Sorry to hear that

On the bright side, you could go to Newcastle and have a really great time, and in a years time be happy that Edinburgh turned you down (my girlfriend was turned down by Sheffield but ended up in Cardiff which she was very happy about in the end).

What kind of Politics course have you applied for and what are you looking to change to?

I'm doing a BA in Politics and it's excellent

What sort of politics course have you applied for? political theory? governmental studies? international relations? I didn't intend to do politics at all, i wanted to do American Studies, but i'm very glad i'm doing politics now.

I would say go to Newcastle (which you said yourself you liked originally), see how it goes. I think most people over react and over emote when it comes to Uni. It's really not that big an adjustment if you are an independant, free-thinking person. Try out newcastle, make friends, get into the course and i'd bet you'll stay

As a person from Newcastle and who lives just outside of Newcastle, we're a big friendly bunch of people. But at the end of the day, you have to make what you feel is the right choice. Sorry that doesn't help you much, but as a native of the city, you couldn't go far wrong studying here

I wouldn't be too bothered about being older than the majority as i've found that since i've been at university that a lot of people are older than me,

I went straight from college so I was 18 when i started but most of the people on my coarse were already 20. I've found that age makes no difference as far as studies go, there are at least four mature (and I mean mature!!) students on my coarse as well and after being at uni for two years i've found that I am by far the youngest person I know.

Bummer about no getting into Edinburgh, but if it really means that much to you to go there, i'd wait the extra year and re-apply next time

That sucks. But it's life these days. for every place at a top uni to study law they now have something like 7 applicants of 3 A grade A-levels for every place. (many more if you count 3 non A's too)

It's a lottery in most courses. Not nice but true.

(The following is meant only as a cheer up for Yally and not in any way defamatory to scotland)

Still, it's cold up there, it snows more often, the winds are harsher and thermals are a must all year round!. They do have good NYE celebrations (Hogmanay) but since it's a holiday you probably wouldnt be about then anyway.

Where ever you go will be brill. it's friends who make uni fun, not places!!!

I'm into my second year out, but I took it for very different reasons than you would (ever indecisive, I didn't apply myself at all the first time around, and knew I'd always be kicking myself if I didn't give it a proper go).

So it's certainly not undoable, and in my experience of those student types, in the words of resitters everywhere, the odd year here and there isn't going to make any difference. But you have to ask yourself if Edinburgh is really that good: reapplying will mean loosing your Newcastle place, and although you're likely to get it back (I did with Sheffield) this is not guaranteed. Only you can answer this one: if you're willing to take the risk, and can cope financially, give yourself a kick-arse year of travelling and all things good. If you really want to head to uni this Fall, I'd say go with Newcastle. My parents went there, but don't let that put you off.

PS, according to the Times league table, Newcastle is 21st and Edinburgh is 45th, so can head oop North happy in the knowledge Edinburgh don't know what they're missing.

(Edited by Byron 11/02/2004 00:07)

Not only that, Edinburgh is a rather expensive place to live- Newcastle is nowhere near as dear. I live slap bang in the middle between the two, fifty miles either way, and Newcastle is certainly a cheaper night out!

Thanks guys, you've made me feel a lot better about the situation. I did have my heart set on Edinburgh, but I guess I'll have to deal, just haven't decided how yet. I do love Newcastle, but the idea of a gap year is still there. Does anyone know how flexible universities can be if you want to change your course?

*hugs* I've got rejected from most of the places I applied for.

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by Yally
Does anyone know how flexible universities can be if you want to change your course?

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This probably varies from uni to uni and course to course. Also on things like how many people are already signed up to the course you want to change to. Sorry, that's not much help, the best idea might be to ring the admissions office at Newcastle and ask them - I wouldn't have thought they can tell you for sure that you would be able to, but they may be able to give some general guidance.

I know how it feels to be rejected from your number one choice uni. funnily enough mine was actually Newcastle, and i got rejected without interview for medicine, but i got offered a place at Leicester and took it and i'm really pleased i did rather than wait a year, cos even then there's no guarantee you'll be offered a place then.

On the flexibility front, i would say on a whole the uni's are pretty flexible, although i'm pretty sure it's best to do it once you are actually there and registered and everything. basically just transfer course whilst you're there, but it is probably best to check before doing this, but i'm almost certain that'l be the way to do it

Good luck with everything