So I'm thinking of studying in the U.K.

[AVATAR_RAGE]

Liverpool is a very serious option for me.

As someone studying in Liverpool I can pretty much say that we do have some good universities, but it would depend on what you would want to study.

Also the more the merrier come study here, enjoy our free health care and what not. Though I must warn you, our weather is pretty awful, some people can be rude and well tuition fees are about £9000 now (this get written off after 20 years so most people won't even pay it anyway).

If what you want to do is study here then great, I encourage you. Especially in Liverpool, we get a lot of slack here but we actually have a lot to offer in terms of academia.

 

[GonvilleBromhead]

US student's in the UK don't pay tuition fees in the same way that Brits do, Avatar Rage. They pay overseas rates, albeit there are American student loans that they can apply for. There are also a few scholarship options, many of which will be open to US nationals.

All three universities you've mention have seriously good reputations - UCL and Durham are second in prestige only to Oxford and Cambridge, and the redbricks such as Liverpool are incredibly well regarded. With all three you have no need to worry that being a heathen yank will disadvantage you - if any thing it will increase your likelihood of getting in (though not by much - and in most unis the people who decide on whether to offer a place or not do not see any personal details).

IMHO, Liverpool is the nicest city of the three. I found Durham a tad odd (though pretty), and whilst London is many things, "nice" isn't one of them. It's also the middle of the three when it comes to accent understandability (many English people have difficulty with the North Eastern accents).

Most British University's have a fairly sizable numbers of foreign students. UCL and Durham have an awful lot of Americans, though I couldn't say for certain about Liverpool (I have no experience of it personally).

You probably already know this, but the important difference between US and UK universities is that in the UK you specialise from the outset - no fannying around with General Education classes and majors and minors. If you're course is, I don't know, History you'll be doing nothing but wading through archives rather than having to worry about being good at Maths and Jam Making and Chinese or whatever.

A few things to avoid in Britain: telling British people that you saved our arse in WWII, muddling up your nectar card and your oyster card; driving on the right; calling Policemen "Mr Plod"; talking about religion; smearing yourself in mongoose fat and dancing the lambada with an orangutan in Norwich; failing to grasp the whole "England vs Britain vs UK" thing; taking photos of phone boxes; siding with the Argentinians in the Falkland's dispute; badger baiting; joining the EDL; and invading.

 

[Nantucket_v1legacy]

Come study in the United Kingdom and meet our glorious leaders and take part in our wonderful culture.

Just check out this guy. He runs London. Boris Johnson is London.
You'll feel nothing but snug and secure knowing such a fine man has our most important city in his capable hands.

PS -

We need your money. Please come and spend your money.

 

[hawkeye52]

The British drinking culture is massively dominant in the UK universities and if you get some dickhead flatmates like I did you will be in for a rough ride for a while until you find yourself some proper friends (Like I did through societies etc).

You do find a way around drinking (like I did) but you have to find the right open minded people is all. Also when you talk about football in the UK it will be soccer and not American football. Don't confuse everyone for being an american football fan if they start talking about "football"

 

[Jedi-Hunter4]

Don't come to Britain. Don't go to university.

This country is falling apart and higher education is a waste of time unless you're posh.

Just get a job and/or start professional training whilst working for free somewhere because that's the only way you'll get the experience you need to get a foot in the door anywhere unless you're stacking shelves.

Wish I'd had someone to be so brutally honest with me before I went to uni. It would have saved me three years of my life and thousands of pounds worth of debt.

After studying at uni I realized something. Its a complete waste of time. Wasted 30k on uni and all so I could stick my thumb up my arse while I swam through a sea of job rejection letters telling me I didn't have enough "experience".

But don't let my experience put you off, it was fun while it lasted. Its just its a more important decision as to if you want to go or not before where. You could be earning/training in that time.

Picked up these two just because I am a big advocate of Uni but on the right course, so many times I'm just amazed when some people take things as general as English, or as specific as Victorian industrial history and are amazed when the jobs are not lining up at their door.

There's tonnes of career path's you can't get into without going to university, medical doctors, academia (research or as a professor), engineers (electronic, civil, mechanical, automotive, aeronautical), lawyers, accountants, chemists, physicists, scientists etc, pretty much the people who stop us living in the 11th century. All of those professions are protected professional body's that you can't get into without a degree (bar accountancy which to my knowledge is extremely hard to pass the exams without a degree).

out of interest what did you do at University? Because in my experience most people who have a negative attitude about uni either failed to achieve or did not pick the right course. I'm just about to graduate after 4 years on an engineering course and its by far the best decision I ever made, it's given me so much theory based knowledge (physics, maths, solid & fluid mechanics) as well as practical like manufacturing, testing and repairs, given me an opening into a professional body I would not have had otherwise. An in terms of looking at it a little greedily the jobs I'm currently being interviewed for pay twice what my friends who decided to work their way up over the last 4 years. I've got so much out of it I'm considering staying on and doing a Masters.

