u/Jcknguyen19

Hi all, I think at first glance KCL seems like the obvious option to most, however, I have a few concerns, hence why I feel so indecisive.

For context, I’m an independent self study student with a very deep interest in physiology/biomechanics in particular and am very firm on Bath as my primary option. I love the scenery, I’ve done work experience at the campus already, and they’re ranked 2nd in the UK for Sport.

My worries comes to deciding between Surrey and KCL as my insurance for several reasons. For starters I feel extremely anxious with my exams approaching. Initially I was with Oxbridge Home Learning, meaning I had tutor support and more reassurance, however, after a large scandal I’ve been left astray to continue self study completely alone, additionally I have a very severed relationship with my family and i fear that if I don’t get into University my life is going to be insanely miserable and essentially ruined for the next few years. Screwing up university is something I can’t afford by any means and it’s why I applied for a foundation year with Surrey in the first place, but I really don’t feel keen on taking an additional year and I have more faith in myself that I’ll score higher than CCC despite my struggles.

On one hand KCL is obviously more prestigious even if ranked slightly below Surrey for sport, the course covers a wider array of content, the offer is reasonable, and the campus/facilities are amazing. My only concerns are that I’ve never lived in a city let alone London and have no idea as to how students & people are, there’s also a lack of scenery, accommodation is more competitive, and the area is significantly more packed.

On the other hand, Surrey holds a fair amount of less prestige albeit not bad whatsoever, slightly lower offer, more scenery, and very contrasting to KCL/London in all other regards.

I’m leaning towards KCL slightly as even on the off chance I underperform with my exams, it doesn’t seem that unlikely that Surrey would have some slots during clearing anyways (even if that means taking a potential foundation year), but even though I’m not that concerned about the social aspect, it would also be really nice to meet genuine likeminded people as that’s something I’ve lacked throughout the majority of my life being so severed from my family and living in a relatively empty area (+ self study means I haven’t had much interaction in a while). Does anyone have any advice or experiences to share with either unis?