University open days?!?!?
Discussion
Hi All,
Perfect driving weather, hope you enjoy!
So my eldest son, who has just finished his mock A-level exams has registered for a UCAS account today.
When the world was normal, we would have gone to the open days and looked around the Universities and got a feel of the campus, location, facilities etc.
So now with virtual tours and open days, you can't really get the feel of the place......what are your suggestions?
He has a shortlist and I'm not sure what to do? They are all of a similar level/entry requirement and I'm not sure what to advise him?
Do you think it would be possible to drive up to a campus and walk around it?
IceBoy
Perfect driving weather, hope you enjoy!
So my eldest son, who has just finished his mock A-level exams has registered for a UCAS account today.
When the world was normal, we would have gone to the open days and looked around the Universities and got a feel of the campus, location, facilities etc.
So now with virtual tours and open days, you can't really get the feel of the place......what are your suggestions?
He has a shortlist and I'm not sure what to do? They are all of a similar level/entry requirement and I'm not sure what to advise him?
Do you think it would be possible to drive up to a campus and walk around it?
IceBoy
I think you will find they are all tumble-weed-town at the moment. I was at Teeside a couple of weeks ago collecting belongings and they had no idea what they would be running next year, no idea about how many they could put into each house on Halls, the grass was up to your knees etc. Our 1st year who left in a hurry in April still has no idea about finishing his year as the course has all been based on the University computers and software - they are clueless about anything at the moment!
IceBoy said:
Do you think it would be possible to drive up to a campus and walk around it?
IceBoy
Yes but really he needs the departmental presentations to get a feel of what the teaching is like. And not just the teaching, its the stuff like lecture halls, Lab facilities, work done by current students, as well as a tour of the accommodation facilities. As he won't be able to do that there probably isn't much point.IceBoy
Having said all that I think the Universities are likely to be holding Open days well into early next year, by which time lockdown will have lifted. So there's no rush.
Do you know what you're looking for? I went to open days at Manchester, Aston and Coventry. I eventually went to Portsmouth.
Uni is what you make it. I'm not sure what you can glean from an open day. It's a bit like going to a timeshare sales pitch. They will tell you about all the good part and none of the bad parts.
Uni is what you make it. I'm not sure what you can glean from an open day. It's a bit like going to a timeshare sales pitch. They will tell you about all the good part and none of the bad parts.
CzechItOut said:
Do you know what you're looking for? I went to open days at Manchester, Aston and Coventry. I eventually went to Portsmouth.
Uni is what you make it. I'm not sure what you can glean from an open day. It's a bit like going to a timeshare sales pitch. They will tell you about all the good part and none of the bad parts.
You can gain a lot. The area, what the teachers are like, equipment, general felling, size and layout of halls etc.Uni is what you make it. I'm not sure what you can glean from an open day. It's a bit like going to a timeshare sales pitch. They will tell you about all the good part and none of the bad parts.
Some good comments and post, thank you.
I agree, university is what you make of it but I think there is value in location, facilities, the teaching, etc.
For reference his first shortlisting seems to be:
Durham
York
Warwick
Bath
Loughborogh
Leeds
Nottingham
Sheffield
Surrey
Reading
So you will notice his pattern, with a couple of anomalies.....
He wants to go to one of the top universities and the outliers are Reading & Surrey which are within 30 miles of us (Maidenhead). Now don't get me wrong Reading and Surrey are both good universities but they are a tiny step down from the others.
To give you an idea all those mentioned above need AAA-AAB and Reading and Surrey need AAB-ABB.
Anyway, this is a starter for 10 and over the coming weeks this will be whittled down to top 5 choices.
I should have mentioned he wants to read Business Management at Uni and is studying Physics, Economics and Geography at A-Level.
Thanks in advance.
IceBoy
I agree, university is what you make of it but I think there is value in location, facilities, the teaching, etc.
