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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Original poster

Universities on a decent train line from the South West!

90 replies

Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:14

Dd was thinking about applying to Lancaster but it's a 5 hour drive or an absolutely hideous 6 or 7 hour train journey with 3 or 4 changes including getting across London. Sadly that rules it out as she will want to come home a few times a term (please no dismissive comments about this there's a good reason!).

She will apply yo Bath but it will be very much the aspirational choice - A* A A and she's more AAB. Doesn't fancy Exeter. Bristol doesn't do the course. I'm being lazy and asking here if there's anywhere further away that has a good rail connection to Bristol or Exeter???

OP posts:
Sunflowersinthewind · 27/03/2023 14:17

Plymouth?

Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:19

She'd like to go further away but have a decent rail connection.

OP posts:
Madcats · 27/03/2023 14:20

Was it the towns she didn't like, or did she think the course offers might be too high.

Bristol also has UWE and Bath has Bath Spa Uni. Closer to London would be Reading and Surrey. Brighton has 2 Unis. Cardiff wouldn't be that much further away by train.

What course is she hoping to do?

Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:22

Psychology or Sports Science

Surrey might be a possibility thank you

OP posts:
hedgehoglurker · 27/03/2023 14:23

Depending on where you are in SW, what about coach links?

GoldenRuby · 27/03/2023 14:24

There are lots of decent options depending on where does the course. You can get direct trains from Bristol to Birmingham, Cardiff, Reading and even York or Newcastle, depending how long you are prepared to sit on a train for. Or lots more options if you are ok with one change, including Nottingham, Leicester, Oxford (Brooke's).

Theimpossiblegirl · 27/03/2023 14:24

Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham.

Howyoualldoworkme · 27/03/2023 14:26

Portsmouth has an excellent Sports Science course and good train connections

Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:27

Sheffield not an easy journey with 3 changes

She'd like to avoid having to gonthrough London

20 years ago perhaps the trains were more reliable!

OP posts:
ShadowPuppets · 27/03/2023 14:27

If you’re prepared to change at Bristol there’s lots of options…

Universities on a decent train line from the South West!
Anonhopingforbaby · 27/03/2023 14:27

London is easily accessible from down here

Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:28

GoldenRuby · 27/03/2023 14:24

There are lots of decent options depending on where does the course. You can get direct trains from Bristol to Birmingham, Cardiff, Reading and even York or Newcastle, depending how long you are prepared to sit on a train for. Or lots more options if you are ok with one change, including Nottingham, Leicester, Oxford (Brooke's).

Thanks - one change is fine, itsnjust the having to go to London then from Paddington or waterloo to Euston that she wants to avoid.

OP posts:
Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:28

Anonhopingforbaby · 27/03/2023 14:27

London is easily accessible from down here

Yes I'd discounted it due to accommodation fees but I'll mention it although don't think she's keen

OP posts:
Highdaysandholidays1 · 27/03/2023 14:29

I'm a bit confused where you are as a base, but what about Birmingham, good uni, on solid trainline between Exeter/Bristol and very quick. Lots of Brummies holiday in the SW for this reason!

wedonttalkaboutyouno · 27/03/2023 14:30

Southampton or Winchester?

Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:30

ShadowPuppets · 27/03/2023 14:27

If you’re prepared to change at Bristol there’s lots of options…

Thanks. It's actually annoyingly difficult to get to Bristol from where we are so that would be two changes pre Bristol. Might be OK though I'll ask

OP posts:
Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:30

Highdaysandholidays1 · 27/03/2023 14:29

I'm a bit confused where you are as a base, but what about Birmingham, good uni, on solid trainline between Exeter/Bristol and very quick. Lots of Brummies holiday in the SW for this reason!

Yes Brum is on list!

OP posts:
Highdaysandholidays1 · 27/03/2023 14:30

It's a shame she's ruled out Exeter as it is a centre of excellence for sports science and the offers are below Bath, so AAA or AAB, sometimes even less.

MrsMoastyToasty · 27/03/2023 14:30

Where do you live?

Original poster
Stugs · 27/03/2023 14:31

Highdaysandholidays1 · 27/03/2023 14:30

It's a shame she's ruled out Exeter as it is a centre of excellence for sports science and the offers are below Bath, so AAA or AAB, sometimes even less.

I agree!

OP posts:
Sprig1 · 27/03/2023 14:31

Reading would be easy on the train.

RedCarsGoFaster · 27/03/2023 14:33

Lots, if one change and time spent travelling is OK.

The Edinburgh train from Plymouth goes up to the east coast via Leeds etc. The Cardiff train goes via Bristol and into Wales. There's also a Glasgow service, but if you look at that right now you'll see extra changes listed due to work near Carlisle.

Also Reading, Liverpool etc.

I get the train across England from Plymouth, it never takes that long. Changes in London are pretty easy tbh, I wouldn't worry about that personally

averythinline · 27/03/2023 14:33

Cardiff ? or Swansea ? quick train from Bristol ...Swansea had a nice feel and high student ratings . Cardiff generally higher grades and good reviews as a uni.....

RedCarsGoFaster · 27/03/2023 14:33

What's the starting station for her in the SW?

Seeline · 27/03/2023 14:36

Both my students DCs use coaches rather than trains. Usually much more straightforward journey if you can get to the start point easily, and sooo much cheaper.

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