Odd University Choice

Cross post. I don't think the uni matters particularly these days, unless Oxbridge . It's the course that matters. You can look up ratings for graduate outcomes.

He sounds like he isn't that sure. Maybe a year out would be a good idea. Otherwise he might change his mind again halfway through the first year.

I wouldn't call Loughborough a middling (?) university. However, granted, it's not part of the 'RG' and depending on the course might not have the same name brand recognition as Warwick, LSE, Bristol, etc. It's still a great choice.

If he was clear he prefered the course at the home uni + Loughborough. But didn't like the other historic city one - then he's not as indecisive, I guess?

He will have to find the money though. Or take a gap year if not completely sure. Once he's started he'll have wasted a lot of money if he 'changes his mind' yet again.

There are so many factors here and ultimately it is absolutely his decision. Given he is changing his mind it’s reasonable to talk through it with him and encourage him to take his time before finalising what he wants, but nothing more than that. Also depends on course rankings, but I also chose my final first choice based on the course specifics and I’m still glad I did, I really liked either city of the ones I was seriously considering, and though the one I didn’t go for was a higher ranked uni overall, it was lower in terms of my course and the ask for grades was higher for the one I went for.

Op why do you regard Loughborough as middling. It’s ranked 6th in the Uk in one of the main league tables (complete university guide)

Surely he had to confirm his choice a while ago? If he changes his mind now he will have to go through clearing? He could decide on something completely different or even wait a year

Ignore that since it is Loughborough!

Some courses at non-top 10 universities can be really good (content, quality, reputation and student experience) and better than those at overall higher ranked universities. I'd say it's his choice, he should go for the university he wants. Another way to look at it is, if he's chosen hopefully he'll be happier and more motivated to work hard and do well. I also think it's positive for him to move away from home, although if its a late decision to swop he needs to contact the university asap re accommodation.

Why are people saying Loughborough? Loughborough is ranked about 9th so it is by no means a middling university

He can't change in UCAS now, deadline was June 30. He can talk to the Unis, and if they both agree they can sort it on results day, but it wouldn't be confirmed until then.

How does he propose to change it?

Why adults always rely on their parents? You decide to live away then you should be prepared to pay for it or at the very least contribute.

And loans need to be paid back.

Any of the away from home ones have the benefit of ...well being away from home. Its a no brainer surely.

I would look at which courses are ranked better rather than the Uni itself. Has he looked round them? Offer holder days give you a better feel.
My DS is at an excellent Uni but he says he might have gone elsewhere (more fun) given what he knows now. Although he thinks his course will still get him the best job eventually. Job applications are often "blind" so I guess good uni's are more about the contacts or any extra opportunities available. His Uni seems good at that.

Why should he be prepared for that, generally it’s a mix between parents and loan, or working,

Did he like the town/campus/modules on offer more at the middling one?

It’s an expensive choice and he’d better be prepared to pay for halls and all the other costs associated with living away.

i see your point but I think you need to leave him to it.

One thing I have learnt about young people this age is that they have to make their own choices (and sometimes mistakes). It can be hard to watch but tbh even if the reason is "because of the nightlife" you can give your opinion but after that it's their choice... They don't even have to give you a reason if they don't want to.

Unless I've missed something - he could have chosen the other 'top 10' instead of the middling? What's his reason for not doing so? Haven't you asked?

It's up to him. If you force him down a particular route and he doesn't like it, he'll blame you. He has to take ownership of the decision, but you can try and present the facts objectively

If it's York I think Loughborough isn't too far off that really. Obviously not RG but that's not important to lots of people.

My DD didn't like the campus at York at all.

Loughborough isn't terrible tbf.

Has he met a boy/girl who's going there? Often that can have a say in the deciding process.

Assume you mean Loughborough?

If the course has a good rating then I would let him get on with it. He will likely resent you if you try to push him to change his mind.

You’re going to have to say what his two options are! Appreciate you might not want to reveal the home city one though - what else was on his list?

If he wants to go away I think he should. Firstly, because it's his life and he's entitled to make his own choices and secondly because it's an 'easy' way to make that step into independence. Nothing on earth would have made me want to go to the local university, not because my family life was awful (it was fine) but because I felt I wanted to try out being independent in a way that felt fairly safe.