Picking universities in the UK

[The Monkey]

OK, guys, here's the deal. Next spring (2011), I have the chance to study at university in another country for one semester through Erasmus. I'd by a plonker if I didn't take the chance.

My university has deals with other universities in 15 countries. However, in only two countries, The Netherlands (Amsterdam) and The UK is the education in English, and I don't feel comfortable enough in German to study there. Normally, Amsterdam would be the obvious choice, but finding accommodation there is supposed to be a real bitch, as the uni doesn't supply it.

So what remains is the UK, where the unis supply accommodation.

There're five British Universities to choose from:
University of Keele
Leeds Metropolitan University
University of Loughborough
University of Ulster
University of Stirling

Now, my questions is, do any of you have any experiences with any of these cities and/or universities? What would you recommend or dissuade?

 

[Eejit]

Well the Coleraine campus of University of Ulster is near some pretty scenic areas, it's near where my family lives. You might find it a bit boring perhaps, unless you're into watersports, biking, hiking or something. Oh there's some nightlife though, like one of the biggest club complexes in northern ireland. Unfortunately Belfast People often go there

Some friends of mine went to Stirling and liked it, I've never been.

 

[Shift]

Do something else, there's no point anymore.

 

[The Monkey]

Well the Coleraine campus of University of Ulster is near some pretty scenic areas, it's near where my family lives. You might find it a bit boring perhaps, unless you're into watersports, biking, hiking or something. Oh there's some nightlife though, like one of the biggest club complexes in northern ireland. Unfortunately Belfast People often go there

Some friends of mine went to Stirling and liked it, I've never been.

Thanks

Do something else, there's no point anymore.

There was never a point to anything. What's your point?

 

[Matt Isaacs]

I go to Loughborough university at the moment and if you have any questions feel free to ask. It depends on what you want from your time here though as to which one would be best for you.

Loughborough is very much a university town and whilst this means there is a more limited amount of place to go out in the immediate vicinity there is still a fair few places to go out in the town and also our students union makes a reasonable place to go. Also it's a quick cheap train ride to Nottingham or Leicester if you want to go to a city for a night out.

If you enjoy/do any sports Loughborough is excellent, and caters for almost all sports with top class facilities. I like it here, can't really say much more than that but if you want to know anything about it here just ask. Also from what other Swedish erasmus students have said the time you spend here is in easy-mode compared to what you do at your unis.

 

[Dekstar]

I know someone who went to Keele. Apparently it's in the middle of nowhere,so I wouldn't suggest it Mr Monkey - you might get bored.

 

[Mr Stabby]

The 'University' of Ulster is a shite university.

 

[Shift]

Thanks

There was never a point to anything. What's your point?

My point is university is a waste of money unless you are training to become a doctor or something.

 

[Acepilotf14]

Thanks

There was never a point to anything. What's your point?

The world's going to end in two years so why bother?

 

[Eejit]

The 'University' of Ulster is a shite university.

Since he's just going there for a term that probably doesn't matter much. It's not going to be awarding him the degree.

 

[15357]

My point is university is a waste of money unless you are training to become a doctor or something.

*


*Education is never a waste of money.

 

[Minister]

Leeds is a cool city, good nightlife and whatnot. It's also the biggest city on your list. Depends on what type of stuff you want (big city, small city, outdoor pursuits) etc.

 

[Shift]

*


*Education is never a waste of money.

It is in this country beyond A Levels, degrees mean nothing to employers anymore.

 

[Bob_Marley]

I know someone who went to Keele. Apparently it's in the middle of nowhere,so I wouldn't suggest it Mr Monkey - you might get bored.

Yeah, my sister went there - its right out in the middle of no where and very self contained.

Cooincidentally it also has the highest suicide rate of any university in the UK.

 

[Solaris]

Don't do Ulster, the nightlife isn't as good as mainland GB.

Although, I love it

 

[knut]

It is in this country beyond A Levels, degrees mean nothing to employers anymore.

you don't have to go to university specifically for a degree. to say it's a ''waste'' of time is ****ing dumb - it may of been for you, but you ain't us. or everyone.

i'm not looking for a degree at the end of my three years, i'm here for the learning and experience in between.

 

[Shift]

you don't have to go to university specifically for a degree. to say it's a ''waste'' of time is ****ing dumb - it may of been for you, but you ain't us. or everyone.

i'm not looking for a degree at the end of my three years, i'm here for the learning and experience in between.

So getting yourself into thousands of pounds worth of debt merely for furthering your education that will amount to nothing is the intelligent option is it? Lol ok.

