University Decisions

CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP

I have the decision of going to either Sheffield Hallam University or (when I get an offer) Napier University, Edinburgh. I live in Devon so you can guess which one is the furthest, however I have friends nearby in both towns so it's not like I'll be alone.

Edinburgh costs:

£8000 Tuiton Fees (Including Placement Year, 4.2 years)
First Year Accom: £3608 (44 weeks)

Sheffield costs:

£13,530 (Including Placement Year)
First Year Accom: £3709 (44 weeks, including Utility Charge for Leadmill Point)

There's a dramatic jump in price for Sheffield, however it's in England and I wouldn't be getting half-price Uni expensives like I would in Scotland. I aint been Edinburgh yet, however Sheffield I have and it was pretty nice... Seeing the pictures of Napier though, it looks pretty amazing (plus it was voted most modern Uni in Scotland >_>)

It's a real hard decision, cuz yeah I'm doing a placement too and you gotta think which place will have more business options (I'd guess Edinburgh really, although Sheffield is pretty close to Manchester... but then Edinburgh's close to Glasgow ¬_¬)

How can I even make this decision? LOL.

What degree are you going for? For example I am intending to go for a degree in law and therefore it would be advantageous for me to go to a "Red Brick" university as I will then find it easier to get a footing in the profession. This is the same for a lot of degrees, so if your degree is quite academic and competitive, you would be better off going for the long-standing and high-established university.

I'm going for "BEng (Hons) Computer Networks Systems & Security + Distributed Systems". Basically it's very industrial & workplace-based and I'd be doing alot of work in retail (which is pretty fun). It's not anything really academic, it's just Computing... I don't think that'd be that important.

Sheffield.

GIVE ME A REASON JACK DONT MAKE THIS HARD FOR ME. :@

Edinburgh, Scottish girls are easier! Nah, I don't know why - you want to go North so go all the bloody way! :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Immenseman

Edinburgh, Scottish girls are easier! Nah, I don't know why - you want to go North so go all the bloody way! :D

---

I cant believe you said that, because I've always thought that about northern girls as a whole LOL. They're a right laugh, no strings attached and that xD

If the one in Scotland was described as really modern I would advise going there, as your degree is very modern itself. That might well be a stupid reason but you do have to decide so there you go!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Garion

If the one in Scotland was described as really modern I would advise going there, as your degree is very modern itself. That might well be a stupid reason but you do have to decide so there you go!

---

Yeah there's a 24-hour computer suite there, which really, really, REALLY turns me on... No computer pun intended. I'm waiting on an email from Edinburgh about transport assistance or accomodation assistance. I'd prefer it if they could shack me up in one of their rooms for the night, I'd be so happy with that. Better than what Sheffield Hallam could do... which was nothing (well I think nothing, they never got back to me >_>)

Edinburgh is apparently a cross between Bristol and London though, SO I'VE HEARD. Sorta... sounds nice.

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguid...e.htm?ipg=6643
It doesn't have that specific degree but for computer science - which I assume is the closest - Napier is higher than Sheffield Hallam.

Edinburgh for the win then, do it. Be hard to get back to see family for Christmas etc though

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Virgin Mary

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguid...e.htm?ipg=6643
It doesn't have that specific degree but for computer science - which I assume is the closest - Napier is higher than Sheffield Hallam.

---

Yeah I was looking at The Times league tables, and Napier is only just higher than Sheffield Hallam. The course looks pretty decent tbh, it's longer than the other one in Sheffield but it seems more interesting. Torn :( </3

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Immenseman

Edinburgh for the win then, do it. Be hard to get back to see family for Christmas etc though

---

It's really not, Edinburgh is about 40 quid return on the plane. My parents concerns are that they wouldn't be able to give me their furniture or anything, because it's just way too far away. Unless I hired a van.

Yeah, you might miss them!! :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Immenseman

Yeah, you might miss them!! :(

---

When they're only an hour away on the plane, I really doubt it. Plus I'll be too buried in work to even think about it. I have this immunity to home sickness, I love to travel lol.

Speaking of Universities, my sixth form leader told me I should be looking into Oxford or Cambridge.

