Imperial right for me?

[ShayAnne]

Having left it rather late to make my decision, with finance applications due to be sent off tomorrow, I need some help in deciding between Birmingham and Imperial. Imperial have invited me to apply for a scholarship and I've always like the idea of London but am very unsure about the PBL elements and as a keen linguist there seem to be few opportunities to further my studies in this field or participate in years abroad.

Would accepting Birmingham be a waste of an opportunity or is it the better place for me?

[ShayAnne]

Basically what I'm saying is, can I fit languages in at all at Imperial? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of PBL?

[Purrr]

I've not applied to Imperial, but I would imagine that if they offer language classes you could fit them in as long as you can find the time? I'm planning on refreshing my Italian or maybe learning a new language when I start at UCL, and as long as I do evening or lunch-time classes I reckon I should be ok?

Have a look at this from Imperial's website:

"Language courses for undergraduates are available in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish. We also offer an extensive evening language course programme for all College members in the above languages as well as Arabic, Dutch, Mandarin Chinese and Urdu."

And don't forget - you're more likely to meet people to practice speaking that language with in London. Cos it's huuuuge

[mariamsalako]

I tried to do French this year (1st year imperial medic). I could not handle the timetable and I was doing A Level equivalent. My timetable was crazy and I didn't take it that seriously.
I however know quite a few people who are doing other languages and more advanced French that are still doing the course and haven't found it a problem. there was someone in my French class, she was also a 1st year medic and she's coping fine.
So i guess it depends on how well you can cope (p.s: i can be a lot lazy)

On PBL: i think it is fantastic!! but there is a large division on this matter with a lot of people thinking it is a waste of time!!!
Advantages: you get to learn to work in a group!! you have to do the research yourself and work with other people to bring a topic alive!!
it helps you with essay research!!! also, you learn to pick out important factors in a case study - you get to pull it apart and get to the heart of it. basically, it is kind of HOUSE M.D. without an actual patient to treat!! (and the cool doctors obviously)
Disadvantages: i don't know any!! like i said earlier i think it is fabulous!!!

I don't know anything about Birmingham uni so I can't help you there
congratulation on your offers and hope you make the best decision for you (cos that's wot u'd be stuk wiv 4 at least 5yrs).

P.S: on travelling, I'm sure you can do some of this at Imperial right from1st year. my friend is going on some exchange thing in Germany!!!!