The University of Essex? DS wants to pick it over Cambridge...

[DylanandDarcy]

Does anyone know if this uni is any good. DS wants to pick it over Cambridge!!

Very worried about this. Any advice??

[OnceUponATimeInLondon]

IMHO even if there are equal benefits in terms of teaching standards, quality of course, facilities, the "value" of having a degree from Cambridge, particularly Natural Sciences (its a good one!) cannot match the Essex degree. I don't necessarily agree with it, but degrees from certain universities will open doors for you throughout your life and career.

I wish someone had talked it through with me before I went to university to do a degree I felt was helpful for the career path I perceived at the time I wanted. Since then I have taken a completely different route, and a "known" good degree such as Natural Sciences from Cambridge would have helped my career progression immensely.

Not sure how you should approach this with him, but again IMO aspects like going somewhere because it's closer to home could easily cause regret later in life. A valuable part of university is learning independence away from home as well.

Again all just my opinion, hope he makes the right choice for him.

[BlisseyMon]

Thanks for confirming that he has a place at Cambridge. That's an incredible achievement. Do you think he is worried about not getting the grades?

It's such an amazing opportunity it would be such shame to turn it down if it were for the wrong reasons. I've no experience of Cambridge or Oxford but I'm sure it wouldn't suit everyone. Two of my D.C. could have applied but were put off by the short terms and intensity of the courses. It proved the right decision for them ( especially as one of them missed their grades anyhow 😂).

Has your DS got any opportunities to revisit either University and get more of a feel for the places.

What about seeing if Cambridge would defer his offer for a year, I've no idea if they would but it might be worth checking. Your DS might be feeling a bit fed up with studying at the moment and attracted to an easy ride at Essex?

Also, as precious posters have suggested I think it would be an good idea to closely look at how the finances would work out. (Especially as you will potentially have two starting university at the same time). Cambridge is an extremely wealthy university and it might be a lot cheaper than he thinks. Also the short terms would mean he could work the rest of the time.

I wondered if he has been offered a financial incentive from Essex to try and tempt him to going there?

[bojorojo]

I do think it is the fear of the unknown and wanting to be around friends in a local environment.

My DN is bright and we had a look around Oxford. Her Dad talked her out of it by suggesting she wouldn't fit in. "It's a bit too grand for us lass!" That is still to play out as she has time but maybe the OP's DS has friends that are saying the same and he has had a look at Cambridge and feels they are correct! It is such a shame when this happens because reality is different. Cambridge is not as expensive as London. OP - I would go and see the school. Maybe his teachers can be helpful? Also working in the holidays helps with money. Although My Mum knows a young man on this course and he has spent time abroad in the summer as part of the course. Not sure if it was compulsory though.

[boys3]

Firstly a huge well done to your DS OP for getting an offer from Cambridge.

As someone said up thread he has until May before he needs to confirm anything on UCAS. So he does not need to rush into a hasty, and possibly ill conceived decision.

Does his sixth form have others with Cambridge offers, or past students who are currently studying there or who perhaps have very recently graduated who he could talk to, get a range of perspectives, and perhaps allay some of his concerns?

[PetalMettle]

Cambridge accommodation is pretty cheap as you only pay for term time. My college also had a rent rebate scheme.
Unless you think he's particularly vulnerable i would suggest Cambridge. Essex would undoubtedly be much less work but you have to balance three years against 50 working

[boys3]

worth also adding that there are a lot of misconceptions pedalled, f about Cambridge. Just to address a few of these:

• Living cost wise it is much less than many other Unis
  

• There are significant bursaries available at many. if not all , colleges
  

• Clearly there is still around 40% of the intake who come from fee paying schools. This does not automatically make them arrogant, entitled, and / or fundamentally bad people.
  

It is hard work, but they are all bright kids young adults who really want to engage with their subject. The terms are short and intense, but whether we like it or not Cambridge will open doors for vacation opportunities.

