This is not a good uni filter is it?!!!

[Tinygardener]

NC as don’t want to embarrass DD or her school!

DD is looking at unis for applying to this November and school had a year group meeting last week. They gave good advice about how to narrow down uni choices and then chucked in this (probs meant light-heartedly): “a deciding factor could be proximity to what matters to you (eg. restaurants, shops, sports)”. It was also written on the PowerPoint handout.

DD has taken this very seriously (she has ASD) and has now decided she wants to be by the sea in a place with a Nando’s and a Zara! I only found this out after seeing tabs open on the family PC of Zara stores and Nando’s locations and gently enquiring what she was up to (not expecting AT ALL for it to be uni related!) What’s worse is that she says she has actually found some unis that meet these requirements! Seeing the look on my face she then clammed up and won’t tell me which ones though so can anyone hazard a guess? I can then look them up to see if they are good for her course which is Maths. I am both amused and exasperated!

Well it might not be the best filter but if she wishes to study maths something needs to narrow the field. You might prefer one of the league tables/reputation and if you can persuade her to consider both then It could lead to a list to do a first round of visits.

She’s maybe made it a bit specific but proximity to what’s important to you feels like a really important filter to me, not something just chucked in as an after light hearted after thought. For example I discounted all campus universities because I knew I wanted to live in a proper city, mainly for proximity to shops, restaurants, bars and clubs. And I should probably have added near the sea to my criteria too, because I wasn’t and found it stifling being in the middle of the country.

She's got to use some criteria.

I'd recommend Newcastle on the basis of her thinking.

Yeah, they didn't mean a specific restaurant!

I think students who need tis stuff can use it as a perfectly decent filter. Otherwise they might end up miserably ensconced at Keele, say.

The converse applies , of course. So those who love open skies and clean air and the smell of the sea or hills nearby might end up in a place which stifled them.

I suppose so. Thanks for the recommendation! I have started detective Googling of coastal unis and so far have ruled out Plymouth as it doesn’t have a Zara 😂

Exactly @Piggywaspushed - I don’t think they meant filter by Zara or Nando’s or Wagamama or H&M! My husband is in stitches at it all 😂

Aberdeen Uni could be in the running!

@BelindaBears yes I can see some sense in it but, as you say, I think DD is being a bit specific! What is she going to do if the Zara closes down - move Uni? 😂😂

My criteria was men to women ratio.

Come to Brighton / Sussex

If she is ASD doing maths then actually I think that is a great criteria.

Surely you aren't that bemused? It's pretty understandable for any young adult to want a certain amount of familiarity when moving away and especially so for thoes with ASD given how important structure, routine and predictably is to their ability to regulate themselves.

Sounds like your own emotional intelligence isn't that great if a few moments of pondering didn't get you there.

Indeed it could! 😂😂😂

Southampton Uni does maths and has Nando’s (multiple) and a Zara

York is about an hour from the sea and has a Nando’s and Zara.

@RedSnail good suggestion!

You can also rule about Abersytwyth. Most of the shops last decorated in 1972.

rule out

Add Edinburgh to the list too

We are pretty much done!

Hmmm. Filtering by specific shop or restaurant is new level though, surely you can see that. But anyway, seems there are plenty of choices coming up. But question my emotional intelligence if that’s how you roll 😂

Exeter? Is that coastal?

Well I know someone’s (NT) child who discounted Durham because they don’t have a Pret A Manger …

My ND child spent a long time looking at the possibility of staying at a Premier Inn rather than halls for uni as he hates the idea of communal living and adores the purple palace … so 🤷🏻‍♀️😭

A maths degree from most universities is highly respected.

I actually think that having things that you value and enjoy around you is important. I don't think the school are out of line at all with the suggestion.

I have a Y12 with ASD who wants to apply for maths as well. It's important that they are comfortable in their surroundings.

@marshmallowmatcha yes, yes it is! And Google says it has a Zara and a Nando’s. And it is my alma mater ❤️

Love this. Did your son end up going to a uni near a Premier Inn in the end?