Durham University

My first term at Durham has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve settled in quickly, engaged fully with academic life, and taken advantage of the opportunities the university offers beyond my course. Balancing a demanding workload with extracurricular involvement has helped me develop stronger time-management, communication, and critical-thinking skills. The term has confirmed my interest in my subject and strengthened my motivation to make the most of my time at Durham, both academically and professionally.

I love how everything is within walking distance; I don’t have to take a train or bus anywhere. College life is so fun, and being catered has been great.

Great social life throughout college, excellent facilities, and an amazing city.

Social life as a Durham student is excellent, thanks to several college bars where the average price for a beer is around £3, creating a strong student presence and atmosphere.

University is good

I've often heard that a true Oxbridge experience is now only available in Durham, but that really holds true. A love of tradition merges with an appreciation for the future here, and the students mostly replicate this. The staff on my course are devoted to their subject, and my department is always there to help.

Durham University was an amazing place for me and I wouldn't change my time there for the world. The teaching is almost always brilliant and they offer lots of support. I can't fault the support in either the theology department where I undertook my Bachelor's degree nor the Modern Languages and Cultures department where I did my Masters. However, I feel that the university 'higher-ups' don't listen too, nor care about the experiences of the students. Since centralising the management of the colleges they have lost their individuality and people are losing their passion for college, which I think is a huge shame as that is a big selling point of Durham.

Really great encironment. Everone Is so lovely and I am having a great experience. The lecturers really take care of you and make you feel heard. Not a great night life but it is so easy to pop over to Newcastle and have a good time.

Attending Durham university has allowed me to develop my socialising while balancing work and money well.

Overall, I have really enjoyed Durham this year.
I love the collegiate aspect to it, as it feels so much less intimidating coming into a new city. My room is modern and recently refurbished in an ideal location to town and my lectures.
My course is interesting and my professors are knowledgeable and approachable. There is a varied teaching programme, with some in person modules, asynchronous modules and also smaller tutorial based groups.
There is a range of sports facilities available at Maiden Castle, the sports facility. There is a full size athletics track, rowing gym, state of the art regular gym, multiple courts for racket sports and sports pitches. There are so many sports on offer for people to try or continue with at a low or competitive level.
There are also a range of music, art, drama and extra curricular activities to get involved in, so there really is something for everyone.
The social life is great, especially if you join clubs and societies, as most will hold regular socials. There are also many clubs, bars and restaurants to go to with friends in the evening, so life is never dull!