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Higher education

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

Original poster

Friendly-feel campus universities

107 replies

AlexAndrian · 30/07/2023 22:28

DC looking for somewhere in England or Wales to study music. Not a Conservative. Predicted A star, A star, A. Liked Royal Holloway. Wants good range of modules.

OP posts:
gogomoto · 31/07/2023 17:23

Birmingham is your best bet for music. If grades end up being lower I do recommend Cardiff, it's not quite a campus as halls are offsite but it's all close together and close to the city centre too.

gogomoto · 31/07/2023 17:24

Dd is there currently bmus

UsingChangeofName · 31/07/2023 17:47

AlexAndrian · 31/07/2023 11:53

I would agree with you re Bham being a great all round choice. I think he found the city a bit lacking in greenery, a bit grubby, New Street was dark and dull???

Totally fine for him to not like the City, or just not get "the feeling", but he is so wrong about it lacking greenery.

From the campus itself, to really nearby facilities, to country parks an easy bus or train ride away, Birmingham is a VERY green city.

Awards for Parks
oh, sorry 2023 update

"How many green spaces does Birmingham have?"

"Birmingham has 591 parks and open spaces, totalling over 3,500 hectares (14 sq mi), more than any other equivalent sized European city. The centrepieces of Birmingham's park system are the five Premier Parks. Fifteen parks have received the prestigious Green Flag Award."

Take a look at the which was the same side of the City as the University.

Green Flag Award 2022 success for 15 city parks | Birmingham City Council

Green Flag Award 2022 success for 15 city parks - Fifteen parks and open spaces maintained by Birmingham City Council and supported by ‘Friends Of’ parks groups have once again been named as Green Flag Award winners for 2022.

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/news/article/1158/green_flag_award_2022_success_for_15_city_parks

JesusWeptLady · 31/07/2023 17:50

I did English at York, about 100 years ago, but the drama room which I practically lived in back then, was next to the Music building. I had some guitar lessons with a mature student. It was all very nice and I got the impression the Music students were all a very happy, laid-back lot who were able to shape much of their own degree programs. Much has changed, I'm sure, but it's a great campus university and a wonderful city. Worth a visit, possibly?

Fifthtimelucky · 31/07/2023 22:33

AlexAndrian · 31/07/2023 15:39

Oxbridge considered, but the impression is the courses are possibly too far the other way, very heavily essay-based plus performance... Very familiar with the environment (too familiar for one to be even considered!) and obviously it appeals in some ways.
Southampton always seems such an unlikely place to be great at Music! Not sure why. Good course though.

I can't remember about the second year but my daughter didn't do any performance in her third years (as part of her course, I mean). There's a lot of choice.

Lots of essays though!

HappiDaze · 01/08/2023 01:43

HappiDaze · 31/07/2023 11:01

I would Avoid Royal Holloway

I'm basing it on doing a course the decades ago so ignore me

I'm sure it's lovely now as PP all seem to like it and have good experiences

HappiDaze · 01/08/2023 01:47

Also when I was there my classes were near Islington I think. Fairly central London so they've definitely got a new campus etc out in Egham

crumpet · 01/08/2023 01:59

dows Kent do music?

Comefromaway · 01/08/2023 07:42

crumpet · 01/08/2023 01:59

dows Kent do music?

Yes but it’s a very practical production based course rather than musicology and it’s all based at a different campus.

Original poster
AlexAndrian · 01/08/2023 08:12

Yes I think it was discounted because it's at Chatham which was disappointing as I believe the main campus is very nice?
Canterbury Christchurch also do music, not sure he's considered them.

OP posts:
Original poster
AlexAndrian · 01/08/2023 08:17

HappiDaze · 01/08/2023 01:47

Also when I was there my classes were near Islington I think. Fairly central London so they've definitely got a new campus etc out in Egham

The Egham campus was opened by Queen Victoria so definitely not new😁They do teach a very few courses in central London.
Thanks for replying. I think concerns would be those listed by londonmummy, but I know there are strong opinions about RHUL both ways.

OP posts:
GodessOfThunder · 02/08/2023 20:18

AlexAndrian · 31/07/2023 11:44

DS really not convinced by Birmingham (the city). Course and Uni offer so much though.

What about Brum are they not convinced about?

Nextlifestage · 02/08/2023 20:51

The people I know who were at RHUL (one graduated 3 years ago and the other 2) both liked it but both felt it was quite out of the way. They said there were a lot of students from relatively local areas and it pretty much emptied out at weekends.

Moominmammacat · 03/08/2023 09:06

York or Cardiff!

Piggywaspushed · 03/08/2023 09:19

I know Cardiff is good for music , and a popular university. But it's not a campus university.

Original poster
AlexAndrian · 03/08/2023 09:44

Sheffield was mentioned as not campus, but like a campus. Does anyone know more? I know Sheffield grads absolutely rave about the place and it's good value. Course also good!

OP posts:
Original poster
AlexAndrian · 03/08/2023 09:46

GodessOfThunder · 02/08/2023 20:18

What about Brum are they not convinced about?

Show quote history

As stated they found it a bit depressing and concretey. Stats about greenery won't help if that's the impression you get.

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Piggywaspushed · 03/08/2023 10:04

Sheffield's accommodation is on a campus, yes. The university buildings are in an attractive setting. The scenery around Sheffield is lovely. But, again, it's a city. It is probably a more aesthetically attractive city than Birmingham. The Sheffield accommodation is a fair trot from teaching buildings, or a quick bus journey. Like Birmingham, it's in a nice area of the city.

I don't find the students at Birmingham spend any real time in the city, to be honest. It is built up ; it's the second biggest city. But the university is an oasis.

Not sure what instruments yours plays but a big advantage of Birmingham in the second year is that virtually all students live in Selly Oak which is in spitting distance of uni and the music department. Bit easier to get to music practices,lug the old euphonium about etc

Original poster
AlexAndrian · 03/08/2023 10:55

Thanks. Yes, personally I see the attractions/otherwise of the city centre as an additional, very optional extra, but it's difficult to overcome 'the feels'.

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Piggywaspushed · 03/08/2023 11:16

I was a bit surprised about the New Street comment. It's a vast station but very bright and modern. Did he venture upstairs from his platform?

It reminds me of an American station for some reason.

Comefromaway · 03/08/2023 11:20

I was too Piggy. I wonder if he left the station but didn't venture very far as the immediate area around it is a building site at the moment.

Original poster
AlexAndrian · 03/08/2023 11:25

Not the station, the actual road, New Street.

OP posts:
FarEast · 03/08/2023 11:25

The Music department at RHUL is excellent.

Piggywaspushed · 03/08/2023 11:31

AlexAndrian · 03/08/2023 11:25

Not the station, the actual road, New Street.

I got so lost just trying to find the way in to New Street once!

I just think he possibly needs to understand he would spend almost zero time there.

But, obviously, other campus unis are available!

Piggywaspushed · 03/08/2023 11:32

York has been mentioned a few times. Has he visited ?

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