Nope, I can't think of any other UK universities that is better than Cambridge and Imperial for Chemical Engineering. Not Oxford though, apparently their equipment is below par to Imperial's.

Contact an admissions tutor for confirmation regarding the matter. Speaking for which, I do know of a person from Taylors who deferred her Cambridge offer, for chemical engineering if I may add, to the 2014 academic year.

For your information, predicted grades do matter and I believe that is the first thing the admission tutors will look at (in conjunction with a personal statement) when handing out interviews to applicants. Therefore, it is a good thing that you are predicted to achieve 4A*.

In all honesty, it is best if you actually speak to those who have been through the process or Oxbridge offer holders to gain a better insight regarding the whole application shebang. In fact, you should probably start thinking about suitable Cambridge colleges for your application. Some (Trinity College, King's, Emmanuel) are more competitive than others so choose wisely!

Celine indeed! She is the person that you should be interacting with extensively!

Ah Queens'! Well, personally I think it is good that you chose a college situated in the city centre and only a mere 5-minute walk to your department!

Good luck!


This post has been edited by studyboy: Aug 18 2013, 09:11 PM

A brilliant choice! English weather is horrible and given you circumstance, it might be difficult for you to cope with its vagaries.

Stick to a country with milder climate.

Wow, you would actually pay to obtain a UK sim card before departure!

You guys are a bunch of eager beavers!

As mentioned by limeuu, you can get them via vending machines at the airport. Still, no harm in having one before departure!

Ah I see! I suppose it is more convenient to have a UK number prior to departure, especially when it comes to your case.

Advised against buying SIM cards from airport counters? I bought mine from them vending machines but that was ages ago.

You couldn't have said it any better. Hence, the UK shouldn't feel so bad about themselves really!

This post has been edited by studyboy: Sep 1 2013, 01:16 AM

Ah you are quite right!

Go find someone else then!

Yes, but don't forget to socialise with your fellow Malaysian students as well! I have concentrated much on mixing with the locals and though I have successfully forged fantastic friendships with many locals, this decision of mine inadvertently led me to neglect my Malaysian peers. Of course, with good time management, one can commit to the two with ease but still, do take note of this.

I study during the weekends, which was rather extreme and unnecessary given the low productivity on my part.

You do whatever you want really! Whereabouts in the UK are you going to for your studies? Look up on interesting places around your university area and visit them. Or, join a club which has weekly activities organised such as hiking, horse riding and etc. You have many options available. Of course, if all else fail, I suppose you could study in the library or something.


I won't lie, it will be a challenge but one that is worth conquering! Try to look for common grounds when in the process of striking a friendship with the locals. Being in the same course as him or her is usually not good enough a reason so think of something along the lines of interests, personal belief, religion and etc.

However, bear in mind that not all locals are receptive towards mixing with foreigners like you and I! I have met my fair share of British people who is no doubt affable and polite but strives for nothing more apart from being a casual acquaintance.

Edit: British people love tea so maybe you could start from there? I can attest that this cultural depiction is absolutely correct.

This post has been edited by studyboy: Sep 8 2013, 08:47 PM

Well, I am not too familiar with Finsbury but I suspect the rent will amount to 150 GBP a week, possible more. Are you guaranteed student accommodation upon acceptance of an offer from the university?

Accommodation will be much cheaper at Warwick so rejoice!

Nothing will happen as long as you pay up. Simples.

Which university are you going to?

Yep! I would very much like to know which!

Why not just go for one and then decide whether you like it or not. If you are not permitted to drink, tell the others and they might just accommodate your needs! I stayed in my room quite a bit during my first few weeks in the UK and looking back, it was a silly thing to do. I ended up barely knowing anyone from my halls!

I can imagine! A bit misleading eh!

It is a secret! Anyway, join a few clubs or society to ease that boredom of yours.