Uni Decision (Electronic Engineering)

[RastaManBob]

Hey,

Currently on the way to making my uni decision (For this year). I wish to do Electronic Engineering and have gone through all the motions so far - Applied to 6 institutes through UCAS and since receiving offers have visited each on an open day - But having trouble making that last step and confirming my choices.

Here is a list of where I applied along with the grades required:

Bristol AAC
Loughborough ABB
Birmingham BBB
Southampton ABB
Nottingham BBB
Sheffield ABB

After the visits I ruled out the possibilities of going to Bristol and Southampton, as I did not really get a good "feel" from them. This seemed odd as they both do really well in league tables - Am I missing anything? Should I make sure to give this definite further consideration before making my decision?

Loughborough I've pretty much decided "No" as I live in Loughborough... I think getting away (Even if not far) would be nice and in any case the department didn't really catch my eye.

This leaves me with my decision between Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield. From here I'm really being picky at making one appear better than another.

Sheffield is not a campus uni, which slightly put me off - This would leave Birmingham and Nottingham. Both have the same entry grades, too, which makes the decision harder. Out of the two I'd probably say Birmingham as it does better in the tables and the uni was shown off in a great light on the visit day.

My only concern with my favourite choices is industry recognition - During visit days at both Bristol and Southampton it was drilled in that industry recognition due to research is very important and almost ensures a good job at the end of the degree. Is Birmingham well respected by employers and the electronics industry as a whole? Wouldn't want to do the whole course and find I'm at a disadvantage simply down to the institute I've done my course at.

I'm sorry for rambling but I'm really finding it hard to make the decision - This isn't to say I'm looking for a magic answer from OcUK but I'm sure some things will be brought up (Or answers given) to things I have not previously thought up.

If anybody could please offer anything useful or any opinions it would really be appreciated.

Many Thanks.

Dan.

 

[RastaManBob]

Hi again,

Thanks very much for so many replies - It's something that is quite heavily on my mind at the moment so it's pretty cool to be able to get info from another source.

What Hodders said has worried me quite a bit - I really didn't like the feel of Bristol at all yet obviously I'd still hope for a good job on the other side of University. The question still remains - How does industry see other Unis? Are Birmingham/Nottingham/Sheffield (These all still seem good options) seen as good institutes, from industry point of view?

On the note of work placement... I do intend to do one - Birmingham appeared, initially, the best Uni for industrial work placement as they have their own scheme in place yet I guess it's possibly other Unis just didn't mention it during the open days.

sermad - You mention getting in with less than a BBB... What is the lowest you think they would accept (In the case of poor exam results, bad day, etc.)? What grades did you need to get in? I've sent you an email (Trust email address) regarding you offer of the books in order to try and keep this thread on track. Thanks for the offer .

Oh, and Imperial looks very good but I didn't apply there and of course it is too late now - Can't say I mind... Finding it hard enough to decide with the options I do have... Let alone any more...

Still continuing to look more into my Uni choices - If anybody else has any other opinions or information to consider I'd really appreciate hearing it. Especially if it relates to industry recognition of the institutes.

Many Thanks

Dan.