Choosing between place and project/supervisor
I'm in a dilemma where I cannot decide between two PhD offers in physics. These are for positions at UK universities.
One offer is in a 4-year CDT and would be in an applied field that I am not familiar with. There is no set project or supervisor until the end of the first year of 2 rotations. It would probably be quite computational. It includes a placement with a research/industry partner for 3 months. I am not as immediately drawn to the project area, so I'm worried about my motivation. But it's in a very nice, convenient place where I would fit in easily and be able to make friends, and living arrangements would be easy/affordable, so I could more easily do other hobbies etc.
The other offer is in a 3-year regular PhD doing theoretical work. I am quite familiar with and fond of the project area and I like the supervisor. But it is in a place (East London) that would be harder for living arrangements. I've searched for information about the social and living situation at the university but it seems like a bit of a void, especially at PhD level. Of the information I do have, it isn't looking very positive, and so I'd probably struggle to have friends. This worries me, as I don't want to be in a situation where I'm struggling with the PhD and I'm lonely as well.
Any advice on how to make the decision would be much appreciated. I'm effectively choosing between having a project+supervisor that I'm keen on, and being in a place that offers me more for general living.