University Highlights!

Trying to nail down a top 5 list of universities was by far one of the most stressful things during Year 12. Even more stressful was finding the time to visit them! If, like me, you want the full independent university experience then you may be considering unis further away. I know many people that have listed universities they were unable to visit. Therefore, if you are considering applying to one of the following universities but are unable to visit it yourself, these profiles may help! 

Universities I visited:

Durham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol. 

These are all Russell Group universities meaning they offer some of the best qualifications available across the UK. 

DURHAM 1/6/2024:

Distance: ~4 hours away on the train, ~4:30 by car.

Durham is a city university.

Durham’s main appeal to me was its unique college system! These are split into groups commonly known as ‘hill’ or ‘bailey’ colleges based on their proximity to the city centre. 

They bring together students on all different courses and provide another way for students to socialise with people they otherwise would not have met. 

Each college provides clubs, a common room, alongside other facilities. Some offer their own gym, study areas, dining room and all colleges their own bar! The sports clubs available are much more casual than those run by the wider school meaning everyone is encouraged to join in and have some fun! Durham has the largest internal sports programme in Britain. It also has 27 Drama companies. In total there are over 200 student societies and there is definitely something for everyone!

Durham also offers a quieter day to day university experience whilst you can still easily travel to Newcastle’s city centre for a busier nightlife! 

There is a variety of catered and non-catered accommodation to suit each student's individual needs.

NOTTINGHAM 29/6/2024:

Distance: ~3 hours on the train, ~3 hours by car.

Nottingham is a campus university.

Nottingham declares itself as a hybrid university, as it is a campus university but there is still easy access to the city centre. This offers a potentially quieter day to day social life whilst still remaining close to night time activities and social events.

The University also offers a unique ‘Nottingham adventure award’ which gives students the skills needed for the world of work and helps turn extra-curricular activities into employment opportunities and skills. 

Nottingham provides catered and non-catered accommodation to take some stress off of students finding meals. 

Being so close to a busy city centre like Nottingham is beneficial for finding a part time job or gaining work experience. It also means the university can offer a variety of trips across all the different disciplines (subjects).

NEWCASTLE 28/9/2024:

Distance:

Newcastle is a city university.

Unlike any other city university I visited, Newcastle University felt properly assimilated into the city. Some city universities have a clear separation between the students and the locals. At Newcastle, all you have to do is walk down one road and you are directly in the middle of the city centre. The university worked alongside local authorities to help melt the university into the city’s culture. 

Newcastle itself offers excellent transport links, with trains to London and a metro connecting the city. It is also easily walkable.

There are plenty of extra curricular activities available like a student radio station, a volunteer opportunity festival and many students set up their own societies alongside the 160+ already there. There are plenty of niche societies such as a Greggs soc!

BIRMINGHAM 5/10/2024:

Distance: ~2 hours by train, ~2:30 by car.

Birmingham is a campus university.

Birmingham also is a university with close links to their nearby city. There is even a dedicated railway that runs between the university and the city. To me this was very appealing as I wanted a separation from student life and nightlife. You can even enjoy a calm walk along the canal from the uni to the city.

There is so much green space around Birmingham university. The main student accommodation ‘city’, is located around a large lake, creating a space to escape to if the deadlines and dates get too stressful.

There is a ‘Guild of Students’ which helps students with financing and will even look over second year house contracts to avoid students getting scammed or being forced into an unfavourable deal. 

All of the accommodation is within a 10-20 minute walk to the main campus. There are also several speaker points and well lit pathways to create a safe route to return home to. At the press of a button a student can be connected to the local police and security guards. 

The university centre offers many key services such as a hairdressers, a nail salon and a Rymans stationery shop! The facilities available are excellent and there are plenty of study and sport places. 

BRISTOL 26/10/2024:

Distance:

Bristol is a city university.

Bristol is integrated very well with the city. Some degrees encourage their students to look to contribute to the city life directly, like in geography where there is a trip to explore the city.

Despite being located up a formidable hill, every facility is within walking distance and the city itself has everything you could need. 

The university provides plenty of extracurricular activities with over 350 societies and sporting clubs on offer. This is one of the highest amounts in the country so it is hard not to find something you will enjoy!

Bristol is very conscious of representation and equality and has many schemes and support available to those who may require it. Interestingly, the university was the first in the UK to admit men and women on an equal basis. 

Overall, I hope this has helped even a little bit in making final university choices. These were the stand out facts and attributes from each university I visited. Of course, the subject on offer should be the primary thing to look at when picking universities but it is also important to enjoy the social life.

By Kate Johnson