Should I go to Durham if I don't even get into Castle?

i think if you are only wanting to go to Durham because of castle and wouldn't consider being in other colleges then it seems pointless in firming it because the likelihood of you getting into castle is pretty low considering everyone else also wants it! I would have a look at the other colleges, the course in detail and the wider student experience because you're going to be there for a long period of time!

Even if you get into Castle, you might not end up actually living in the Castle/its grounds - they've other accommodation blocks located in/around The Bailey/

I completely agree with the other two comments above - one should only go to Durham if they actually want to go to Durham, not because their college is prestigious. I went to Chad's which is another famous Bailey college, but college quickly stops mattering after first year when you move out. As the others pointed out also, you will most likely not live on the actual Castle grounds either as it is extremely competitive, and largely luck-based. I only lived in Main College because someone gave up their place just as I got my allocation, but you may not be so lucky.

True.. is there any way to say "I would love to go to the Castle itself but if not, can I get accomodation at New Kepier"?

I've received an offer and exceed it + definitely want somewhere in the Bailey, old vibe, nice library, historic and formal.

If I don't get into Castle, should I even make Durham my firm choice? I know they prioritise you if you make it your firm but am unsure..

I've received an offer and exceed it + definitely want somewhere in the Bailey, old vibe, nice library, historic and formal.

If I don't get into Castle, should I even make Durham my firm choice? I know they prioritise you if you make it your firm but am unsure..

No

Hiya!

There are plenty of other Bailey colleges that match your criteria, maybe try looking into them as back up options. As far as I'm aware, if you're particularly interested in getting accommodation in the Castle itself, I will say it is highly competitive and it's best to consider other Bailey colleges as well in case you're assigned a different accommodation.

St Cuthbert's Society, Hatfield, St Johns and St Chads are all great colleges that match the vibe you're looking for and all have amazing facilities and the historic and formal vibe you're looking for.

You can find out more about Bailey colleges from the perspective of the students by reading some of the blogs published 🙂
The Durham Student

Best of Luck!

-Ghala

This could be a foolish reason to turn down Durham. Besides, many people who are members of Castle don't actually stay in the castle or even close to it. You are frankly better off at Colleges like St Mary’s or Hatfield, if you want the ‘old’ vibe.

Congratulations on your offer!
Please do not obsess over a certain college as it will likely not be where you end up. Many people may get provisionally allocated to Castle and then reallocated after results day but, most people love the college they end up in and find it’s the best fit. Many also get Bailey colleges provisionally and then end up on the Hill after results (even if they far exceed the offer criteria and firmed their offer early).
The allocations / provisional allocations process is very unhelpful for applicants (and presumably the admissions team as it takes ages and they probably receive loads of complaints!) and should, imo, be disregarded with allocations given once only after results day. The only people who ‘need’ to be in a specific environment are those with a disability or access requirement. Imo, save for the catered / self-catered requirement, there should be no other element of choice and the colleges should allocated in the same way as halls are at other unis.
Durham is a brilliant university with excellent teaching and a supportive, collegiate environment so please try and focus on that rather than a specific college as you will likely be disappointed.

Very true, I am hoping to get into Hatfield or St. Chad's.

Thank you! I think I've come more to terms with college selection and all, will still apply to Castle but will also do my best to get into St. Chad's or Hatfields.

For St. Chad's, is hall selection random? I adore Trinity Hall but am unsure how hard it is to get into it.