An on a quick note I'm far from posh lol, first person ever to go to uni on one side of my family.

Another thing I would add is as the head of my course said to me on the first day "A degree merely unlocks the door of opportunity, work experience, internships, private projects, summer placements, society's and part time jobs are what will ultimately assist you in getting a job". Which I whole heartily agree with and I'm fully aware when I decide to leave uni I'm not going to walk strait into my dream job as I've chosen to spend most of my summer's with my family and earning a bit of money where as others have put it towards their career.

To clippen05 I'd make these points:

- From my experience of drinking attitudes when I have been in the US and what they are in the UK especially among the Student population, if it's an issue over there with your friends it will probably mean allot more missed opportunity here as drinking is a much bigger thing here, ESPECIALLY among sports society's I like drinking allot, an even I felt more pressure than I liked to go out allot when I was on a team.
- I wouldn't build up a dream picture studying abroad in the UK I'm sure you could find it a great experience but, it's not going to be like a film, in pretty much ANY UK city you will experience crime (either yourself or others you know), you will witness fights if you go out allot, especially in such a large city as Liverpool.
- Unless you are just going to be in it for the "life experience" or for fun if you have time & money to burn (each to their own) make sure you pick the right course for your desired career.

Overall (not sure on your sex) but if your a bloke a love of Beer & Football (soccer) will go a long way to securing you a group of mates almost anywhere in the UK, of course their are all different types of people, but Liverpool is a big football city lol. But yer would just say, don't expect it to be a solution to all your problems but good luck in what ever you decide.

 

[clippen05]

Thanks for the responses guys. Some of you guys had some questions, so I'll clarify some things. I'm planning on studying computer science should I go to those universities; well, for Liverpool I picked combined Honours with Business Studies and computer science, but Durham and Kings I solely straight computer science. In order for me to got to Durham or Kings I need to get a "5" on my Calculus Exam; I heard there's a huge curve on the test, but still, I'm not the best at Calculus... In relation to activities, I've played soccer my whole life, so I hoped to join an intramural league. And I honestly don't mind the weather, it might be dreary sometimes, but I generally like rain and cold.

Edit: Some other things people mentioned. I think I'll be good on the whole football thing, I watch EPL games (Go West Ham!) and I generally dislike American Football. And about history; trust me, I wouldn't make such stupid comments. If anything, I'd say the U.K. was just as important to winning the war as America if not more (Although the are both dwarfed by the Soviet Union) I'm really interested in history and know my fair share of British history too. Magna Carta, War of the Roses, Glorious Revolution, Victorian Era, Winston Churchill, all that jazz.

 

[GonvilleBromhead]

Those are some good, robust choices there.

If you need some advice regarding the admissions process, I may be able to help. I've worked in uni admission fairly recently (albeit focussing on post grad rather than undergrad) so I know a bit about it.

 

[Coppernerves]

In relation to activities, I've played soccer my whole life, so I hoped to join an intramural league. And I honestly don't mind the weather, it might be dreary sometimes, but I generally like rain and cold.

Edit: Some other things people mentioned. I think I'll be good on the whole football thing, I watch EPL games (Go West Ham!) and I generally dislike American Football. And about history; trust me, I wouldn't make such stupid comments. If anything, I'd say the U.K. was just as important to winning the war as America if not more (Although the are both dwarfed by the Soviet Union) I'm really interested in history and know my fair share of British history too. Magna Carta, War of the Roses, Glorious Revolution, Victorian Era, Winston Churchill, all that jazz.

Sounds like you'll do well over here.
Also your knowledge about the Magna Carta, and War of the Roses, probably exceeds that of most natives.

In history lessons we mostly learned about Romans, Vikings, Red Indians, Henry the Eighth, The English Civil War, WW1 and WW2.

EDIT: I have not heard of this "Glorious Revolution" before...

