WaitingForSummer

I'm currently considering accepting a fully funded PhD program in CS in Cambridge Uni in the UK, but I have some hesitations. (My other choice would be to do a funded research master's in the US, then try applying for PhD programs again.) If anyone has any insights on this I'd really appreciate it. For context, I'm a US student about to graduate undergrad who has been doing research part-time for the last 2 years. The direction and PI I am working with both seem good to me, but I'm worried about the logistics. I know in Cambridge at the end of the first probationary PhD year is an exam. Is the first year probationary exam easy to pass to become a full PhD student? What happens if I fail? Furthermore, given that the program is 3 years, I'm worried about not having enough time to complete my project, or being unable to pivot if things don't work out. Does anyone have any perspectives on that? Finally, I did not have the chance to visit campus. How do you feel about campus life as a grad student? Is it easy to get around and explore, socialize, get good food, etc? Is the maintenance stipend provided by fellowships/funds enough, or should I prepare to use some of my saving as well? What was the immigration process like? If you can answer any of these questions or give me any advice, it would help a lot in making my decision! Thank you!