 

[Hectic Glenn]

Degrees are certainly worth less than they used to be, however they are not pointless. Many more people go to university now but degrees are the standard level of qualifications required for any decent profession. "Degree level education required" was what I was trained to look for when I worked in recruitment, any lower and the CV got binned (unless they had been working in the field for 5+ years).

It's the standard practice, and with degrees you can do placements in sectors your degree is relevant to - this is purely self driven though. Improving your chances moving in that direction after you finish because as you know...just passing the degree doesn't make you qualified for any job. E word coming, experience.

So please don't spew your poison someone has indoctrinated you with. Some graduates are deluded to think they've got a certain job but most are aware it's a necessary self improvement process not only to specialise in a subject of interest but also to mature and develop as a person too. I'd encourage anyone to go...assuming you pick a proper degree. Media studies isn't one.

To Kris:

Loughborough - best uni on the list by far.

 

[knut]

So getting yourself into thousands of pounds worth of debt merely for furthering your education that will amount to nothing is the intelligent option is it? Lol ok.

yeah, well if you're onesided and ignorant enough to think of the end result being *just* ''education'' (and what a broad word that is, for a start) is all you get then i think you either chose the wrong university, wrong course or just didn't go looking for anything new.

getting yourself into thousands of pounds worth of debt was your own fault, that isn't everyone. but how about we take a look at all the millions of other people in the world who have landed on their feet out of university just fine without any problems that have made you all bitter and shitty about it, eh? edit: actually, it's probably very likely half these people do have the same problems, but are still doing just fine anyway. i know a fair few when i think about it.

i'm not going to say you obviously didn't learn anything as i know nothing about you, but the knowledge, information, opportunities and experiences that i've been apart of in the last two terms of my first year have been worth WAY more than whatever my bank bills say at the end. **** 'em, i'll pay 'em, now just let me get back to enjoying myself, being with my friends, doing the course that's right for me, learning new things... etc, and i could really go on with that etc.

 

[Shift]

I will accept that university is an experience and you have a good time while there but all I'm saying is, I think its not worth the amount of money you have to pay, especially considering all the experiences of university can be experienced outside of it, hell most of my friends had all been there, done that and got the t shirt during college. And colleges don't do enough to state the alternative methods as opposed to going to university, all they talk about is that people HAVE to go, so basically everyone signs up like droans upon getting their A levels, deluded into thinking they will get a degree and get some amazing job. But in this day and age, those jobs don't exist, and if they do, there is usually going to many more candidates other than yourself gunning for it, usually with a lot more experience than you.

The only benefits that can come of it as Glenn said is either via work placements if you can get any, or if the degree you are doing is the correct degree, i.e. anyone studying nursing is basically guaranteed a job, but those studying computer science are only likely to land some mediocre office job. Harsh times, but thats just the way it is at the moment.

 

[repiV]

Without wishing to turn this thread any more into an argument about the value of degrees, because that's besides the point entirely...

Degrees are certainly worth less than they used to be, however they are not pointless. Many more people go to university now but degrees are the standard level of qualifications required for any decent profession.

Required by who, exactly?

"Degree level education required" was what I was trained to look for when I worked in recruitment, any lower and the CV got binned (unless they had been working in the field for 5+ years).

All that proves is that your boss was a muppet and you were cheating yourself out of placements. Did you work for Hays or one of their ilk?

While everyone else is faffing around with degrees so they can slap it on a CV, the savvy jobseeker will be calling up the line manager and selling himself in for an interview, bypassing the herd entirely and getting the job on his merits rather than adherence to a list of checkboxes.

Or, equally applicable, while your company is sitting around waiting for your clients to review CVs, I'll be selling in my candidates in on the phone and getting them interviews there and then.


I don't have experience of any of those cities I'm afraid Monkey, other than passing through Stirling once.

 

[Felix]

Don't go to Wales, ever.

 

[Eejit]

Don't do Ulster, the nightlife isn't as good as mainland GB.

Although, I love it

UoU Coleraine is near the Kelly's complex at least, which is about as busy and popular as anywhere I've been in Glasgow.

 

[nurizeko]

OK, guys, here's the deal. Next spring (2011), I have the chance to study at university in another country for one semester through Erasmus. I'd by a plonker if I didn't take the chance.

My university has deals with other universities in 15 countries. However, in only two countries, The Netherlands (Amsterdam) and The UK is the education in English, and I don't feel comfortable enough in German to study there. Normally, Amsterdam would be the obvious choice, but finding accommodation there is supposed to be a real bitch, as the uni doesn't supply it.

