Bristol or St Andrews? Advice please

[UniversityQ]

My DS is trying to choose between these 2 Universites to study Economics. He has visited St A but unfortunately, is unable to visit Bristol before the deadline.

I would be interested to hear thoughts on both places please so I can help him with this difficult decision.

Thanks

Abi, I don't know if the University's problem is bigger than at other City campuses, but the City itself certainly has a problem.

www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-named-cocaine-capital-uk-1326394.amp

There is a major drug problem in the city. UWE also has huge problems.

So has there been any analysis published that Bristol university students take drugs more than students in other universities? I would suggest there has not and just because a city reports a perceived drugs problem (and what city doesn’t?) it will not mean the students are involved in large numbers.

I think you could look at many of our large cities and see drugs problems and the rich students are not immune so I would think St Andrews students equally have access to drugs if they want them. Many would have the cash! Drugs are available everywhere and are taken everywhere.

I tend to think scaremongering about a university is ridiculous when we all know the majority of students don’t do drugs. We also know a few will wherever they are! You don’t “catch” a drug habit from others if you really don’t want to. Many of us have had children at universities and they have not taken drugs. They avoid this sort of student.

You might like to know that DC they get into high powered careers they will see drug use especially if that’s in the City! The main thing is to steer clear.

I have spoken to my DD about the drug issue in Bristol. She says she and her friends are aware it exists but she doesn't know anyone who takes drugs (and she has a massive friendship group). They seem to steer clear of the students who use drugs. There is also a big drug problem in the general population but again she says it isn't really around the student areas of Cotham and Clifton or the Stoke Bishop area where many halls are. I have been down to visit her and the areas she took me seemed very affluent, middle class and beautiful. I saw nothing that worried me apart from a very drunk man who we avoided.

There are drunk people and drug users in St Andrews too. I know this as i live in St Andrews (and am actually a student here too) and i am a social worker and have seen the seedier side of the place.

I guess we have to trust our DC to make their own decisions and hope they make good choices.