Kings or Durham For IB
Hello, an aspiring Investment Banker here. Unfortunately, after a lot of hard work and and a very disappointing American college application (Rejected from all ivys + waitlist at Columbia, Duke and Williams). I am left with Kings and Durham in UK for (finance and accounting) and (finance). Rejected from Imperial and still waiting from LSE and UCL but don't have much hope. Not perfect I know. I was wondering whether which one is better to break into IB, preferably BB or Boutiques like EE and Lazard, and then maybe pivot into other industry like Private Equity or Venture Capital, however, dont have much hope for that now. Thanks for all your help. Also, ik long shot but is there any hope of transferring into New York several years down the line for me.
Out of those two, Durham, but don't be expecting to end up in BB or EB in this market.
I'll join the market in three years time, wouldn't the recession have passed and turned into more of a bull market by then.
Possibly, just make sure you maximise your chances by getting a first class honour and show deep involvement with finance-related clubs/investment club and sports teams if you are sporty.
Are you an idiot? Durham has phenomenal placement into BB and EBs.
He probably just thought about graduating this year by accident
Phenomenal? Give me a break mate 🥱
Found the Durham student
Durham but difference is miniscule. Tbh KCL environment would be more motivating for finance recruiting
No it isn't, KCL is no where near Durham when it comes to FO placement....
Not true. Never more than 1-2 kids from durham at each of my 3 springs, multiple from KCL at each.
Must be nice being diversity.
If you want to have a top target on your CV just do a top master. Work hard and smart and you will achieve everything you want. You have plenty of time
Durham
Pros: Strong semi-target, probably the strongest UK semi-target and regularly has good placement across the Banks you're aiming for. The idea that one of KCL or Durham will only get you into a BB/EB/MM is completely rubbish, certain Spring/SA classes have more Durham students than Oxbridge for example. Non-related but Durham is comparably very cheap cost of living wise. If you're into sports, Durham is also very strong across a wide range of them.
Cons: Finance at Durham isn't viewed as particularly 'prestigious' nor intellectually rigorous. You'd be better off doing (if possible) Economics, Maths, STEM, Natural Sciences or History there. Regardless of who you pick, do your research for College allocations at Durham. Also, you're not going to Uni solely for IB recruitment. Think of the people around you. I'm not sure how many overseas students go to Durham, but in the UK Durham has a stereotype of posh kids who just want an extension of boarding school and hence go to Durham. It's also in the middle of nowhere in the North-East of England, there is a stark divide between the University student areas and rural local areas.
King's College London
Pros: In London, easy to network (not that it really matters hugely in London) and attend certain events/ACs without any hassle. If you want to be in a lively City, then pick KCL. As a Yankee, you'll probably find it easier to adapt to life in London rather than Durham (given how international London is) so bear that in mind.
Cons: Arguably weaker 'brand name' and 'reputation' in comparison to Durham. In London, KCL lags behind LSE, Imperial and UCL. Other comments will debate which gets more FO placement, but I would say Durham does very well for IB in comparison to KCL where you won't see as many.
Good luck. Please don't pick a Uni purely based on recruitment, if this was the US for you then it would be understandable, given it's a different country I'm not sure its completely wise to do so. Lastly, don't belittle yourself with these choices - they're solid places to start and you won't have as much difficulty as you think in applying to roles. All the Best.
Just quick note on Durham's cost of living.
They will fuck you with accom costs in your first year. It is quite expensive if you choose their self-catered accoms especially (talking £2,500 charge for catering (if you get allocated to catered only college) so bare this in mind).
Try secure accom externally but goes very fast.
True, I overlooked this. Recently Durham has had something of a 'housing crisis' probably from COVID grades allowing more students in with grade inflation. Usually catered accommodations is around £160-180/week, expensive for Uni (especially as it's outside of London). Additionally, rents for student housing after first year increased massively, north of £200/week. People were queuing and tenting up at 3am in the morning just to go to estate agents there given the shortage.
My guy said "as a yankee" lmaooooo
Does UCL or Durham Econ place better for SW/Summer Internships
Go for Durham
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