For reference his first shortlisting seems to be:
Durham
York
Warwick
Bath
Loughborogh
Leeds
Nottingham
Sheffield
Surrey
Reading
So you will notice his pattern, with a couple of anomalies.....
He wants to go to one of the top universities and the outliers are Reading & Surrey which are within 30 miles of us (Maidenhead). Now don't get me wrong Reading and Surrey are both good universities but they are a tiny step down from the others.
To give you an idea all those mentioned above need AAA-AAB and Reading and Surrey need AAB-ABB.
Anyway, this is a starter for 10 and over the coming weeks this will be whittled down to top 5 choices.
I should have mentioned he wants to read Business Management at Uni and is studying Physics, Economics and Geography at A-Level.
Thanks in advance.
IceBoy
I took my daughter to open days at Leeds, Warwick and Bristol last year - all good Universities.
Bristol is a City Centre University - with the buildings spread across an area of the city, with normal shops and houses in between
Leeds is a Campus University located walking distance from the city centre
Warwick is a Campus University in the middle of nowhere
We both liked Bristol a lot, but she's ended up going to Warwick because she prefers the course. During the first part of the open day, she wasn't keen on Warwick, because it seemed to mollycoddle the students a bit too much. However, she then had her eyes opened about a specific course that only Warwick did, and that became the most important factor.
I really wouldn't suggest doing any more than 3 open days - it really is exhausting.
One other thing to remember is that there will be "Offer holder days", so if your son has an offer from somewhere, there will be a much more tailored open day - possibly just for people on a specific course - that will help him to make his mind up. One of the students I spoke to at Warwick hadn't been to any open days at all, she worked it all out on-line, and then made her final decision after attending offer holder days.
Bristol is a City Centre University - with the buildings spread across an area of the city, with normal shops and houses in between
Leeds is a Campus University located walking distance from the city centre
Warwick is a Campus University in the middle of nowhere
We both liked Bristol a lot, but she's ended up going to Warwick because she prefers the course. During the first part of the open day, she wasn't keen on Warwick, because it seemed to mollycoddle the students a bit too much. However, she then had her eyes opened about a specific course that only Warwick did, and that became the most important factor.
I really wouldn't suggest doing any more than 3 open days - it really is exhausting.
One other thing to remember is that there will be "Offer holder days", so if your son has an offer from somewhere, there will be a much more tailored open day - possibly just for people on a specific course - that will help him to make his mind up. One of the students I spoke to at Warwick hadn't been to any open days at all, she worked it all out on-line, and then made her final decision after attending offer holder days.
Honestly maybe he would be better off putting off going for a year? In reality it's very possible most of his first year lectures will be spent via online off campus and he will not get the traditional student lifestyle experience I assume he wants to experience whilst still paying full fees and accommodation and living costs for it.
I live in Leeds, my wife went to Uni there to study nursing, it's a fantastic modern city under normal circumstances the student life looks amazing, I have been on the university campus and it's a hugely impressive place, they seem to have loads of cash to invest as they are constantly doing further development and expanding the campus. I can't say how it would compare to your other choices though and that's the issue I guess really.
I live in Leeds, my wife went to Uni there to study nursing, it's a fantastic modern city under normal circumstances the student life looks amazing, I have been on the university campus and it's a hugely impressive place, they seem to have loads of cash to invest as they are constantly doing further development and expanding the campus. I can't say how it would compare to your other choices though and that's the issue I guess really.
Having been to 10 open days with my own kids, who came out the other side with 1st class masters in their chosen subjects, I would suggest that open days are 95% bull s
t and 5% truth.
Having chosen to go to Coventry Polytechnic based on them making an offer on the day i got my st A level results, I would go so far as to suggest that it really doesn't matter.
Do they do the course they want to do?
How expensive is accomodation?
How many people drop out in first 2 years?
That's all that matters.
t and 5% truth. Having chosen to go to Coventry Polytechnic based on them making an offer on the day i got my s
t A level results, I would go so far as to suggest that it really doesn't matter. Do they do the course they want to do?
