Imperial College London or University of Waterloo?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the choice between studying mathematics at Imperial College London and the University of Waterloo. Participants explore factors such as program length, costs, co-op opportunities, and personal experiences related to both institutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights that Imperial College London requires a high level of achievement in Math and Physics for admission, while also noting the financial burden of tuition and living expenses for overseas students.
  • Another participant mentions that the University of Waterloo has the largest Mathematics department in North America, suggesting its strong reputation in the field.
  • A participant shares a positive personal experience of someone who studied applied math at Waterloo, indicating satisfaction with the program.
  • Concerns are raised about the town of Waterloo being less appealing, although its proximity to Toronto and Niagara Falls is noted as a positive aspect.
  • There is clarification that the co-op program at Waterloo extends the duration of the degree to five years, while the basic bachelor's degree is four years.
  • Some participants comment on the architectural quality of Waterloo, mentioning ongoing construction of new facilities that may enhance the campus environment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various opinions on the merits of both universities, with no clear consensus on which institution is superior. Concerns about financial implications and personal preferences for campus environment are also highlighted, indicating a range of perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the implications of program length, costs, and personal experiences without resolving the complexities of each option. The discussion reflects individual priorities and circumstances that may influence the decision-making process.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering undergraduate studies in mathematics, particularly those weighing options between international universities and evaluating financial and experiential factors.

chrypton1
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Hi,

I am an IB student in Norway, and I want to go abroad to study mathematics next year. A few months ago I applied to a few British universities and got an offer from Imperial College London to do Mathematics and Computer Science next year, provided I get a 7 in higher level Math and Physics.

I am also soon going to be applying to Waterloo because I've heard its math department is quite impressive, and I really liked the university(From what I've read about it). Now obviously I haven't applied yet and so I don't have an offer from them, but I do fulfill their grade requirements and I'm hopeful about getting an offer from them.

Now my dilemma is that if I get an offer from Waterloo, where should I go?
The thing is that Imperial is a great university, but since Norway is not in the EU, I am an overseas student and will be required to pay over 20K pounds in tuition every year, and living in London is not very cheap either. The Norwegian government is very supportive when it comes to financing students who want to go abroad, but even after the scholarships they give I will have a considerable amount of debt on my hands upon finishing.

Now Waterloo is much cheaper than Imperial, even though a bachelors degree there is 4 years, as opposed to 3 in the UK. They also have the co-op program which I'm applying to. And living in Waterloo will be much cheaper than London.

I should also say that I'm interested in pure mathematics and would probably like apply to a good US grad school after I'm done with my undergraduate studies. I'm guessing Waterloo would be better for that?

So any advice is highly appreciated! :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have nothing to say other then University of Waterloo has the largest Mathematics department in North America. Well, one question, which campus do you like better: http://mur.uwaterloo.ca/virtual_tour/Main%20copy.html?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I know someone who did applied math at the University of Waterloo and he absolutely loved it.

The only problem I have with Waterloo (I live in Ontario) is that the town itself is kind of blah. But you're in a good location - close to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
 
I'm pretty sure with co-op, the Waterloo program will be 5 years. And Waterloo has the top co-op program in North America, and probably the world.
 
Yea, the architectural aspect of Waterloo is lacking some High-Tech quality. Although they are beginning to construct some beautiful buildings such as the new math department, the Quantum-Nano Center, Institute for Quantum Computing and the Perimeter Institute.
 
Yes, the co-op program is 5 years long. The basic bachelor's degree is 4 years.
 
Thanks, I think Waterloo is the place to go for me :)
 
Good luck and have fun!
 

Similar threads

Schools Is It Too Late to Apply for Imperial's MSc QFFF Program?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Admissions Chance of admission to Imperial QFFF and LMU MSc Physics
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Courses Edinburgh, Imperial, Oxford, Cambridge....?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Schools Best universities to study Physics in the UK?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Schools Imperial College London or UCLA for Aerospace Engineering?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Schools Choosing Masters Program - Imperial College vs Durham
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Admissions Advice to enhance my profile for grad school
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Schools Imperial College MSc in QFFF - Do I still have a chance?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Schools Can Imperial College graduates go to US Grad schools?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Programs University of Edinburgh or King's College London for mathematical physics masters?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K