 

[Ironside]

Computer science is a great course to be studying and i would hope its a bit easier to get accepted since there will be fewer applicants than for a course such as history for example. I think the only major problem you would face is trying to learn how to decipher the accent of the people of liverpool, but if you find them totally incomprehensible (dont worry - we all do) then there should still be a sizeable international student community to communicate with. Dont worry about not drinking either - i dont drink alcohol and i met plenty of people at uni who didn't either. Other than that the only advice i could give is that you shouldnt call football soccer (even though we technically called it soccer first, but that doesnt mean we remember that ), chips are what i imagine you call fries in the state, crisps are what i think you call chips, all our vegetables have different names to what the US calls them and you should be supporting Derby County as your football team (i didnt make that last rule, its just something you have to when you come over here).

 

[Chrono212]

-snip-

Starve the fuckers of your money. Do not come here.

Ignoring my own agenda, if you got a place in KCL or Durham then you should do everything in your power to go to either of them.
Especially Durham, they're both top end universities, not only in the UK, but in the world.

But I must reiterate: do not come here. There is an elitist and classist fees regime that should not be condoned or supported by anyone.

 

[woodsymoments]

Congrats on your Uni placements, i have a couple of friends who went to Liverpool uni and they said it was fantastic and considering we are Mancunians thats saying alot. Just look on the internet an weigh up the correct options and have fun and i'm sure which ever one you pck you'll find ppl there who you'll enjoy hangig around.

 

[Fellstorm]

In relation to activities, I've played soccer my whole life, so I hoped to join an intramural league. And I honestly don't mind the weather, it might be dreary sometimes, but I generally like rain and cold.

Edit: Some other things people mentioned. I think I'll be good on the whole football thing, I watch EPL games (Go West Ham!) and I generally dislike American Football. And about history; trust me, I wouldn't make such stupid comments. If anything, I'd say the U.K. was just as important to winning the war as America if not more (Although the are both dwarfed by the Soviet Union) I'm really interested in history and know my fair share of British history too. Magna Carta, War of the Roses, Glorious Revolution, Victorian Era, Winston Churchill, all that jazz.

Sounds like you'll do well over here.
Also your knowledge about the Magna Carta, and War of the Roses, probably exceeds that of most natives.

In history lessons we mostly learned about Romans, Vikings, Red Indians, Henry the Eighth, The English Civil War, WW1 and WW2.

EDIT: I have not heard of this "Glorious Revolution" before...

The Glorious (or bloodless) revolution was when we chucked out King James II of the house of Stuart for being a catholic. He was replaced by the invading/liberating William of Orange, who became king after him. Remember that whole problem in Ireland between the catholics and protestants? That really kicked off from when James II tried to retake the throne by force from William. There was a battle in Ireland, James lost and the Catholics lost out big time, although its a lot more complicated than that and really started during Henry VIII's reign (yes, that bastard again).

On topic...
Good degree choice. My housemate does computer science, thus I know a little about it. I think you'll really enjoy it. I've got a friend in Liverpool whose studying computer science at the moment, his in final year. Good reputation as a Uni. Nice place, if you dont mind the rain and cold.
As for being a non-drinker. Honestly, some twats might give you a little banter over it, but there are always people like you at uni, and its just a matter of finding a nice group of people to hang out with. Another one of my house mates doesnt drink, and he gets on just fine here, very popular guy. Does a damn sight better than most of us at exams and coursework too, and has a lot more money.

 

[BlackStar42]

One of my friends is studying at Liverpool, she says it's a great uni and city. The north of England might be a bit colder and rainier than you're used to though, and the accents are often incomprehensible. Oh, if you do go to Liverpool, do not under any circumstances say anything positive at all about Manchester at all within earshot of anybody.

EDIT: I have not heard of this "Glorious Revolution" before...

Short version: James II was Catholic, Parliament didn't like it, so they invited the Dutch Stadtholder William III of Orange to come over and be king, so he did. He brought an army as well, so James legged it and spent the next few years scheming about how to get his arse back on the throne and being a general nuisance.

 

[Stormtyrant]

Speaking as one of a great nation of introverts I would welcome you to our hallowed shores. I learn in the South West of the country, which is a lovely part of the world and I've had a great 4 years so far.

There will be people drinking themselves to an early grave (sadly sometimes literally), but there's always space for someone who wants to drink less or not at all. I've never been pressured to drink, but I guess it depends on the company you keep.

I was chatting to one of my American flatmates recently and when I asked her what she disliked and liked most about moving to England to study she said:
- She hated the food (apparently our food tastes weird and our meat is wrong, but I'm sure I'd say that about the US)
- She loved the 'market culture' of Britain where you can walk into town and buy something from a supermarket rather than having to drive everywhere. We do live in a small city, but hey.

