UK Study Abroad: Big City Vs Small city/town

International Students
1

Hi,
I am an American looking into studying abroad in the fall. I was looking into Studying in the UK. I have always wanted to go there.

Two of the top options I have are Aberystwyth University in Wales, and University of Westminster in London. London, as we all know, huge city, and the school is in the heart of it. Aber is a school of 9,000 and the town has around 15,000 people. I am really torn between these two areas for different reasons.

I feel a small school has many adventages. Less tourists, better immersion in the culture. But going to a Cultural hub like London also has advantages. Lots to see on a day to day basis, huge international presence.

Opinions?

Also would me being in Wales make it more difficult to get to mainland Europe on weekends occasionally or travel in general? I would like to be able to see at least a few different countires, (Barring of course financial limitations) Being in London you are so close to other major cities in Europe. Thoughts?

2

Aberystwyth IS very remote, and it would be very difficult to have weekends in Europe with it as your base. I think your nearest airport would be Birmingham, which is three to four hours on the train just getting to the airport, plus you need to be at the airport 90 mins before your flight time for security and checkin. It’s just not practical/worthwhile. Even trips within the UK would be tricky.

3

I just met a girl at my college that went to Aber for a semester and did do a decent amount of travel. Dublin, London, and parts of Italy. She liked Aber because it was slow paced.

What is London like in terms of lifestyle? I have been to NYC which is super fast paced as well as Boston which is also very hectic. How does London compare?

4 
   I cannot imagine choosing Wales. I think it is like choosing between NYC, and BFE Wyoming. Really? The real questions are about accommodation, cost, and the actual academic part, if there is one.