How expensive is accomodation?
How many people drop out in first 2 years?
That's all that matters.
I'd make sure he knows the cities / towns as well. I looked at both Nottingham and Sheffield (many years ago) and couldn't get on with the towns, just didn't like them (although my sister loved being in Nottingham).
Your list has a real diversity of look and feel so get touring - perfect excuse for a road trip or two
Your list has a real diversity of look and feel so get touring - perfect excuse for a road trip or two
For B&M, has he considered UCL or Kings College, London?
My son enjoyed completing his degree at UCL, did very well and is returning this year to commence a Masters.
Daughter is at Bristol. Teaching has been very patchy. Lots of strikes by lecturers and then Covid closure. This year has been a waste of time and money for her. However, her social life has been busy.
Before Covid, lecturers were striking due to having to pay more into their pension and work until they are older (much like most of us). The dispute is not settled and will kick off again this autumn. It only affects some universities so I would avoid any uni where the industrial action is unresolved.
My son enjoyed completing his degree at UCL, did very well and is returning this year to commence a Masters.
Daughter is at Bristol. Teaching has been very patchy. Lots of strikes by lecturers and then Covid closure. This year has been a waste of time and money for her. However, her social life has been busy.
Before Covid, lecturers were striking due to having to pay more into their pension and work until they are older (much like most of us). The dispute is not settled and will kick off again this autumn. It only affects some universities so I would avoid any uni where the industrial action is unresolved.
My daughter is in the same position. We're taking advantage of nothing to do and quiet roads to go and visit campuses / towns and look around.
You can't get into any building, but last Saturday we went to see Portsmouth and Surrey. My Daughter much preferred Surrey as it's all on one site rather than spread out, Guildford town is also nicer than Portsmouth (according to her). Combined with the virtual open days (where they only show you the best bits) she'll make a choice based on that.
You can't get into any building, but last Saturday we went to see Portsmouth and Surrey. My Daughter much preferred Surrey as it's all on one site rather than spread out, Guildford town is also nicer than Portsmouth (according to her). Combined with the virtual open days (where they only show you the best bits) she'll make a choice based on that.
Jamescrs said:
Honestly maybe he would be better off putting off going for a year? In reality it's very possible most of his first year lectures will be spent via online off campus and he will not get the traditional student lifestyle experience I assume he wants to experience whilst still paying full fees and accommodation and living costs for it.
Not a massive sample but I know 2 first yr students starting on site in Sept this year. I think the other years have been delayed and will be learning from home.My daughter starts at Bournemouth in Sep, and we did the course/campus selection during lockdown, but we know the area. We got an email last week that the courses were all going as planned, but for the first term there would likely be a blended mix of virtual and classroom based study. I get the feeling it was too early to tell. Having said that, the email was really positive, and Boris has just said in the last 30 mins that it's his intent that teaching establishments are back to normal by Sep.
Jamescrs said:
Honestly maybe he would be better off putting off going for a year? In reality it's very possible most of his first year lectures will be spent via online off campus and he will not get the traditional student lifestyle experience I assume he wants to experience whilst still paying full fees and accommodation and living costs for it.
We did talk about this, but one of the big concerns is that last year's gap year students extending by a year because they've been locked down and not travelled or earned any money, plus this years intake delaying for the reasons above, added to the lack of overseas students this year, will lead to a fraught clearing process for Sep 21. We had an unconditional offer, and I would be concerned that there just won't be the places available next year.Edited by Julietbravo on Tuesday 23 June 15:01
IceBoy said:
Some good comments and post, thank you.
I agree, university is what you make of it but I think there is value in location, facilities, the teaching, etc.
For reference his first shortlisting seems to be:
Durham
York
Warwick
Bath
Loughborogh
Leeds
Nottingham
Sheffield
Surrey
Reading
So you will notice his pattern, with a couple of anomalies.....
He wants to go to one of the top universities and the outliers are Reading & Surrey which are within 30 miles of us (Maidenhead). Now don't get me wrong Reading and Surrey are both good universities but they are a tiny step down from the others.