Was not quite sure of the local aspect. Colchester is still the best part of 30 miles from Chelmsford, whereas Cambridge not that much further. Essex would still have, if living at home, a not inconsiderable travel cost element.

[Peregrina]

I went to Essex a long time ago. I had a great time and loved the international atmosphere. So stop putting it down. For the right student doing the right course, it's great.

I also know someone who dropped out of STEM at Cambridge, and then went on to get a First from Oxford Brookes. No comparison, you say. What looks best on paper? Which would employers prefer? A first class degree, or an Oxbridge drop out?

[bojorojo]

That is the point isn't it. If you do no try Cambridge , you never know! Your acquaintance tried. Of course a student can move if it is wrong. Some do and of course any degree is better then no degree. I think it has not really been answered why this young man disliked Cambridge. He did apply for a place there and go through the interview. It seems like a knee jerk reaction and not one taking everything into account. Every university has 'someone like you' in it.

I totally agree about not being put off by stereotypes you may think you are not comfortable with. They are not a majority and they are all young people who want to learn.

[StarUtopia]

I wasn't bright enough for Cambridge/Oxford. I got in (so technically I was) but once I realised I would have to defend my essay to a world renowned expert (as someone else said upthread) in tutorial groups, I realised I would be massively out of my depth.

Essex Uni is the other end of the spectrum.

Surely there must be other good universities (thinking the likes of Nottingham, Sheffield, Leeds, etc) where he would be mingling with other bright kids and yet not have the fear of a Cambridge?

[Peregrina]

Essex Uni is the other end of the spectrum.

I certainly wouldn't put it there - it's middle ranking and has been going now for more than 50 years, having been built as a New university in the early 60s. I would put some former colleges and polys as being at the 'other end of the spectrum'.

[Freddorika]

Essex Uni is the other end of the spectrum.

Brilliant example of the snobbery of the MN education boards!!

[scampimom]

I went to Essex University, loved it. NOT an "easy ride", but a totally different atmosphere. The Oxbridge colleges tend to have a lot of very serious and/or very posh people, while at Essex I met people from all walks of life. Some of them are still my friends.

It's 3 years of his life - it's got to feel right for HIM. Not YOU.

[nightswimming1]

@scampimom how long did you spend at each Oxbridge college to formulate your view that many were very serious and/or posh?

[UsedToBeAPaxmanFan]

I live in Cambridge, I can testify that there certainly are a fair percentage of entitled, arrogant students around. However, there are also lots and lots of students from "ordinary" backgrounds who are enjoying their time in Cambridge.

[Cezella]

Name changed for this!

I went to Cambridge back in 2009 and absolutely hated it. I was so so unhappy that I ended up suicidal. Not suggesting that's the case for everyone, just giving my experience. The trouble with me was I was so far away from home that going home wasn't an option. Had I been able to that would have helped a lot. I lasted two terms before dropping out and since then have worked basic jobs to tide me over. Then went back to uni in 2015. I commute there, it's my local uni and I cannot emphasise how vastly different my experiences have been. I've taken to it like a duck to water compared to Cambridge. It's not that it's 'easier', I feel just as engaged with my subject. The staff are amazing and I've just had an offer to do a Masters next year. The uni is top for student satisfaction but is in the thirties for my subject. Can honestly say I think the teaching and guidance has been second to none. They encourage you to challenge yourself and follow your interests. I am so so much happier here; it's actually the best decision I ever made. Who knows what would have happened if I'd have stayed at Cambridge. And who knows what would have happened if I'd gone to my local uni straight away. But I was an extremely anxious teenager (still am extremely anxious) and didn't want to go far from home. I gave it a shot and it was horrendous. But I dropped out and things have worked out ok (in the end). So I guess what I'm trying to say is that whatever he does, he'll be ok. He could give Cambridge a try- sounds like he's much closer to home than I was so he might settle in a lot more. If it doesn't go to plan then he can transfer/ reapply and go somewhere else. Or he could go to Essex from the off. The one thing I would say about Cambridge is that it is an amazing experience but you have to have high self esteem to flourish there. I most certainly didn't unfortunately. Good luck to him OP and feel free to PM me if you want to talk!

