Best for physics: Durham or IC?

This is a tough choice, as you'd clearly rather spend your time at Durham.

It would depend on what you want. First thing is that for your doctoral application, the top institutions will look at; your university, your individual modular marks whilst at university, with particular emphasis given to your research project/dissertation. Minor distinctions between universities are not going to play any significant role in the admissions process.

If you're looking to work abroad, IC has the better reputation, even though all the hype about its global brand name are exaggerated.

I think the major argument in support of Imperial over Durham is that the standard of your fellow students will be higher. This may not be the case in your Physics dept., but overall IC has a higher calibre, i.e. higher A level average. As university is at least partially about social interaction, this for me would probably be the critical point. Durham for entry grades attained isn't even in the top 10, not sure if that's likely to matter to you.

hey JS, nice to see you on the forum again
do you mean to say in your last point that it is easier to socially interact with people of similar grades to yourself? that may be true, im not sure. id certainly want to make some intelligent, challenging friends but surely a slightly lower point average doesnt necessarily mean that wont be possible? also, my offer is from castle college, which is the most competitive for entry. i suspect the point average at that particular college is higher than the university-wide average.

i dont know, ive been thinking, and durham is seeming more appealing. i think id like a quiet life really, away from the noise and bustle of a big city

ethnic diversity (i think IC may be a bit TOO diverse?)

just a note to say that ive decided where to go : imperial!
thanks so much to everyone who posted on this thread, your advice has been really helpful in weighing up pros/cons. in the end i decided IC had the edge because 1) i can do research in germany for a year, in the 3rd year and 2) it will help do a phd afterwards. it was very difficult to decide but i think this is my final answer (is that alright with you tarrant? )