<p>The UK university system I've been told is more laidback, with more time to socialize, and rest. Where american schools are more cut throat, with work always being turned in everytime, and less time to socialize. What do you think?</p>
<p>i definitely think thats true. most people here are workaholics (including me). although we have one of the shortest school years, we take the least amount of vacation days in our careers. my cousin in london said that they get from 12 noon to 3pm to have lunch, venture to local shopping areas, play soccer, or whatever. its true, they get let out at 5pm but i think a little bit of relaxation goes a long way.</p>
<p>He's talking about university. Most people in college here certainly don't have classes all day like in high school...</p>
<p>Could someone explain the difference in the UK between university and college</p>
<p>From a superficial standpoint i'd say that yes, UK universities are more laid back, since students have more free time, eg an average arts student might have anything from 4-8 hours of lectures and tutorials a week, whereas for a science student that might be 8-12hrs a week of timetabled sessions.Although lectures are timetabled, they are in no case compulsary to attend, since registers aren't kept. UK students study a single discipline, eg they study their major from day one, no general ed requirements, no additional subjects, nothing, if you're a Biology major, study only biology, with some chance of specialisation in a particular area of bio sci in the final year. The degree is an honours degree that takes three years. Also, because most British students will have spent the past two years of their lives prior to University studying for Advanced Level qualifications at College or Sixth Form, they are well-trained, well-oiled studying and exam-taking machines - they know how to play hard and work hard (When required). Also UK university students tend to have fewer assessments than US counterparts, generally having one big exam at the end of the academic year that examines everything covered throughout the year. Another thing you notice is that there is a big pub/bar/club culture here, since students are legally able to drink hard liqueur at 18.</p>
<p>The College/University thing: College can either mean a place where students aged 16-19 study for Advanced Level/Foundation degree qualifications required for University matriculation (3 Advanced Level courses studied across 2 years are required for university entry and have to be relevent to your declared major). Or, College can refer to the Colleges that constitute any of the collegiate universities, eg Oxford, Cambridge, London, Durhum. College and University aren't generally interchangeable in British English; if you say College, people will think you mean you're at College studying 'A' Levels to get into University.</p>
<p>There is quite a difference between english and scottish systems however. I think the fact that English students are far more advanced in math/science means it's particularly hard to major in those areas as an undergrad. In Scotland, it is much easier to go in as a science/math major that in England.</p>
<p>I attended University in the UK and the US (and I loved the US so much I married an American) and I can confirm it is a radically different experience. In the UK it's all about looking like you do no work yet somehow achieve fantastic grades because you're just that bright...in the US there's more of a 'what resume enhancing activity are you partaking in this weekend' approach. Everyone is far more motivated and directional which,I have to admit, was quite scary at first.</p>
<p>I'll never forget the look on my roomate's face when, during my first week at 'college' (as you Americans say) I suggested going out for a drink on a Tuesday night. She looked aghast and said "But it's TUESDAY, I have to study..." I knew I was a long way from home...</p>
<p>Another huge differnce is that the English University system is all about alcohol. All of the major social events revolve around it and the social centre of most Universities is a bar. I know American students have parties and in some students do drink heavily but I think the extent of student drinking in the UK might come as quite a shock to some.</p>
<p>Finally, the previous poster was right. In the UK all the exams and essays that matter come at the end of your second and third year . There are usually no midterms or anything and the first year doesn't count towards your final degree at all: you just have to pass. The mantra of the British fresher as they stagger back from the bar " don't worry it's first year, It doesn't count!"</p>
<p>last but by no means least: we don't pay $40,000 to go to University in the first place. No wonder you guys are keen!</p>
<p>P.S I just read this back and I want to say I married for love not a green card!</p>