<p>I have narrowed my choices down to Berkeley in the spring (Econ) and University College London (Econ, Stats and Finance) but can't make up my mind. I live around an hour from Berkeley so that is certainly more convenient, but I can't find any way to compare them as no one I know has dealt with this (apparently I'm the first in my school to apply or even consider schools abroad). I also want to know just how difficult the transition will be.</p>
<p>Personally, I don't really like Berkeley, but it seems like I have no choice. While I have no financial aid in Berkeley (apart from 5k of expected work-study), I heard it is easier to get some later, while my chances at aid at UCL are practically nonexistent (mainly because I can't find anything for international students). The style of living seems like so different in London and living expenses in general are probably going to be significantly higher. It's also just so far away from home - something I thought I would be ready for at the time of applying, but am rethinking now. Nevertheless, I feel like the opportunities at UCL are just so much greater. </p>
<p>I also want to go to a school here for grad school (if I stay on this path, I will probably aim for Yale or Princeton) so I want to know which college will better set me up for it. </p>
<p>Overall, the main things are:
1. Style of life/housing
2. Expenses and financial aid
3. Future opportunities with the degree</p>
<p>All UK unis do not provide scholarship/grants to Int’l students. But some great ones such as Cambridge, Oxford, LSE and Warwick have private grants available to a few quite deserving ones. Some governments do sponsor their citizens too. I’m not sure if the US has a counterpart thing for undergrad. So, if you find Berkeley expensive, you’d find UCL the same way, I’m sure. </p>
<p>London is a great megacity. It offers many opportunities. There’s even a saying which goes: If you’re bored in London, you’re bored with life. And, UCL is in the heart of London, you’ll be in the centre where the action is. The con is, UCL does not have a campus like Berkeley has. And, UCL is not as great as Berkeley - as an academic institution - obviously. A Berkeley degree is recognized worldwide, and Berkeley alumni are vast, rich and powerful worldwide. A UCL degree isn’t that recognized in the US, so having a UCL degree would not give you any advantage if and when you apply to US companies, in the US. </p>
<p>UCL is a great university and is amazing for economics – a solid Top 5 in the UK for econ, only slightly behind Cambridge, Oxford, LSE and Warwick. I would go there if I were offered a slot. But I would not go there if I have Berkeley on the other side waiting for my confirmation. UCL is great. But Berkeley is better – better social scene, better campus scene, better student opportunities after graduation anywhere in the world, better weather, better faculty line-up, great students and substantially much better brand power than UCL.</p>
<p>I recommend Berkeley. I do not understand the purpose of attending a British university if you intend to live in the United States after graduation and apply to an American grad school.</p>