To give you an idea all those mentioned above need AAA-AAB and Reading and Surrey need AAB-ABB.
Anyway, this is a starter for 10 and over the coming weeks this will be whittled down to top 5 choices.
I should have mentioned he wants to read Business Management at Uni and is studying Physics, Economics and Geography at A-Level.
Thanks in advance.
IceBoy
Bath is a great city, it’s certainly not cheap but it has a lot to offer students. The University Campus is out of town (At the top of a massive hill) but that won’t matter if he gets accommodation on campus though I’m guessing for years 2, 3 etc, he will want to be in town and close to the bars etc. As you probably know, Sports facilities at Bath Uni are world class so there’s a lot to do. I know a few people who went there and don’t know anyone who had a bad time.I agree, university is what you make of it but I think there is value in location, facilities, the teaching, etc.
For reference his first shortlisting seems to be:
Durham
York
Warwick
Bath
Loughborogh
Leeds
Nottingham
Sheffield
Surrey
Reading
So you will notice his pattern, with a couple of anomalies.....
He wants to go to one of the top universities and the outliers are Reading & Surrey which are within 30 miles of us (Maidenhead). Now don't get me wrong Reading and Surrey are both good universities but they are a tiny step down from the others.
To give you an idea all those mentioned above need AAA-AAB and Reading and Surrey need AAB-ABB.
Anyway, this is a starter for 10 and over the coming weeks this will be whittled down to top 5 choices.
I should have mentioned he wants to read Business Management at Uni and is studying Physics, Economics and Geography at A-Level.
Thanks in advance.
IceBoy
I’m a biased Nottingham Alumni.
Loughborough good campus but small town.
Warwick ...meh.
Bath as comment above.
Based on my personal experience either as student or working with the University or living near to.
Reputation either for the department or the University matters.
The other thing for me was doing a sandwich course, which although Nottingham didn’t offer they would let you do if you could sort it out yourself. Nottingham also has a gazillion ladies to every man, they where just away for the four years I was there...although ironically my wife was at Trent when I was studying...
Loughborough good campus but small town.
Warwick ...meh.
Bath as comment above.
Based on my personal experience either as student or working with the University or living near to.
Reputation either for the department or the University matters.
The other thing for me was doing a sandwich course, which although Nottingham didn’t offer they would let you do if you could sort it out yourself. Nottingham also has a gazillion ladies to every man, they where just away for the four years I was there...although ironically my wife was at Trent when I was studying...
Edited by r159 on Tuesday 23 June 17:05
Edited by r159 on Tuesday 23 June 17:06
Just been to Loughborough today to pick up the rest of my sons things. He’s just finished his first year and has loved it. The facilities and campus are superb and I was really impressed on the open day.
Have a look at The Times Guide
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/good-university...
Also these
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/leagu...
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-...
Have a look at The Times Guide
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/good-university...
Also these
https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/leagu...
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-...
Jamescrs said:
Honestly maybe he would be better off putting off going for a year? In reality it's very possible most of his first year lectures will be spent via online off campus and he will not get the traditional student lifestyle experience I assume he wants to experience whilst still paying full fees and accommodation and living costs for it.
I live in Leeds, my wife went to Uni there to study nursing, it's a fantastic modern city under normal circumstances the student life looks amazing, I have been on the university campus and it's a hugely impressive place, they seem to have loads of cash to invest as they are constantly doing further development and expanding the campus. I can't say how it would compare to your other choices though and that's the issue I guess really.
I can certainly vouch for the quality of nursing students in Leeds... I live in Leeds, my wife went to Uni there to study nursing, it's a fantastic modern city under normal circumstances the student life looks amazing, I have been on the university campus and it's a hugely impressive place, they seem to have loads of cash to invest as they are constantly doing further development and expanding the campus. I can't say how it would compare to your other choices though and that's the issue I guess really.
it was a while ago though.Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff