University Stuff

[Mr D]

Hey y'all
   Being a wee nipper, I need help! I'm off to University in September, and I've got unconditional offers from Lampeter and from Staffordshire. Lampeter is second best in the country for Philosophy according to inner circles, wheres Staffordshire is less so. But Lampeter is in the middle of nowhere, and while part of me would really like that, it could be a wee bit tedious, being unable to visit people easily.

What do you think is better for me to do? (don't worry, I won't be basing my final decision on what you say, I just want to know what people with a little more experience in these matters think - not to be cheeky!)

The other thing is, does anyone live in Stoke on Trent? Cos if I went to Staffordshire I'd be going with my girlfriend, meaning we'd have to rent a place and I have a few questions about housing...

That's all basically... If you want any other details, I'll clarify!

Laters!

[Generally Contrary]

Well, at a campus university you are part of a community of 'scholars'.  And if it has the best department and you do enjoy the subject then that might be a good idea.

But then, there is the relative lack of nightlife.  But compared to Stoke, is that a bad thing?

Me, I'd have chosen Lamepeter from waht you said.  As it was I chose York (then Leeds, now Cardiff).

[hag]

i thought the point of university was to have slotsa sexing with random ladees?

thats why im going at least... or something.

[Generally Contrary]

You don't want a lotta 'random' women.  You want a highly select group.  You want an 'elite' university.

I didn't get random or select women mind.  Was that the point.  Has my life been wasted?

[Something Fishy]

is that your cup of tea so to speak then Pella?

I didn't do enough random sexing.. got serious with someone within the first year.

[DavidXBrunt]

Not being in the middle of nowhere would be an advangtage I think.

I used to see a girl who lived in Alsager which is in Stoke and I used to visit a lot. If there are any specific questions I might be able to help.

[Quirkafleeg]

I've seen a fair amount of the country and Stoke is vile... and it's not just me, on some lifestyle test it officaly the worse place in the country. As the say only mugs come from the Potteries

[Mr D]

Thats the sort of thing I want to know really... specific 'how good/bad are places'?

[Mr D]

Just checked on that - it WAS number one, but now it isn't even in the top 50 - that caused a lot of controversy. Hm, right or wrong?

[Quirkafleeg]

Sometime a key academic can be pouched or as happened when I was an undergraduate fall out with the head of department and leave and it screws up the whole course

[VampiraJen]

as long as you are doing the subject you want to do and the best place possible to do it, does isolation matter.

I went to college to do a subject which i found intersesting, but knew it would have no bearing on my life.  i did it because god forbide i shouldn't go on to further education.  i didn't enjoy the course and i found my lecturers to be uninspiring and dull.  It was a copleate anti climax and i am now trying to decide whether i should go on and try something i know i will enjoy, or work to pay of student loans.

i hate to go all hollywood heart warming fil on you, but do whatever your heart tells you  

*Insert cheesy emotional piano music here*

[Something Fishy]

It was in Plymouth, not really the middle of nowhere.

[Generally Contrary]

Well, and I don't want to suggest this really, but if the department that you thought was the best is now outside the top fifty, and if you do have a look at Stoke and agree with what most people think when they have a look at the place, why no re-apply next year?

It is better to go to university at 19 having made the right choice (or at least a more considered choice), than go at 18 and balls it up.  And, applying after your A-levels have been awarded means that you do not need to select 'insurance' places (though I don't understand the logic there anyway).  If you already have say, BCC, then you can apply to 6 courses all offering philsopophy at BCC (and above - it's worth a try with one slot).

[Quirkafleeg]

IMHO If you think you are doing the wrong course run away... I 'stuck it out', worse mistake I've ever made (and I've made plenty)

[Matt Timson]

Orange shirt, anyone?

;)