UCL or Imperial

[biscuitsgaloreee]

DD is applying for chemistry and she can't decide between UCL or Imperial as the London option! Her other 4 unis (outside London) have been decided.

Do any mners have any insights or suggestions?

Thanks

[HeyBells]

DS has chosen Imperial, for physics. He liked the choices and flexibility, but the standard offer is higher. He was looking closely at both though, so I guess in the end it's what appeals and how the choice fits in with the other choices and likely offers v predicted grades.

[Needmoresleep]

I am no expert but things that might be put into the equation are:

1. The chance to hang out with students studying a range of subjects. Oddly not a good thing for all. (Different hours, different interests etc)
   

1. Imperial is the richer college. Great sports facilities, generous bursaries.
   

1. Different strengths. Again I am no expert but suspect, say, if her interests lean towards materials science, imperial might be better, whilst someone interested in biochemistry might be interested in UCL's strength in neurology.
   

1. The ratios might be similar on the course, but overall Imperial is more international. And probably has a stronger international reputation for science.
   

1. Kensington vs Bloomsbury (both nice!)

[biscuitsgaloreee]

Thank you for your replies!

It seems that Imperial is academically better, but she is attracted to the idea of the year abroad component at UCL. Imperial does the option of a 'research abroad' but the countries are much more limited, and at an open day, she was told that not many people take them as it's too much stress in the final year. It also requires 65% + result which is almost a 1st I think?

If Imperial offered a better year abroad option, she would choose to apply there in a heartbeat but the better academic reputation means that she's not quite willing to let it go for UCL...

She's an Oxbridge applicant so her application is already submitted, but there's 7 days to changed choices on UCAS so now she's reconsidering. She's applied for UCL but can't decide whether to change for Imperial (better reputation really, and like you say a much higher bursary!)

[biscuitsgaloreee]

For the campus locations, would it be harder to find accommodation at South Ken? Presumably the commute would be longer after first years as I'd imagine rents are extortionate!

[jayritchie]

You could check on the Imperial website for prices - or The Student Room for more details. From recollection Imperial halls are pretty good value by London standards as it has enough money to make them affordable. Also worth checking bursaries - Imperials are very good if family income is relatively low.

[Needmoresleep]

Biscuits I don't understand why there would be a longer commute to Imperial. Both are well served by London Transport and imperial, as it is to the west rather than more central, offers scope for living in a range of places (Battersea, Acton, White City etc) within a relatively short commute.

[Needmoresleep]

I think both guarantee first year accommodation and Imperial has a good range though it is a bit luck of the draw whether you get your top preference.

[sendsummer]

Would her London option be a strong contender for her firm choice?
If not it is unlikely that Imperial entry requirements will allow it to be an insurance offer but UCL could be.
Imperial laboratory space and contacts with industry should be enhanced further by the White City Campus opportunities. Accommodation at Imperial will generally be of a better quality for the money but still of course expensive.

[jeanne16]

Neither university will guarantee accommodation for Insurance students. In fact this is an issue at most universities now.

[BasiliskStare]

Well I'd choose UCL any day of the week but then I think Needmore and others would know that - I am not au fait with the more science subjects but would hazard a guess Imperial would be top choice. UCL has a broader range of students ( by which I mean more subjects being taken) Not sure commuting is hugely different to either. If Oxbridge is main choice then I am not sure insurance etc would come into it - she would know by mid Jan whether she has an offer wouldn't she. I would be surprise if a UCL / Imperial offer were less in the way of A level results or equivalent.

[sendsummer]

Basilik the typical offer range quoted for UCL is AAA-AAB compared to A AA - A A* A from Imperial.
Imperial is not from that a possible insurance choice for either Oxbridge or another preferred university, it could however be an alternative firm offer. UCL could be used as insurance.

[BasiliskStare]

Send - I stand corrected in that case. Ds had (offers) AAA from Oxford & A A A from UCL - so was higher but - this was a humanities subject so I have spoken of which I do not know. Sorry - I suppose when I said she will know after January I was talking about alternative firm choice, not necessarily insurance, as you say , in that DS's other offers were by and large more onerous. So I wasn't thinking Imperial would be backup for Oxbridge at all , just that the Oxbridge decision would be out of the way before other offers had to be taken. Not sure my comments have helped OP but wish biscuits jnr well. Interesting that for that subject UCL's required grades are below like that - because I reckon it's a half decent place to go ( although I do get that for sciences Imperial is very* very aspirational & my experience - even vicarious with DS is not Chemistry )

[sendsummer]

Basilik I guess young biscuits has made her decision by now but I agree with you that UCL is a fine option especially as she preferred aspects of the course.