Completely agree with Nana_A.
Had a frightening experience.
Went to the post-offer open day on Monday, a long 5 hr trip from my school, and from the moment I got out of the train station was a bit taken aback by what I saw, a bit of a dead town, saw hardly any life around.
Was then taked on a tour of snow, and the usual, I liked the accommodation, looked reasonable, and the college was nice as well as the students who were there then.
Also had the a lecture regarding the course, which i found interesting.
At this point it was 50/50 whether I would go there, but then I took a stroll around town after the open day and was in Thornaby, and basically I got chased by a stranger who was following me initially and calling me trying to get my attention but I ignored, and then all of a sudden he actually started running after me.
Following the experience, It was a definite no no for me.
The ONLY way I think I can go there is if after my first year I move to Durham City and get a flat with some friends that I make during my first year, and commute to Queens campus everyday, because the town just seems a bit dodgy to live in.
However, everyone has different tastes, as you can see, scaredofexams absolutely loved it, so I think everyone should check it out themselves. They might get a different experience.