When Ana González set foot in Cambridge for her first Immerse Education summer, she thought she already knew what she wanted. Psychology had always been her goal. But two summer programmes – one in Cambridge, the other in Sydney – showed her just how much your surroundings can shape not only what you learn, but who you become. For anyone asking how to decide which uni to go to, Ana’s story is a compelling example of why it pays to experience different environments before making a decision. For students wondering specifically ‘why study in Sydney?’ or ‘why study in Cambridge?’, her story contains a plethora of relevant insights on the unique qualities that make each city stand out.

Cambridge: Structure and Intensity in a Historic Setting

Ana arrived in Cambridge already passionate about psychology. “I kind of already knew that I wanted to study psychology for a long time, but having that experience just cemented it because I really enjoyed it,” she explained. What she didn’t expect was how much the city itself would influence her. “Cambridge felt very safe… small enough to walk everywhere. I thought I wanted a big city, but that experience showed me I actually wanted a smaller, more close-knit campus,” she recalled.

This insight helped Ana decide on a small-town US university later on, proof that the environment you study in matters as much as the subject itself. If you’re researching how to decide which uni to go to, Ana suggests focusing on more than rankings or prestige. Consider how the atmosphere affects your focus and well-being. For her, the calm, academic bubble of Cambridge was perfect for immersive, focused study – which is why many students who wonder how to decide which uni to go to include it in their shortlist. Experiencing that atmosphere firsthand was what clarified what she truly valued in her learning environment.

A First Taste of the Supervision System

Oxford and Cambridge are famous for their supervisions, which set them apart from most other universities in the world. Usually, they involve one or two students gathering for an hour or two in their professor’s study, perhaps a mug of tea or take-out coffee, and an annotated copy of their latest essay. What ensues is an intimate and challenging discussion that allows students to share their perspectives with a global expert in whatever they’re studying.

At Immerse, high school students can get an early taste of this experience. Classes are typically fewer than 10 students, with ample opportunity for 1-to-1 discussion with tutors. Unsurprisingly, that means that powerful bonds can form between students and tutors. Ana remembers being surprised when receiving her letter of recommendation –  because she felt so seen.

“[My tutor had] deciphered who I was as a person, as a student, because she really cared about us. She went beyond ‘she’s a good student’. It was also, you have these strengths, you have these weaknesses. You can grow here. You are already great here.”

And of course, it’s a powerfully effective setting to grow your knowledge. As Ana puts it, “I appreciate everything I learned in that class because I came into college knowing that little bit more [than my peers].”

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Why Study in Sydney? Creativity, Community, and Calm

After Cambridge, Ana wanted something different. Sydney provided just that – a vibrant yet unhurried city where she could explore her creative side through writing.

“Sydney was impressive because even though it’s a big city, it felt small. Everyone was so kind, and it never felt overwhelming,” she said. This was one of the aspects that convinced her she made the right choice. For Ana, why study in Sydney? The answer lies in its rare balance of modernity, nature, and community.

She chose creative writing for her second programme. “I loved that we were a smaller group, and being in nature – sitting outside, walking to the beach – really inspired me creatively,” she reflected. The experience showed her that learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms; it happens in the spaces around you, too. 

The mix of historic architecture at St. Paul’s College, the ocean nearby, and the friendliness of the city made Sydney feel like the ideal backdrop for creative exploration. Whether you’re unwinding or stepping out of your comfort zone – like Ana did in her first ever surf class – the city has it all. So for students still debating why study in Sydney, Ana suggests thinking beyond academics – Sydney can teach you just as much about yourself as your subject.

Students who wonder why study in Sydney are often surprised to find such a welcoming, approachable atmosphere in such a large, globally-connected city. It offers opportunities for cultural exploration and personal growth that are hard to match elsewhere. How many university towns have world-class beaches and hiking routes on their doorstep?

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Two Experiences, One Lesson: Know Yourself

Ana’s experiences in both Cambridge and Sydney taught her to look inward when making decisions about her future. “It wasn’t just about academics. It taught me what kind of environment I want for my studies and helped me grow confidence,” she said. In fact, spending summer in places she would never have dreamed of visiting without a trustworthy summer school provider like Immerse has resulted in what Ana calls a “superpower” – “now I know I can go anywhere, meet people, and figure it out,”

Her advice for anyone still figuring out how to decide which uni to go to is simple: pay attention to where you feel most comfortable and confident.

When considering how to decide which uni to go to, Ana suggests asking yourself how much structure you want, how big or small a community you need, and whether the pace of life suits you. Cambridge taught her the value of academic rigour in a quiet, self-contained city. Sydney taught her how creativity and calm can thrive even in a bustling metropolis. Experiencing both was what helped her truly understand her own priorities – and it’s why she encourages others to try more than one kind of environment before making a final choice.

Your Chance to Discover What Fits

Ana’s story is a testament to the idea that the best way to find your perfect university is to experience different options. Whether you’re drawn to the historic charm and intellectual energy of Cambridge or the relaxed creativity and welcoming vibe of Sydney, both can help you decide where you want to study for real. For those still asking why study in Sydney or wondering how to decide which uni to go to, our programmes let you test both.

Take advantage of our Alumni 500 and bundle offers to make it easier – and more affordable – to try more than one location and find the place that truly fits you. Experiencing multiple surroundings is the surest way to decide which uni to go to for – and Immerse’s summer school is now available in 10 cities across 4 continents. 

Because the right university environment doesn’t just teach you what you need to know – it shows you who you are and what you’re capable of becoming.