Physics - Imperial College London vs Durham University

[vedderfan94]

So I really need some advice on whether to pick Imperial or Durham as my firm because I'm torn between the two.

I really liked Durham and the collegiate system because it would probably be easier to make more friends this way. It also has a very good Physics department.

I always read though that Imperial is one of the best for science/engineering and is often compared with Oxford for Physics, and I'd generally be better off with regards to job prospects due to the city, contacts, etc. Although the downsides are the cost and the gender ratio (and the huge 'geekyness' too). There are also some complaints about the social life at Imperial but I'm not sure if I'd just be picking Durham for the social life.

Advice is appreciated

 

[mwalmasri]

Hi,
I think that depends on your research area, you must looking for appropriate advisor, because all your works will be with him/her.
imperial College occupied a prestigious position in the academic level .
you want first to looking for your best advisor and research group and after that you looking for you more comfortable place that you love.

 

[mwalmasri]

Hi,
I think that depends on your research area, you must looking for appropriate advisor, because all your works will be with him/her.
imperial College occupied a prestigious position in the academic level .
you want first to looking for your best advisor and research group and after that you looking for you more comfortable place that you love.

 

[Shaun_W]

What sort of jobs are you looking at?

In terms of lifestyle, the two couldn't be more different - one is a pretty (fairly) old university in a university town, and the other is in one of the biggest cities in the world. Choosing what sort of lifestyle you want as a student should be the main driver behind your decision, as they are both very, very good for physics.

And lastly, you cannot complain Imperial being a sausage-fest when it's in London. You aren't limited to just students of Imperial, you know, when you're in London. Imperial also has a surprisingly high http://www.studentbeans.com/student101/a/relationships/university-sex1244.html, too, so some people must be getting it on.

Whilst Imperial has a reputation for being quite nerdy, there are definitely still quite a lot of students who like to party there.

 

[Matrix0]

I can understand your dilemma in choosing between Imperial College London and Durham University for your firm decision. Both institutions have strong reputations in the field of physics, so it ultimately comes down to what you value in your university experience.

Imperial College London is indeed highly regarded for its science and engineering programs, and being compared to Oxford in terms of physics is certainly impressive. The city of London also offers many opportunities for job prospects and networking, which can be beneficial for your future career. However, it is important to consider the financial cost and the gender ratio at Imperial, as these factors may impact your overall experience.

On the other hand, Durham University's collegiate system and strong physics department are also attractive qualities. The smaller, more intimate setting may make it easier to make friends and form closer connections with your professors. However, it is important to note that the social life at Durham may not be as vibrant as in a larger city like London.

Ultimately, I would advise you to carefully consider your priorities and what you value in a university experience. Do you prioritize academic excellence and career prospects, or do you value a strong community and social life? It is also worth considering if you could see yourself thriving in either environment. Visiting both institutions and speaking to current students may also help you make a more informed decision.

In the end, both Imperial College London and Durham University are highly reputable institutions, and you can't go wrong with either choice. Trust your instincts and choose the university that feels like the best fit for you. Good luck with your decision!