[mnbvcxzl]

An awful lot of Essex's staff are Oxbridge educated and world-renown researchers, some odd views on this thread.

[MrsBartlet]

Op, I live near Chelmsford and dd is at Cambridge. It is only an hour from Chelmsford so not much further than Colchester. If he is worried about money then Cambridge would be the better choice as, like Oxford, it tends to be much cheaper for accommodation etc than other universities. If he is very bright he will feel more at home there.

[Bellini239]

Why would anyone pick Essex uni over Canbridge? Sorry it's a no brained for me!!!

[bakingaddict]

I think your son needs to consider now what kind of science job he would like to do as this will ultimately determine what university he should study at. If he fancies working in a pathology lab as say a biomedical scientist then an accredited biomedical science degree is the only way forward. Not all biomedical/biological science degrees are accredited and this is absolutely essential if he wants to be successful in getting a graduate training post.

A Cambridge degree is not essential, and would likely end up with him having to do further top-up-modules to accredit his Cambridge degree so a 'lesser' university offering an accredited degree would be a better choice . If research or a PhD is his preferred option then a Cambridge degree will give him more kudos. Similarly if he wants to apply for clinical scientist posts or do research in a pharmaceutical company then a 1st or 2:1 from a good university will stand him in better stead.

[RandomlyOrganised]

OP, I feel for you and your son - if only you could see into the future. FWIW, my Cambridge-educated kids say no one is that interested in their degrees. They're interested in what experience they have and what they can do with what they know. My OH has employed a lot of STEM graduates in his time and he says the same. As for accreditation (up-thread), good point, but his organization pick the person and then train them if necessary. OP, my advice to your son would be to build up his work experience whichever university he picks.
Both my kids enjoyed their time at Cambridge and wouldn't I think change it, despite the workload they both did lots else. But it doesn't entitle them, and doesn't give them a sense of entitlement either. Also, they both knew people on bursaries, from under-privileged backgrounds and they were thought a lot of (if people even knew, that is).
As for choosing, I know money is tight, but could he visit again? If he's bagged Cambridge, ICL and Essex, he's brilliant. Very best of luck to him.
Also, just a thought, forgive me: if he's possibly suffering anxiety (it's so common and can rear its ugly head under stress and throw out unexpected blinders like this, suddenly wanting to go to Essex I mean), encourage him to have a chat with your GP and get help before he moves on to higher education. If that's not a problem, please forgive me for mentioning it.

[user1473822845]

I think if money is the issue check out the bursaries for lower income households.My ds went to Oxford and had a very generous bursary given to him and was in cash profit when he left.He had access to travel grants each year and other types of funding.He was in much less debt than his cousins who went to various types of unis. [tuition fees were also partly subsidised].
I wonder if he is one of the youngest of his year group as that may explain why he may be less ready to fly the nest.Perhaps a gap year would be the answer there.
Perhaps another visit to his college would help and maybe there is an access event he could attend.Phone the uni and ask what is available.
We are not a 'typical' Oxbridge family and I was initially very worried ds would feel out of place but to be honest there are plenty of state school kids there , he loved it and his friends were from all different backgrounds.The opportunity to go to Cambridge is a great one and at Oxford they really looked after them and ds had very close relationships with the college tutors who play a pastoral role as well as an academic one.
Your son must be very bright to get the offer so I hope you can get to the bottom of his reluctance especially as he was originally keen.Purely academically Essex is not in the same league at all as the other two offers.Check out the uni league tables for the subjects.
Our ds has now been offered a Phd place at Cambridge having spent a year at York.York too has good pastoral care and a good Biological Science course.Hope this is of some help.

[Peregrina]

Perhaps OP could come back and tell us what her DS decided to do in the end? He will be into his second term now, so did he go to Cambridge, find his feet, or is he contemplating dropping out? Did he go to Essex and loves it, or does he regret it?