Durham vs Edinburgh?

I've got places at Durham and Edinburgh and I genuinely have no idea which to firm? I'm doing modern languages and have been allocated St Marys college at Durham. If anyone has any advice it would be so helpful!

Reply 1

Pleasehelpme77

4

Original post by Anonymous

I've got places at Durham and Edinburgh and I genuinely have no idea which to firm? I'm doing modern languages and have been allocated St Marys college at Durham. If anyone has any advice it would be so helpful!

Hi, I probably won’t be very helpful as I’m still in sixth form. I’m not sure how it works for modern languages (rankings and all that) but I was deciding between Durham and Edinburgh a few weeks ago for chemistry. Honestly just go with what feels right for you, they’re both great unis. I ultimately decided on Durham, where I am going to study natural sciences (also allocated Mary’s :smile:

). Good luck with whatever you decide!!

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by Pleasehelpme77

Hi, I probably won’t be very helpful as I’m still in sixth form. I’m not sure how it works for modern languages (rankings and all that) but I was deciding between Durham and Edinburgh a few weeks ago for chemistry. Honestly just go with what feels right for you, they’re both great unis. I ultimately decided on Durham, where I am going to study natural sciences (also allocated Mary’s :smile:

). Good luck with whatever you decide!!

Congrats that's so exciting! If you don't mind, can i ask why you ended up choosing Durham?

Reply 3

Pleasehelpme77

4

Original post by Anonymous

Congrats that's so exciting! If you don't mind, can i ask why you ended up choosing Durham?

I was finding it really difficult to decide, weighing up the pros and cons on every single aspect. For me the real deal breaker was the nightlife/atmosphere, Edinburgh was a bit too much of a big city for me (if that makes sense). I only managed to make a decision after my sister told me that I already knew where I wanted to go, I was constantly trying to convince myself that I was the type of person to enjoy a big city like Edinburgh (which I'm just not). I also considered things like: Edinburgh for me would have been a year longer course, same grade requirement as Durham, further walk to classes from accommodation, more expensive and like 2 hours further than home. In the end, they are both extremely respected universities and factors such as 1 year extra don't really matter. Just go for whatever feels right for you, and once you have decided you will feel so much better about yourself.

Reply 4

random_matt

20

Whichever one makes you happier.

Reply 5

Pleasehelpme77

4

Original post by Pleasehelpme77

I was finding it really difficult to decide, weighing up the pros and cons on every single aspect. For me the real deal breaker was the nightlife/atmosphere, Edinburgh was a bit too much of a big city for me (if that makes sense). I only managed to make a decision after my sister told me that I already knew where I wanted to go, I was constantly trying to convince myself that I was the type of person to enjoy a big city like Edinburgh (which I'm just not). I also considered things like: Edinburgh for me would have been a year longer course, same grade requirement as Durham, further walk to classes from accommodation, more expensive and like 2 hours further than home. In the end, they are both extremely respected universities and factors such as 1 year extra don't really matter. Just go for whatever feels right for you, and once you have decided you will feel so much better about yourself.

Also I love the Durham college structure- It's nice already knowing about accommodation for next year.

Original post by Anonymous

I've got places at Durham and Edinburgh and I genuinely have no idea which to firm? I'm doing modern languages and have been allocated St Marys college at Durham. If anyone has any advice it would be so helpful!

Hi there

Congratulations on securing both offers! I think these three considerations will be key in your decision:

1. Size of the city- Durham is far small compared to Edinburgh. There's not much to do outside of university like college events and societies except clubs and cafes. Newcastle is just 15 mins away and many students tend to go there when they want a big-city experience. But with Edinburgh you'd have that at your doorstep.

2. College or campus-based uni- From personal experience, I would definitely recommend the collegiate system. It offers a much more localised way for you to socialise and meet your kind of people, alongside a two-tier level of support in terms of welfare, finance and more. This is something absent from a campus-based uni. With colleges, you can also get involved in extra curriculars like music, dance, theatre, sports at a smaller level than the university-wide level which is attractive if you want to do these things but not be held back by the large competitive uni teams.

3. Course content- Have a look at the course pages for both unis and see if there are any particular differences that stick out to you. This may be in the form of some modules that are super attractive or the professors who teach the course. Look at what academic support is available at both. As for Durham, you get an academic advisor throughout your time at Durham who you can approach if you face any academic or personal problems and want advice. There's also DCAD- Durham Centre for Academic Development- which exists to help you study better. For instance, they can provide assistance if you're struggling to catch up with readings or take notes effectively during lectures or write good essays. Durham's also big on wellbeing. Colleges have dedicated welfare officers who you can approach to have a chat about ANYTHING that's bothering you (personal or academic) and regular wellbeing sessions are also held including free workout sessions.

Hope that provides some insight

-Himieka

Durham vs Edinburgh?

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