I know nothing about Liverpool, mainly because it didn't come up on my radar for Classics 4 years ago, but Durham and KCL are solid institutions.

Whatever you decide I wish you the very best of luck! And to those of you moaning that a degree doesn't get you a job instantly, it's not a foregone conclusion that university=perpetual employment and it never has been.

 

[SUPA FRANKY]

I wanted to go to England for College, but it looks like its unlikely. If anyone can give me some info, is Studying abroad more expensive than in the U.S? Do they offer decent financial aid or Scholarships?

 

[Tropicaz]

Cant vouch for Kings or Liverpool but I'm at Newcastle Uni atm and am local to that area, so have a good knowledge of Durham. It's a really nice area, and the reasonable closeness to newcastle means you can go out there if you're after a proper night out (still perfectly possible without drinking), however a taxi back might be a bit expensive. It's also useful for going to watch actual football matches, if you follow west ham the cultured football you'll be offered by Newcastle will be streets ahead of that dross the hammers serve up. If you go to a standard premiership match tickets will set you back about £25.
It kind of depends what you want, Durham is very much the classic depiction of England in appearance - there are some cobbled streets kicking about and it's all very nice and historical. If you want proper city life though, I dont think I'd recommend it. Also when it comes to the weather you should be properley prepared with up here, this year we've had snow regularly for the last few months, and it really does get quite cold for those not used to it.

I'm doing medicine at uni so cant comment on how good/bad those places are for computer science unfortunately, since I only had a peer around them with medicine in mind. Edit: that said Durham is a good uni, certainly one of the top 10 in the country overall.


Further Edit: With regards to making friends, you absolutely will. There are clubs and societies out the wazoo at every uni, you can find some you're interested in and meet people through that. During the start of your course everyone talks to everyone, as no one really knows one another, and in student accomodation you'll meet plenty of good people.

 

[CriticalMiss]

I wanted to go to England for College, but it looks like its unlikely. If anyone can give me some info, is Studying abroad more expensive than in the U.S? Do they offer decent financial aid or Scholarships?

Financial aid in the UK is a bit weird, you get classed as either 'Home' (from Britain), 'EU' (from any of the European Union countries) or 'Dirty Forrinor' sorry 'Non-EU'. Depending on which you are from depends on what you are eligible for, but even that varies depending on the course and where you are studying. From my own research in to PhD's for example, lots of Unis will have funding for non-EU candidates, but nothing for Home candidates. On the flip side, some Unis don't have anything for students who aren't from Britain. I think it gets even more complicated if you are from the States, because of reasons. Plus this was back when we had our last government so things have probably changed yet again.

If you are decent at sports pretty much every University will throw money at you in the form of sport scholarships regardless of where you are from, but not really enough to support the fees and living costs. You just need to go to National competitions and do well. University sports are fairly big here although not nearly at the same level as Americans take their Uni sports.

Back to the OP. I doubt you will have trouble making friends at University here, every University has a Students' Union that is chock-a-block full of clubs and societies for all kinds of things. At Nottingham we had things like the tea society, caving club, film society, frisbee club, surfing the list goes on. Just join a few clubs that catch your eye and you'll meet loads of people.

On warning, and something people have already mentioned, the UK has a big problem with drinking. University is going to be full of young people drinking far too much and far too often and if you are staying in student accommodation then it will be difficult to avoid. Not to say that everyone will be drunk all the time but you will surely lose some sleep over people 'partying' late without any shits given about other people in the neighbourhood. I don't drink either but I still had a decent time with the people I met at Uni, I was lucky enough to find friends who weren't big on alcohol either so we did things that didn't involve liver damage

 

[GonzoGamer]

Go for it. I've spent a lot of time in the UK and don't worry about making friends. Stand on a streetcorner for 30 seconds and you'll make a friend...and not just some psycho. A really nice and generous bunch of people. The only people who are friendlier are right next door in Ireland. And the women, well, they aren't the legendary beauties from Sweden or anything but they are very stylish: they get more interesting clothes and haircuts than most American women. They put in an effort and it shows. They're also pretty kinky.

Also the education system in the US is fucked. Like every other "industry" it's being taken over by corporate looterism: it's not so much about educating young minds anymore but sucking as much money as possible out of them and the establishment. And there are apparently enough greedy people running American universities that they totally fold for any corporate interest willing to pad their pockets enough. In another decade, that UK diploma will be worth a lot more...provided the same crap isn't happening there.