Universities. Ugh.

First off, in my last post I talked about the site 8tracks.com, where you could design and share your own playlists. I made my first playlist on the site, which you can listen to here, so yeah, check that out if you can.

Anyway, this post is going to be about Universities. Choosing a University is so hard. You put it off and off untill it's too late and you'll end up on a course you hate. Well, that's what it feels like to me.
This and This are the latest University rankings for 2012, the second being done by the Guardian Newspaper. Cambridge and Oxford were given the highest rank, but I'm going to talk about some of the less known Universities on the list, and you never know, you might want to go there yourself.

Exeter

Exeter is one of the top universities near where I live, based on Three Campuses along the Southern Coast. Although not very well known around the country, it is fast becoming one of the most sought after Uni's with applicant's grades well above the national average; due to it's wonderful Campus location, and ever improving facilities.

 The Research undertaken at the University is that of a high quality, and 13 subjects studied at the University are ranked in the the top ten of their fields, including Drama, Psychology and even Archaeology.
Their students union was also voted the best of the country in 2010, and the University runs a variety of different activites for every student, for everyone to get involved with.
Best Facility:   Their main Library is one of only 5 in the country open 24/7 with over 1.2million books on any of the subjects studied in the Uni, making life there that bit easier.


Grades Required: A*AA - BBB
2012-2013 fees: The full £9000
Open Days: 17th September

To Order a Prospectus, click here.



York

York wasn't opened untill the 1960's, but is now recognised as one of the top Universities in the country, always featuring in the top 20 in the University Surveys - and also featured in the top 100 in the world this year.
York is situated just North East of Manchester, and so is a completely different place to Exeter. The Campus is on the outskirts of the city, and made from 60's concrete buildings. Despite the large lake and grasses areas, it's not the prettiest of Campuses, but it makes up for this with the quality of research and teaching in the University.
Many of it's subjects are also featured in the top ten of their fields, with History and English just being two examples.

Best facility: Not just one, but the wide availibilty of all sports facilities, resteraunts, bars and shops based on campus mean York has a great atmosphere and you can get involved easily.

Grades required: AAA(B) - BBC
2012 - 2013 fees: Not yet released.
Open Days: 1st October.

To Order a Prospectus, click here.

UEA (University of East Anglia)

UEA is another Univesity opened in the 1960's and is part of the 1994 university group. Although ranked lower on the 2012 rankings, it is steadily improving, and will become one of the best Universitys in the country in the near future; especially in the Environmental science department.

UEA is located on the outskirts of Norwich, and is one of the best looking Campuses, with over 320 acres of 1960's architecture and open area. No wonder it is highly sought after, with 6.5 people applying for every place, and studently repeatadly agreeing that it is one of the best universities around; with satisfaction ratings over 90% every year.
The main problem with the University is the lack of jobs in the surrounding area, with Norwich the only city nearby, but that is more than made up by the wonderful courses and on Campus oppurtunites to keep you engaged.
Many of it's courses are also ranked in the top ten; most notibly Nursing and Geology.






Best facility: A £30million sports park with a 50m Olympic pool, multiple football pitches, running track and other sporting facilities, meaning it's easy to join clubs and get interested in new sport; or just to relax with a swim.

Grades required: A*AA - CCC
2012 - 2013 fees: £9000
Open Days: 1st, 2nd July and1st October.

To Order a Prospectus, click here.




Okay, I'll do another post featuring some other Universities some other time, so if you want me to mention any particular ones then just post a comment.
Choosing a Uni is really frustrating. Ugh.

Music to my ears

Playlists. Everyone has them.
Each playlist for a different occasion. Maybe a party playlist, played when you want to show off your ballin' dance moves. A sing-a-long playlist, used to impress your mates by showing them you can screech every word of 'Hallelujah' in time with the music, almost. Mostly though, playlists are for relaxing, with a selection of your favourite tunes from a range of different artists, to lie back and listen to.

8tracks is a website that allows members to upload and share thier favourite playlists with their friends, or in fact the world. All range of playlists designed by other users can be found. Any genre, any occasion. Just give one a play and you could find the perfect playlist for you. Any artist can be uploaded, so all sorts of bands could be found in all sorts of playlists - you just have to look.
Unfortunatly, the playlist cannot be downloaded and then listened to away from the computer, but if you find one you love that much, you could just 'buy' the music in the playlist yourself to listen in the car, or beach.

This is one of my favourite playlists on the site. It features music from Regina Spektor, Band of Horses and Temper trap and is a great listen whilst relaxing. You should give it a try.

I'll probably start making my own playlists on the site soon, especially as my Itunes is currently broken, so i'll make another post once that starts happening. Just thought i'd give a heads up about this site, as this can be a great way to find new bands or, if you fancy, make your own playlist to share with others.