So many questions...

[bms1llw]

Where to start...

I've got offers from HYMS and Leicester and I'm finding making the decision really difficult. I think the course structure at HYMS sounds really good and when I came for the interview it seemed a whole lot more organised than at Leicester, but I don't like not knowing where I'd be placed and there's been lots of talk on the forum about Hull not being all that nice (My interview was in Hull - the campus seemed nice enough, but I didn't see the city).

I've already got one degree under my belt - neuroscience at Leeds, so I'll be coming as a (skint) graduate. Just wondering, if there's any graduates or mature students reading this, what you did or going are going to do for accomodation? I don't really want to live in halls again, so if it's relatively easy to find a private shared house that'd be my preference...

Final question directed at graduates... How are you doing for funding? The idea of bank loans scares me massively but I doubt I can avoid it.

Any advice?

[fishie]

I can only really tell you about Hull. The university city itself it quite nice, although they're doing losts of building work at the moment in the town centre so it's a bit a of a mess. There are some places that are rougher, but thats the same as in any big city, and you don't really need to go anywhere other than the university and the city centre.
The accommodation in Hull is good, and the university owns lots of student houses, which is where most of the medics choose to live.
Can't comment on what it's like to be a mature student, sorry!

[TSN1984]

Hey Bms...i know exactly what you mean about HYMS course structure being really organised.. really impressed me. I have a friend at leicester finishing her 1st year as a medic. She really enjoys it, although i'm not sure wether it has as much pbl as HYMS, but what i saw of it was quite ok, although they have the same problem as video linking lectures as HYMS, excepts there's probably more lectures at lei lol.

Not knowing where your gonna be placed is really annoying, but like people say, its mainly for two years, 3rd-5th yr u'll be practically everywhere, so do u like the concept of traveling?? In some ways i pray i get allocated york cause its alot nicer, but other times i wanna be in hull cause its so much cheaper and i'd be saving so much money, especially considering that in 3rd-5th year you may not be living at your allocated campus due to placements, but still have to pay for accomodation there, might as well pay less for something ur not really using.

Funding wise, i'm applying for a student loan to cover living cost. For tuition fee's i'm working my butt off till sept, earn enough to pay for the 1st/2nd year. then work over xmas & summer. If i need to take a loan out in later years i may consider it... or turn to mum and dad!

Accomodation wise, i'm sure there's plenty of houses out there needing roomates, personally i don't mind living in halls in the 1st year, less hassle and everything is done for you.

[bms1llw]

Thanks for your replies. TNS I think you hit the nail on the head with your Hull Vs York comment. Similarly part of me would like to go to york for it's "niceness" etc but then the sensible part of me realises that Hull will probably be just as good (in a different way) and so much cheaper.

Speaking of costs... Anyone know an average rent price range for Hull Vs York? (I don't suppose it's much use asking about Leicester rent on a HYMS forum!)

So are you a graduate then TNS? What did you study first time round?

[angel-a]

Hi bmsllw

I had an offer from HYMS but chose UEA as it was my personal preference. I do understand your reservations cuz I had pretty much the same ones and yes HYMS's course seems amazing. But really you should go with your gut feeling and remember you'll be in that area for at least 5 years.

As a grad the money situation is depressing but I shall apply for a student loan and like TSN work my ass off during holidays and possibly weekends. we'll all probably end up taking out that dreaded bank loan, but I'm gonna hold off for as many years as poss.

[TSN1984]

Yeah i'm a graduate. Graduated summer 2006 with a 'BMedSc (neuroscience)' from Birmingham Uni. Snap huh lol! Not sure about rent prices, google or the uni website may offer more info.

Hey does anyone know wether we're applicable as graduates for the busary HYMS offers. An extra £1000 a yr would be nice!

[saskia297]

Hey guys,
I'm a grad at Hull, and for me, I'm so glad I was allocated here!
The accomodation is great.... we're not supposed to live in halls, as they're a way off campus, but most of us live in 2 streets of victorian houses just at the edge of campus that the university owns and has done up (most of)
If anyone gets allocated Hull, I think we have a spare room for next year in our house.... living with 4 2nd year medics
Hull is quite a lot cheaper that York... comparatively from what i've seen, rents in Yourk are not only higher than Hull, they don't include bills etc.
As for fianace, yeah the student loan covers (ish) accomodation and living costs, and fees, well I worked like a dog before I came to uni and saved up enough for nearly 3 years fees, but I also work during the holidays. There are sources of finance available though.... all high street banks will give you an interest free overdraft ( and you'll get the freebies too if you don't tell them you've been a student before) and then theres the professional development loans.
There's also a higher education bursary of £1000 per year, but you have to be over 25, or have parents on a reasonable low income (under 30ish k i think) (over 25 you're classed as independant and it is calculated on your earnings)
I love HYMS, and can't imagine having gone anywhere else!
If anyone wants more info, don't hesitate to shout!
Sarah x

[saskia297]

Hey TSN you posted while I was writing lol
See post above for info about the bursary
S x

[TSN1984]

lol you gotta be quicker!

[TSN1984]

But thanks your info was really helpful, think my parents earn less than that so hopefully i'll get the extra dosh!