St Camdrews?

Perhaps the most frequent question I am being asked upon my return from Great Britain is ‘how’s Brexit coming along?’ And I never know how to answer. What surrounds Britain’s leave remains so absurd the situation is impossible for me to follow. The country that saw the birth of parliamentary democracy has been paralyzed for 3 years by a vote built upon lies. Brexit continues to overshadow all other issues: underfinanced NHS, housing crisis, global warming, educational reform.

One of the impacts of Brexit that’s not being discussed often is that on university financing. Since the referendum most British universities have to make cuts in their budget, which is why they are declining in world university tables. Cambridge, for example, came 7th, which is the worst placement in the university’s history. I believe this trend will be reversed, but it’s ironic that the vote that was supposed to return ‘sovereignty’ and ‘self-esteem’ to Britain has resulted in a decline in academic excellence. 

The topic of university tables is always relevant in Britain. Academics and students alike are following them, hoping that their institution will improve in ranking. One of the most popular ones is that by the Guardian, which comes out every year. On the day this year’s table was released, arguing St Andrews is now the 2nd best university in Britain - defeating Oxford for the first time in years - our principal sent a congratulatory email to all students. My classmates excitedly shared the news on social media. With the ‘fall’ of Oxbridge, new names combining the first two universities were being coined: ‘St Camdrews’, ‘Anbridge’, etc.

I am happy for St Andrews, but I remain sceptical over university tables. They all have a different methodology - one measures student satisfaction, another one graduates’ average salary. It is important to know what it is each table is focusing at. Universities are also divided based on subject: that’s why Dundee is, according to the Guardian, 29th overall, but 15th in linguistics. What I want to say is: every table is different, the quality of a university does not guarantee the quality of subject area (and vice versa), and all rankings need not be taken too seriously. Even though it’s common to choose and consider universities according to their ranking, studying at a university is to a significant extent what no table can encompass. For example how student-friendly the town is, what social and cultural background do fellow students come from, or how helpful the lecturers are. 

With finishing 2nd year, I am now in the middle of my studies at St Andrews. So far I am content. Quantifying my feelings is something I cannot do. 

St Camdrews?
St Camdrews?

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