what you think is best for your relationship.

Reply 18

Nicholas Urfe

Both English courses are excellent, and very well recognised. So pick your favourite destination.

Reply 19

Dinkydaisy

You may think you'll wonder about what would have happened had you gone to Edinburgh, but then being so far away from your boyfriend will most likely end the relationship. Would you rather wonder what could have happened at Edinburgh, or what could have happened with your boyfriend?