Go you Aiden, clever boy!

I won't get in, and even if I did it'd cost a fortune. She said that all of my grades at A/A* were good, but then complained about the B I got in French in Year 9. I shouldn't be worried about uni yet, I'm still waiting to see if I've got into my sixth form :$

I'm sure you will if you've tried your hardest.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

Speaking of Universities, my sixth form leader told me I should be looking into Oxford or Cambridge.

---

Don't be silly everyone knows ginger people aren't allowed into Oxford or Cambridge.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

I won't get in, and even if I did it'd cost a fortune. She said that all of my grades at A/A* were good, but then complained about the B I got in French in Year 9. I shouldn't be worried about uni yet, I'm still waiting to see if I've got into my sixth form :$

---

Bugger, a B in French in Year 9 LOL. Depends what you do in University, cuz if you did a language then yes that'd knock you slightly.

Sheffield, just do it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JackBuddy

Sheffield, just do it.

---

JACK WHY.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pyroka

JACK WHY.

---

because it's not in Scotland. When I was semi-hungover last sunday I was watching some programme in bed and they were saying how English students were targeted and experienced racism!

I just couldn't let that happen to you Ryan. :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pyroka

Don't be silly everyone knows ginger people aren't allowed into Oxford or Cambridge.



Bugger, a B in French in Year 9 LOL. Depends what you do in University, cuz if you did a language then yes that'd knock you slightly.

---

Gah, I'm not doing French at Uni, that's just... deadly.

I'm doing my AS French and Maths this year, then next year I'm doing A2 Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then doing A2 in all of them, and since I already have my Maths A-Level by year 12, I could do another AS Level to give me 7 AS' and 5 A2's.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

Gah, I'm not doing French at Uni, that's just... deadly.

I'm doing my AS French and Maths this year, then next year I'm doing A2 Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then doing A2 in all of them, and since I already have my Maths A-Level by year 12, I could do another AS Level to give me 7 AS' and 5 A2's.

---

A levels are harder than you think, lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

Gah, I'm not doing French at Uni, that's just... deadly.

I'm doing my AS French and Maths this year, then next year I'm doing A2 Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then doing A2 in all of them, and since I already have my Maths A-Level by year 12, I could do another AS Level to give me 7 AS' and 5 A2's.

---

Alot of my friends are going to oxford, they don't even care that much about GCSE results and even As's that much. get 4 or 5 A's at A2 and a good interview and your sorted ;)

Anyway yeah iv'e never even been into Scotland but Sheffield is a mint city.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JackBuddy

A levels are harder than you think, lol.

---

They are indeed, my teacher suggested taking a 7th AS level at Year 13, but I think the A2 work will be enough. And if I have enough of a subject after Y12, I can always drop it and do just 3 subjects in Y13.

make a poll :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

Gah, I'm not doing French at Uni, that's just... deadly.

I'm doing my AS French and Maths this year, then next year I'm doing A2 Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Then doing A2 in all of them, and since I already have my Maths A-Level by year 12, I could do another AS Level to give me 7 AS' and 5 A2's.

---

youre AS's dont count if you have an A2 so it would be 2 AS's and 5 A2's

im in a real situation, you have it easy ryan :(

Edinburgh.

It is such a cultural city it really is, and it is honestly full of so many nice folks. One thing you hear quite often about Scotland is how friendly and helpful the people are (obviously you get some idiots but where don't you?)

It has a brilliant culture overall and honestly you can find someone from just about every background so the whole racism thing is a load of crap.

It has an amazing nightlife also with anything to suit your tastes tbh, and napier is quite a good uni overall. (Not as good as strathclyde ;) haha)

DEFOS Edinburgh

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ostinato

One thing you hear quite often about Scotland is how friendly and helpful the people are (obviously you get some idiots but where don't you?)

---

I've never heard that. I always hear about how if you're english you'll get stabbed or given a glasgow smile lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ostinato

Edinburgh.

It is such a cultural city it really is, and it is honestly full of so many nice folks. One thing you hear quite often about Scotland is how friendly and helpful the people are (obviously you get some idiots but where don't you?)

