As you know, I'm on my summer break now and I'll be back in college for A2 in September. Regarding university? I'll be applying for the 2016 intake and I'll start applying for it in a few months. Many people told me that it is important to visit the universities I'm interested in mainly to get a feeling of the place and bask in the vibe it gives out. True enough, i get why they told me to do so after I visited Bristol University and University of Reading.
It isn't enough to do a ton of research on the university. It also isn't good enough to take someone's word for it. If that someone is respectable, has good knowledge or legitimate ties to the city or university then great! However, if that isn't the case.. then don't. Especially if it's a younger, inexperienced wannabe who voluntarily throws advice at you.
Lesson here : DO go to open days. Or at least visit the university grounds.
Bristol. Absolutely beautiful, lively, colorful and hot! Seriously, it was hot and sunny. I have a hideously ridiculous tan line where my leggings ended and mocs started. Bristol University is a city university- as in 3 in 5 buildings you walk by in the city belong to the university. Literally, the Wills Memorial Building, the beautiful tower in the third picture below is just ONE of many other buildings owned by the university. In a way, the students are exposed to the "Real world". The city itself is darling. The art and graffiti would usually be considered vandalism but somehow it fits in with the city and contributes to the urban, artsy and edgy vibe. It is also home to a famous political street artist/graffiti artist Banksy.
The course I was looking into was just as great as expected. It didn't really take me by surprise. Maybe it's because of the fact that Bristol University is one of the Russell Group Universities. The Student Union got me beyond excited. In addition to the ridiculously high number of clubs and societies they have, they are involved with the environment, charity work and student life. They also have a Cheese Club!
However, one thing that honestly bugged me was the crowd and the traffic. I know they're all about going green but hun, the gridlock did not help at all. Part of me felt like I was back in KL when I was stuck in a traffic jam for about 30 minutes. Another thing is the fact that being a city university/campus, random people or tourists or beggars or unsavoury characters could wander around, loitering even and you can't say anything about it. It is a free country after all. It's probably me being paranoid and probably because I'm so used to North Wales. I just can't imagine the fact that it is too exposed and free that you could be living in the heart of the city, going to classes and your home surrounded by not only students but strangers as well. Literal strangers. It isn't a big deal, but the idea just irks me.
I love the fact that the student union in Reading is pretty amazing too, they have their own night club and student hangout spots and club nights. Yes I know I shouldn't be checking out the party life, but I can't help it, it's a bonus. Most importantly, I love the structure of the law course. Honestly, I'm impressed with Bristol but the law course in Reading offers so many different options and has great depth. I love how they approach it at another angle, and how the professor is so direct and honest about the course. In addition to that, the law building (picture below) used to belong to either Oxford or Cambridge, according to Nathalie, my guide around the campus who was really nice. The building - so gorgeous. The red brick walls do not actually make me miserable but it feels homely and "Harry Potter-ish".
I didn't take that many pictures when I was at Reading because we were in a rush. With the support of Christine and Diane, I got through the day. Thank God. After that, we went for an early dinner. We ate in an adorable pub in a quaint little town nearby. Posh, gorgeous and peaceful Henley on Thames. Yes, like the river.
Dear God, help me.
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