Picking a university.

[Verix]

I know this really isn't the place to pose potentially life altering decisions but what the hell, it's late and i'm cranky.

I've just recieved the last of the responses through UCAS and I know need to make a final decision on which Uni I'll go to. I've been looking at the Times Good Uni guide but it's just given me a huge headache! The whole guide seems to contradict itself all over the place, giving low scores for something only to mention how impressive that particular facet of the institution is!

I've narrowed my choices down to De Montfort, Winchester and Worcester. I'll be studying Drama and English combined. I'd just be interested to hear if anyone thinks one of the three is an obviously better Uni? Or does anybody have first-hand experience of the one of them that they can share with me?

It'll probably all make more sense to me after a good nights sleep really but i thought i should try you good Abers as well!

BTW sorry for any typos or bad grammmer, as i may have mentioned, i'm tired and cranky :P

[Buenchico]

Don't worry about your spelling. An inability to spell words like 'grammar' is an essential requirement for an English graduate! ;-)
(Maths graduates, like me, are of course famed for their inability to add up!)

I know nothing about those universities (or those particular courses) but I used to teach sixth-formers and many of them later thanked me for the advice which I'd given them, so I'll pass it on to you:

Irrespective of the quality of the course, you won't do well in your studies unless you're happy at university. So forget about reading upon on which course is supposedly 'better' than the competition. (The strength of a course often relies on the contribution of a particular lecturer or head of faculty. You might apply to the university which seems to have the 'best' course, only to find that the key individual has moved on to newer pastures). Concentrate on which university 'feels right' for you, in terms of the accommodation, student facilities and (possibly most important) the nature of the town or city where the university is based. (Towns and cities with several higher education institutions often have a far richer student life than a small place with just one fairly small university).

Additionally (unless you're a mature student who left home years ago), don't even think of going to anywhere which is less than 100 miles from your parents' home. If you're constantly under pressure to spend your weekends with your family you'll never really get to enjoy student life. You need to be far enough away to justify only going home at the end of term. (That doesn't mean that you shouldn't invite your parents to visit you. You won't be under the same pressures to fit into the family lifestyle if that happens).

Chris

[ChuckFickens]

^ that is possibly the best advice I have ever seen given out on this site.

[Verix]

Wow, thankyou.

My parents really wanted me to go to a uni nearer home but I decided to apply to some further field for exactly the reason you've given!

I'll keep in mind what your advice when i go around each uni.

Thanks

[Pigletion]

Whilst I'm not sure about the 100m miles rule (for one the UK is not really big enough to make this viable and being able to go home is nice), I completely agree that you have to like the University and your course will only be as good as you make it.

Out of my six choices, I only wanted to attend one after visiting them, there was no way I was going to any of the others. I also found a lot of students very young and tiresome (although they were actually the same age as me) so being able to go home to some sanity was a blessing! This was particularly true when stuck in halls. My family didn't pressure me though, so I could go home if I wanted. When I had my own flat (well rented) I went home less, as by then you have real friends not the people you're dumped with and possibly a part-time job or sports club at the weekend.

Also, if you put in a lot of effort to your course, then you'll succeed. It's worth asking to meet the head of department or doing some investigation about the teaching staff, as they will be what makes the course good. I went to what is seen as a very good Uni, but the standard of teaching is laughable.Just try and get as much information as possible, it makes the choice a lot less stressful.

Also remember, it's not forever. It's actually very brief. If you've given one university a really good shot and you hate it, you can leave. I have friends who switched courses, some who switched Unis as their original choice was not working for them.


Remeber it'll be a great adventure, whatever!

Good luck deciding.

[Pigletion]

PS I've been at Uni for 10 years, am currently completing my 4th degree and I haven't really liked any of it! (perverse, I know!).

However, starting to play rugby made it worth while. Whilst I realise this particular sport may not be for you, joining a club or society is a great idea. I've made true friends, moved to club rugby, made contacts for various aspects of life and it gives you loads to put on your CV as well as often increasing your confidence, skill in a particular area etc. So make sure you check out their clubs and societies, the students love to talk about them!

Actually seeing each Uni really does make a big difference. If possible, also find out about where students live when in their 2nd and 3rd years (etc.) and take a look around the local area if possible (this may not be possible in a big city). You'll know which one is right