It has a brilliant culture overall and honestly you can find someone from just about every background so the whole racism thing is a load of crap.

It has an amazing nightlife also with anything to suit your tastes tbh, and napier is quite a good uni overall. (Not as good as strathclyde ;) haha)

DEFOS Edinburgh

---

You don't get idiots in Antartica... :<

I just compared both courses (SHU and Napier), and tbh SHU does sound more appealing but I know what it's like at SHU already so it's pretty unfair for me to judge on just how they've worded it. I wanna go uppppppp. Thanks Ost, +rep <333

Mary, I went to Glasgow and I didn't get stabbed... It's the outer areas which you watch out for. Walked around Motherwell at 2AM drunk, and safe to say I'm still alive, though apparently I shouldnt be lol. +rep to you too for helping :D

Go to Kent University in Canterbury :D Then I can say 'HI' 'cos mentor goes there and I'm down there monthly :D They have computing courses, that's good enough!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GommeInc

Go to Kent University in Canterbury :D Then I can say 'HI' 'cos mentor goes there and I'm down there monthly :D They have computing courses, that's good enough!

---

I've already sent my application you silly man! :@!

So no same name love making then? :( I suppose you could find another Ryan in Scotland, with all there gingerness and haggis :(

Is there actually a computing course called that? It seems quite specific to usual degrees...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GommeInc

So no same name love making then? :( I suppose you could find another Ryan in Scotland, with all there gingerness and haggis :(

Is there actually a computing course called that? It seems quite specific to usual degrees...

---

I had haggis, it was actually pretty lush... Weird. No same name love making, you know what happens when that happens. :@

Whatcha mean, is there an actual course named after what I put? Cuz yes, yes there is if you're asking lol.

lol.

do a pros and cons list and if you find yourself favouring one more than the other then obviously you like that one better. Where else did you apply to btw

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

Speaking of Universities, my sixth form leader told me I should be looking into Oxford or Cambridge.

---

Yes, go for it Aid! (The second one, anyway.)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

I won't get in, and even if I did it'd cost a fortune. She said that all of my grades at A/A* were good, but then complained about the B I got in French in Year 9. I shouldn't be worried about uni yet, I'm still waiting to see if I've got into my sixth form :$

---

Lies! It's not significantly more expensive than anywhere else. The only thing you'll need extra money for are, well... the 'extras', like balls (where tickets will be between £70-£170, and you'll need a dinner suit). If you don't apply, then you are the only one making the 'I won't get in' idea to be true!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ramones

Alot of my friends are going to oxford, they don't even care that much about GCSE results and even As's that much. get 4 or 5 A's at A2 and a good interview and your sorted ;)

---

3 A grades at A2 and a good interview, then you're sorted. Anything else is overkill, unless you really want to. Offers are usually made on 3 specified A grades alone.

GCSE grades are important, because by the time you have your interview, you have GCSE grades and AS grades; you haven't completed your A2 yet. GCSE grades are not make-or-break overwhelmingly important, but they make the university want to give you an interview (along with your personal statement, which I will come to now).

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Kardan

They are indeed, my teacher suggested taking a 7th AS level at Year 13, but I think the A2 work will be enough. And if I have enough of a subject after Y12, I can always drop it and do just 3 subjects in Y13.

---

Be very careful. While it is important you are academically bright on paper, you need to keep two things in check:
1) That you are not spreading yourself too thin -- you want to best grades you can get from the subjects you are going to do. I don't know if A* are introduced for your courses yet, but gunning for 3 of those would be much better than gunning for 6 As at A-level.
2) That you leave time for other things. You need to show in your personal statement that you are a well-rounded, balanced individual. Leave plenty of time for less academic activities. You need to stand out, and the benefit I never had was the ability to start thinking about it now, where you are. People will want you in plenty of societies and activities... like each college's boat club. Fun times.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ostinato

Edinburgh.

It is such a cultural city it really is, and it is honestly full of so many nice folks. One thing you hear quite often about Scotland is how friendly and helpful the people are (obviously you get some idiots but where don't you?)

It has a brilliant culture overall and honestly you can find someone from just about every background so the whole racism thing is a load of crap.