So what remains is the UK, where the unis supply accommodation.

There're five British Universities to choose from:
University of Keele
Leeds Metropolitan University
University of Loughborough
University of Ulster
University of Stirling

Now, my questions is, do any of you have any experiences with any of these cities and/or universities? What would you recommend or dissuade?

I'd suggest Sterling I guess?

TBH Sheffield University is pretty popular, but that's not on your list.

Don't come to Aberdeen uni, our accommodation has been ****ed up for 3 years running, lazy run societies, and uni staff more interested in their research than teaching and stuff but oh well.

Plus I'd probably see you on campus and make a scene in front of all the English and foreign students, dropping HL2.net meme's all over your face and lollin (even though most HL2.net in-jokes are just stolen from 4chan).

:smoking:

 

[The Monkey]

Alright, thanks for all the help. This is a summary of the opinions so far:

University of Keele 0+, 1-
Leeds Metropolitan University 1+, 0-
University of Loughborough 2+, 0-
University of Ulster 1+, 2-
University of Stirling 2+, 0-

Loughborough and Stirling in the lead!

 

[Eejit]

You can't take Solaris or Stabby seriously. Belfast hates the rest of northern ireland, the rest of northern ireland hates belfast.

 

[Minister]

Any idea what Lund University is like? I might be going there next spring on Erasmus

 

[The Monkey]

Any idea what Lund University is like? I might be going there next spring on Erasmus

Wow, I grew up in Lund, it's a fantastic town. Everything in the town revolves around the university, and it has a very vibrant and diverse student life. Plus, foreign students, unlike domestic, get accommodation arranged for them (finding a place to live is usually a big pain in the ass and the only real drawback). So go!

 

[Mr Stabby]

You can't take Solaris or Stabby seriously. Belfast hates the rest of northern ireland, the rest of northern ireland hates belfast.

The UoU is not rated very well academically. Really it's for northern Irish people to dumb to get into QUB.

If you're interested in scenary go for a holiday, but don't study there.

I dislike all of northern Ireland equally and I'm not living there any longer than I have too.

 

[kupocake]

Interesting that they're mostly from the 1960s wave of new Universities. I mention this simply because it's unlikely that the campus or university buildings themselves will give you much of a 'British University' vibe, which is no major criticism, just kind of characterless.

Having been to a Plateglass University, It would be out of character for me not to be a little snobbish about Leeds Met, because grasping at straws is fun. Pesky Polytechnics.

 

[Solaris]

Leeds met is a hell of a lot of fun drinking wise.

 

[Eejit]

The UoU is not rated very well academically. Really it's for northern Irish people to dumb to get into QUB.

If you're interested in scenary go for a holiday, but don't study there.

I dislike all of northern Ireland equally and I'm not living there any longer than I have too.

And QUB is for northern irish people too stay-at-home to go elsewhere.

Academics doesn't matter much for erasmus imo, it's about experiencing a different place and culture, broadening your horizons. Where the uni you're going to for a single term is on the league tables is rather unimportant.

 

[Matt Isaacs]

Also at the risk of sounding like an advert for Loughborough the uni has been in top place for the times survey for student satisfaction for the past 4 years I think. http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/Journals/THE/THE/14_January_2010/attachments/032-040_THE_JAN1410_Layout%20lo.pdf

 

[Sulkdodds]

That was what I was going to say. I only know two things about Loughborough: that survey result, and the fact that there was a running joke in PC Gamer UK about it being a boring hellhole.

 

[Minister]

Isn't Loughborough meant to be a really sport orientated Uni? If the sport people in Exeter are to go by, that would be a bad thing. I ****ing hate rugby boys and their crappy Jack Wills.

 

[knut]

lufbra is incredibly sport related, but the only other thing i know about is it'd renowned product design/technology facilities and occasionally it pops up as a runner for illustration students. my friend studies product design there so i went to an open day interview with him a few years back - it's a nice place, it's very much a city of students on campus with a town attached to it, and the campus is quite nice, a nice blend of new and old architecture too, lots of old 60's brutalist stuff which some find offputting but i loved, but that's not really too important.

i imagine it's very 'jocky' and loud because of it's sports facilities, and the nights out to be very much studenty if you follow. down in falmouth, i'm here for the quiet nights and so is 90% of the campus as that's what the atmosphere is, so i couldn't live in a proper loud and party-like university like l'boro.

 

[The Monkey]

Now it's settled, going to Loughborough next spring! **** yeah!