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Edinburgh University vs Durham University?
I'm applying to university in the UK this year (for 2013 entry; I'm currently in Grade 12 in Canada), and so far, my list is 1. Kings College London 2. St Andrews 3. St Andrews* 4. University College London (*I'm applying to two different programs at St Andrews, so each takes up one spot). According to UCAS, I can apply to 5 universities/programs, so I'm stuck on the fifth choice. I'm stuck between Durham and Edinburgh.
Edinburgh appeals to me because it's in a big-ish city (I'm no so fond of teeny tiny schools; only applying to St Andrews because I love the programs), but Durham has the 3 year program instead of four. I've heard excellent things about both schools, and I've made many pro/con lists, and I just can't decide between them. Things like nightlife, bars/clubs, etc. aren't important to me. I'm not a social person.
What are your opinions on both schools, and which would you choose and why? Thank you for your help!
2 Answers
- 9 years agoFavorite Answer
I think i am qualified to answer your question well as i attended both St.Andrews and UCL and applied to Durham :)
I really enjoyed my time at St. Andrews. It is a really lovely place to live for 4 years (if you are taking the 4 year course). It is small with a lot of missing things there. For instance there are no nightclubs and definitely no skating rinks! On the other hand the student houses accommodation are right on the beach. I would say that it is a really nice student community though.
As for UCL you get the advantages of living in a big city. London is indeed a wonderful city. However, i am not sure if i would want to go there as an undergrad. The student residences are often not that close to class and it is quite expensive. Furthermore, i do not think the student community is as bonded as you may find in campus or small town universities.
As for your choice between Edinburgh and Durham i would certainly choose the former. Edinburgh is such a beautiful city and it does not feel that big and overwhelming at all. Durham comes across as a fairly depressing and dour place to me. It has quite impressive architecture, but it is not beautiful like Edinburgh is. Additionally, the part of England in which it resides is not the nicest. The economics faculty building is actually next to a prison. Additionally, if you apply to Durham they may put you in the Stockton campus which is some ways away depending on your program. Durham is also quite small.
Out of the 5 UCL is easily the best school academically speaking. It also depends a lot on your chosen program. It sounds like academics are a priority for you so it is difficult to advise without knowing your program.
Hope this helped!
If you wish to email i would be happy to answer any questions you have.
- 9 years ago
Here in the UK, Durham gets given more credit on the radio stations and whatnot, although I haven't been to either so I can't give you a good answer.
