Which universities have a more quirky/alternative student body?

[cheeseclothshirt]

DS is in Y12 and considering either Music or Geography. We are hitting the Open Days soon and as well as thinking about reputation for subjects, I'm also thinking about where he is most likely to find like-minded people. DS is quite quirky, practical and creative and generally drawn to similar types. Not a huge party person, likes doing outdoors stuff. He really likes Falmouth for its mix of creative/outdoorsy.

I work at one of Durham/York/Bristol/Exeter and I know that DS would not feel at home in our student body (delightful as they are and much as I enjoy teaching them!). I gather Nottingham has a similar demographic and I imagine Warwick too?

London is probably out due to cost/size.

Anywhere we should be adding to our list? We are already visiting Falmouth, Leeds, Liverpool, Birmingham, Huddersfield. I am wondering about Lampeter?

I don't disagree, but there seemed to be a suggestion that a uni town with live gigs was a key criteria and it may not be!

@LlamaDrama20 Well it might not be but music is fun as well!

Agree with all those who've said Aberystwyth for Geog and the outdoors. Well worth considering. It's a lovely seaside town with definite quirky/alternative/hippyish leanings, plus stunning countryside and a strong tradition of sports/outdoor pursuits. It's small but has a wonderful community, and he would easily find his tribe there (in fact he sounds like several of the people I hung out with there 30 years ago 😄)

How about one of the music schools like lipa or Leeds conservatoire? They do good music tech courses? Might appeal more than academic music degrees?

Brighton or Bristol for sure

UEA

Thanks - we are def looking at these. I agree it could suit him better than an academic degree.

I think possibly more useful for work in the future too? Get him to really look at the what the curriculums will be before he commits

don't dismiss "academic" degrees, they are as practical as any other place, they just hold more water when it comes to careers.

I agree with a PP who said it was serious and staid. It's fantastic for "quirky" maths geeks for example and it's great for future careers... but I wouldn't think it would suit a more artistic soul.
It has uninspiring Coventry on one side, suburban sprawl on two others and the one but with beautiful countryside is currently being dug up for HS2.

Thanks @Overhaul54 that's a really useful assessment.

Thanks @LoobyLott I teach on an academic degree so definitely not dismissing them! DS is a funny mixture of academically able but not really that interested in the academic endeavour, so I do think that a more practical degree might suit him better. That could well be Geography, but I don't think a more academic Music degree would work for him as he's not that interested in analysing things for their own sake (unlike pretty much every other member of the family!).

How about UEA? Good mix, and Norwich also has NUA so the overall student population of the city is diverse.

Hello just to say I live in Bham and there’s loads of beautiful countryside around within about 45 mins of the University - the Clent Hills, for example.

One person's quirky/alternative is another person's normal.

Yes! Came here to say Aber.

Another vote for Aber

or maybe Swansea? Uni campus for the geography courses is right on the beach, DS thought it had a friendly and laid back vibe. Lots of outdoor activities available through various societies like sea swimming, sailing, hiking and it’s a gorgeous part of the world. City very close by as well so it’s the best of both worlds. Loads of geog courses to choose from as well.

Just to agree with this. I work there and used to live 15 mins away on the edge of the city - we loved all the hills during lockdown- Lickey, Waseley, Clent. You can get a train direct from the uni to Barnt Green which is right at the foot of the Lickeys, and walk up to the visitors centre.

But I doubt many uni students bother! 🤣

Hi crazy - this is a v old thread but, yes, that was my point really....!

Bangor. When DD and I went to the open day there we both knew immediately that the quirky vibe would suit her. It's good for music apparently (she has a local friend who went there for the music degree though she's doing biology). She has alot of LGBTQ and neurodiverse friends.