Help with firming uni!?
I received 5/5 offers for architecture and now have to choose my firm and insurance. I got offers from Cardiff (AAA), John Moores (BBC), Salford (ABB/AAC), Nottingham (AAA) and Uni of Liverpool (AAA, but they gave me an offer of AAB instead.) My target grades are AAB and that is what I think is the max grades I can achieve.
Before receiving my offer for Liverpool I was considering choosing John Moores as my firm and Salford as my insurance, since they are safer options, and I can go through clearing if I get the grades for other unis. However after receiving an offer from Liverpool and seeing they lowered the grade requirements for me I am kind of torn because I assume they liked my PS and portfolio. If I choose Liverpool as my firm and choose accommodation that is shared with John Moores and don't get in, can I go through clearing for John Moores and keep that accommodation???
The reason I'm not really considering Nottingham is because of the grades and the general location in terms of travelling, and Cardiff is complicated. I only applied because I really liked it, and they assured me they would want to see my portfolio along with all of the other applicants ones. I received an offer and wasn't asked for my portfolio like everybody else, and I feel like they aren't really considering talent/interest, only grades which throws me off. I'm going to the applicant day this weekend anyway to suss it out..
Anyway, if anyone can offer me some advice I would really appreciate it, I just don't know what to do and I'm VERY aware that it's a big decision !
Posted Mar 5, 2026, 11:31 AM UTC