It has an amazing nightlife also with anything to suit your tastes tbh, and napier is quite a good uni overall. (Not as good as strathclyde ;) haha)

DEFOS Edinburgh

---

Ryan, I've got to agree with Ostinato! Go for Edinburgh for teh winzz! :D

& oooh ooh Ryan... near Torbaydos?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Immenseman

Edinburgh, Scottish girls are easier! Nah, I don't know why - you want to go North so go all the bloody way! :D

---

Scottish girls aren't, it's northen girls.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pyroka

I cant believe you said that, because I've always thought that about northern girls as a whole LOL. They're a right laugh, no strings attached and that xD

---

You're right.

:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Barmi

Yes, go for it Aid! (The second one, anyway.)

Lies! It's not significantly more expensive than anywhere else. The only thing you'll need extra money for are, well... the 'extras', like balls (where tickets will be between £70-£170, and you'll need a dinner suit). If you don't apply, then you are the only one making the 'I won't get in' idea to be true!

3 A grades at A2 and a good interview, then you're sorted. Anything else is overkill, unless you really want to. Offers are usually made on 3 specified A grades alone.

GCSE grades are important, because by the time you have your interview, you have GCSE grades and AS grades; you haven't completed your A2 yet. GCSE grades are not make-or-break overwhelmingly important, but they make the university want to give you an interview (along with your personal statement, which I will come to now).

Be very careful. While it is important you are academically bright on paper, you need to keep two things in check:
1) That you are not spreading yourself too thin -- you want to best grades you can get from the subjects you are going to do. I don't know if A* are introduced for your courses yet, but gunning for 3 of those would be much better than gunning for 6 As at A-level.
2) That you leave time for other things. You need to show in your personal statement that you are a well-rounded, balanced individual. Leave plenty of time for less academic activities. You need to stand out, and the benefit I never had was the ability to start thinking about it now, where you are. People will want you in plenty of societies and activities... like each college's boat club. Fun times.

Ryan, I've got to agree with Ostinato! Go for Edinburgh for teh winzz! :D

& oooh ooh Ryan... near Torbaydos?

---

Torbaydos? I can only assume you mean Torbay in Devon LOL. Yeah I live in Teignbridge. :P

kk, I applied for Derby, Salford, Stafford (Withdrawn), Sheffield Hallam and Napier. I can't do a pro/con list until I've been to Napier, but I don't want to go to Derby or Salford I was just curious as to what they'd actually give me lol.

I just got off the phone with a bloke from Napier Uni, I swear he was camp but anyway, he told me my app has gone through but theres a massive delay in apps because this weekend new students are starting (Feb 2009 starters). Said theres no real issue with it, so most likely they'll give me an offer but they said I'll get a call from a Recruitment officer later today, so I can ask him loads of questions about Open days, the prices and stuff like that.

The guys on email I was talking to, bloody hell what a joke, he C+P'd something from the website I already knew, asked me when I want to join Napier (Feb/Sept) & then told me that he couldnt offer me travel assistance advice... I haven't heard from him since xD

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Pyroka

Torbaydos? I can only assume you mean Torbay in Devon LOL. Yeah I live in Teignbridge. :P

kk, I applied for Derby, Salford, Stafford (Withdrawn), Sheffield Hallam and Napier. I can't do a pro/con list until I've been to Napier, but I don't want to go to Derby or Salford I was just curious as to what they'd actually give me lol.

I just got off the phone with a bloke from Napier Uni, I swear he was camp but anyway, he told me my app has gone through but theres a massive delay in apps because this weekend new students are starting (Feb 2009 starters). Said theres no real issue with it, so most likely they'll give me an offer but they said I'll get a call from a Recruitment officer later today, so I can ask him loads of questions about Open days, the prices and stuff like that.

The guys on email I was talking to, bloody hell what a joke, he C+P'd something from the website I already knew, asked me when I want to join Napier (Feb/Sept) & then told me that he couldnt offer me travel assistance advice... I haven't heard from him since xD

---

I've been to Croyde Bay in Devon!? :S:S:S

Ah, I have applied to dumb unis in comparison to everyone else!