Looking at Universities for 2017

[mjr]

Keele - Lovely green campus, a little isolated but very good community spirit
Leeds - Nice big city University.
Lincoln ?

The first two above match my impressions. Lincoln is a new university (Hull HE College sort-of-relocated and reinvented itself in a few stages) in what seems a nice new campus close to the city centre. It's been making good progress up the various rankings and getting some nice praise in the big review guides. Lincoln's not the biggest city nor the easiest to get to, but I think I would have been quite happy spending a few years there - which is what it comes down to. What any of us think about the relative merits of Russell Group and so on is irrelevant if the student isn't happy in the place, they'll probably not perform as well and may even fail to complete a degree.

Southampton - Small city but a "big" feeling University

Still tower blocks with a dual carriageway up the middle? I didn't like the feel of it.

I studied languages and literature at UEA, Norwich, scarily at, partly, the same time as User. [...] I was there from 1995-1999

Pretty well-known for English and OK for History, too. Not sure about archaeology. I was there 1994-2000ish not studying languages but active in language societies

 

[Dayvo]

I was there 1994-2000ish not studying languages but active in language societies

Which ones? I was involved in (the absolutely non-political) Scan. Clan.

 

[Smithbat]

Daughter looks to see the societies too, she is more of a Harry Potter, Vampire, Zombie girl though, well that and cricket.

 

[mjr]

Which ones? I was involved in (the absolutely non-political) Scan. Clan.

Mainly (the absolutely non-political) La Société Française, but also the German one for a short while. Scan Clan were notorious drinkers in my first year but seemed to fade a bit.

 

[vickster]

I really enjoyed Leeds but that was 20 years ago . Lovely part of the country too

 

[growingvegetables]

Worth a look? My youngest went to several "summer schools" run by the Sutton Trust - invaluable in getting a feel for all the opportunities open to her, for particular universities (put her RIGHT off Cambridge, ) as well as the open days.

They run a similar scheme (with Fulbright) for admission to US universities; again a superb experience.

 

[DCLane]

I work at a university, not one that's on your list (Leeds Beckett) and deliver open day talks including one next week. For me these are the sort of issues to find out about:

• I'd be asking about the course. Not just modules but what do they actually do in terms of content, assessments.
• I'd be wanting to know about additionality - it's not just the taught aspects.
• Also ask how many class contact hours there are per week/module and class sizes.
• What is there in terms of additional student support; personal development, writing/numerical/etc. skills
• What student societies exist. And how often do they really meet.
• If she needs part-time work does the university help to organise and vet this?

The student reps showing you round will answer those sort of questions as well. Bear in mind that they're likely to be recruited and paid so will naturally have a positive viewpoint.

The town/city is vital: some of those on your list are on small out-of-town campuses which mean you can be isolated. Does she want that or to be in a city? i.e. Leeds is very much a city-based university and a lot is geared around the 75,000+ student population.

 

[HertzvanRental]

My brother in law was there (reading biology) in 1968-1971. He played rugby for the 1st XV with Andy Ripley (both in the second row).

Anybody who played with Ripley is OK by me!

 

[Smithbat]

I work at a university, not one that's on your list.

I'd be asking about the course. Not just modules but what do they actually do in terms of content, assessments. I'd be wanting to know about additionality - it's not just the taught aspects. Also ask how many class contact hours there are per week/module and class sizes. The student reps showing you round will answer those sort of questions as well.

The town/city is vital: some of those on your list are on small out-of-town campuses which mean you can be isolated. Does she want that or to be in a city?

I will definitely make a note of what you have said and will pass them on to her. The town/city thing does not worry her, we have moved from a small one road village to the local market town so she has said she is fine either way.

 

[User169]

I studied languages and literature at UEA, Norwich, scarily at, partly, the same time as User.

.

And me - 1993 to 1997!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

University of Easy Access?

Our kid just asked if UEA stood for University of Everlasting Awesomeness.

I wouldn't know as I went to Kingston on Thames Poly.



.

 

[Piemaster]

Son is at Leeds Trinity studying journalism, but we did have a look around the Leeds campus too, which seemed ok.
He is loving it being there, has spent the last year house sharing with another couple of students, they have a terraced house with 1 floor each, plus a common area.. Transport is stupid easy - his digs are five minutes walk and one train stop away from city centre, or 2 stops in other direction to the campus. Don't know about the other choices but off campus accommodation is plentiful so reasonably priced. He has a friend in a University in Surrey somewhere - he pays more per month for what amounts to a broom cupboard.

 

[newfhouse]

I am asking if anyone has any thoughts on Universities good or bad, my daughter is hoping to study English Lit and History or Archaeology and History BA.

She has narrowed it down to 9 places and we are going to visit them all over the next few months. Not having attended University myself I am grateful for any insights. The nine are

Birmingham

My daughter's boyfriend is studying archaeology at Birmingham. He's enjoyed his time there so far, and is just finishing his second year. If you have any specific questions that aren't answered on your visit I can ask him, or for a general chat I can put you in touch.

 

[Smithbat]

Son is at Leeds Trinity studying journalism, but we did have a look around the Leeds campus too, which seemed ok.
He is loving it being there, has spent the last year house sharing with another couple of students, they have a terraced house with 1 floor each, plus a common area.. Transport is stupid easy - his digs are five minutes walk and one train stop away from city centre, or 2 stops in other direction to the campus. Don't know about the other choices but off campus accommodation is plentiful so reasonably priced. He has a friend in a University in Surrey somewhere - he pays more per month for what amounts to a broom cupboard.

I have noticed the wide difference in accommodation prices. The rooms as Pin Hill which is one of the cheaper options at CCCU seemed nicer to me than the more expensive ones. Luckily for her, being in Guiding since she was born means she is not bothered about sharing a bathroom, so ensuite would be nice but not essential.

 

[Smithbat]

My daughter's boyfriend is studying archaeology at Birmingham. He's enjoyed his time there so far, and is just finishing his second year. If you have any specific questions that aren't answered on your visit I can ask him, or for a general chat I can put you in touch.

That is really kind, thank you and we may take you up on it.