Choosing between Durham and Lancaster

Yeah I was also at Van Mildert for the open day but on the Tuesday/Wednesday. What did you think of the days? Im still really torn between the two, I keep changing my mind on where I want to be. I know durham's reputation counts for a lot but I don't know where I will be happier. Hoping the decision will just come to me one day. Is Warwick very different to Durham?

I really enjoyed the open days - before visiting I was 90% sure I would firm Warwick, but now I haven't got a clue which one I prefer!

There is a fair difference in the courses. Lancaster only do pure maths and statistics, no mechanics or anything. In some ways I think this would suit me but obviously durhams reputation stands out more. I quite liked the structure of the course at Lancaster, it would allow you to double check you chose the right subject. But then again it might be best to focus on the one suject.

I do like the colleges at Durham, the fact you get all your food and its got a bit of community feel but I like the feel of the place at Lancaster.

Thanks for your help and advice

I'd say come to Durham, but I'm incredibly biased...
Another point for you to consider- in 2nd year, if you went to Lancaster you'd presumably end up living in Lancaster itself, and have to get a bus to uni every day, whereas if you're in Durham, the furthest away you could possibly end up living from the maths dept is about 20 mins walk..

What has been the worst thing about the course at Durham in your experience?

Its no good asking about the best bits as everyone just raves about their own university :P

Can anyone offer any advice.
I have offers from both for Maths but just can't decide. Loved both open days but they are very different.
Durham very formal/traditional, great reputation. Accomodation not so good.
Lancaster more modern, lovely accomodation. Great course structure.
My head says Durham, but my heart says Lancaster.

On a side note- I'd say the best things about the course in Durham are the amount of choice you get of modules (I've been able to completely avoid stats and physics-y maths for the last two years, and I'm taking a French module too at the moment) and the tutorials system in the first two years, which gives you plenty of support and motivation in the work you're doing

Follow your heart! Lancaster is a brilliant university!

So if you have been able to avoid the physics-y modules does that mean there is a wide choice of modules? Im doing mechanics as part of Further maths now and as I dont do physics I am finding it tricky so it would be useful to know I dont have to do any of them type modules if i didnt want to.

Ooh good question I'd say the worst thing is that a few of the lecturers can be a bit hit and miss. Of course most of them are really good and clear, some are even quite entertaining, but there's a few that are either so dull that you almost fall asleep, or aren't very clear about what they're doing, so you end up wondering if you'd learn better from looking things up on the internet. But I suppose that's something you might find anywhere- particularly in universities that are into their research- teaching seems to end up being a bit of a sideline for some

On a side note- I'd say the best things about the course in Durham are the amount of choice you get of modules (I've been able to completely avoid stats and physics-y maths for the last two years, and I'm taking a French module too at the moment) and the tutorials system in the first two years, which gives you plenty of support and motivation in the work you're doing

In later years yes: you have to do a half module in dynamics in first year, but it's not much more advanced than M2 really. After that, there's enough choice that you can easily avoid certain modules. The module lists are here: http://www.maths.dur.ac.uk/teaching/php/modules.php , where compulsary 1st year modules are in 1h, and optional ones in auxilliary- the rest are fairly self explanatory.