The Student Room Group
Reply 1
Hi emily, I only know of one person in a wheelchair in durham (probably because i havn't started yet) and he's a tutor for computer science. I know that won't help much because you're probably not going to have many lectures in the science site but he took us round on one of the open days and everything was accessible for him.
If you are looking at one of the older colleges: university college, hatfield and cuths are the oldest as far as i know.
Depending on what kind of catering you choose at cuth's, it can be pretty bad with the cobbled streets on the south bailey (which is where the catered accommodation is).

Sorry im not much help but I havn't even started yet myself.
Pete
emkirk1
Hi,

Am thinking of applying to Durham for English next year (will be on a gap year). I use a wheelchair (manual) and was wondering how bad is Durham for wheelchair users? Obviously being an old town with all its history and cobbled streets it won't be amazing for access, but want to get a general picture?
What is the nightlife like in terms of access/jcrs? Oh, and any college suggestions- I really want to apply to a traditional, older college I think?!

Cheers, Emily

We had a fresher in Hatfield last year in a wheelchair. There's a room adapted specifically for a wheelchair user here. Email [email protected] for more details (she's admissions officer/student support) and she'd be able to advise you on stuff, maybe even put you in touch with Bella who could tell you what it's like.
Reply 3
That's a point, I hardly ever see wheelchair users in Durham, but I'm sure it's possible...take a look at http://www.dur.ac.uk/undergraduate/living/welfare/dussd/
Reply 4
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emkirk1
Thanks guys this is all great- do keep it coming! Durhamdosser- I have e-mailed Lynne Berry at Hatfield so thanks for that, really useful, wasn't aware that Hatfield had an accessible room.

I can answer any English-related questions too, I'm an English finalist at Hatfield... I know the DSU is completely wheelchair accessible now, because they had to do a lot of work on ramps, stairlifts etc last year. I think a town like Durham will always be tricky for a wheelchair user, to be honest, if only because of the hills - it means a lot of steep slopes and steps. But if you want to be here it's definitely worth it, so beautiful and friendly and community-based, so people are always willing to help.

Oh, and if you didn't know - Hatfield is one of the older, traditional colleges, so definitely apply here!
Reply 6
Slightly unrelated but I saw a woman trying to haul a pushchair up some steps the other day, so I said 'do you want a hand' and she told me to **** off LOL
I would strongly advise against applying to Castle, as due to its somewhat ancient setting it's not exactly disabled-friendly (e.g. all meals are in the Great Hall, which is only accessible up steps and virtually all social life centres around the Undie, which is down steps (although not completely inaccessible to wheelchair users). Basically it'd be completely impractical for you, in getting around the college. Since they can't modify the buildings in any way, I don't think this is going to change either. If you want to come to Durham, I very strongly recommend that you visit before you apply and check with the academic department that everything will be accessible to you.
Reply 8
I definately wouldn't let it put you off applying, if it has been done before then of course it can be done again. I definately wouldnt recommend castle though, but hatfield sounds like an option. Does anybody know about Cuth's parson field bit for accessibility?
Reply 9
I have no real knowledge but with Parsons Field being newish I would expect it to be pretty wheelchair friendly due to regulations and stuff.
Butler is a good option but yes it is new and isn't traditional, but is a good option.

They have brand new facilities and I know of a few wheelchair users there. They supposedly have access to special kitchen facilities where the sink goes up and down so you can't even escape washing the dishes :P

Butler is a good option as most of the stuff is on one level if you need it, problem is lectures for English, tis a fair distance.

Ian
Reply 11
muddyfox470
Butler is a good option but yes it is new and isn't traditional, but is a good option.



To be honest, I wouldn't go anywhere near the hill if I was in a wheelchair, even if I had arms of steel but that's because I am a lazy bastard.
Reply 12
parsons field isnt bad for wheelchair aceess, could be a bugger crossing the roads at by the prison, and coming down whinney hill. There are ground floor rooms, and refounders has larger rooms for disabled students as well as a downstairs disabled bathroom. Need to go up step for laundry room. hmm..
http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/spa/statistics/undergraduate/2.11disability/2.11full/062-11a.pdf

the problem with butler is you would have to get a taxi into town as it is a long way and theres a big hill.


ps muddyfox470 had to drive me everywhere when i broke my leg

give dussd a quick email

[email protected] - this is who i spoke to
Reply 14
eggman
I only know of one person in a wheelchair in durham (probably because i havn't started yet) and he's a tutor for computer science.

I met him. Had him for my interview as well. He seemed to be getting along just fine in a wheelchair.
Reply 15
Mellie
Slightly unrelated but I saw a woman trying to haul a pushchair up some steps the other day, so I said 'do you want a hand' and she told me to **** off LOL


Many wheelchair users don't like peoples' pity.
Vheissu
Many wheelchair users don't like peoples' pity.


That's no excuse for telling someone to 'f off' when offering to help.
Plus it was a pushchair, not a wheelchair, so I doubt help was offered out of pity.

Incidents like that are the reason why I don't offer people I see struggling with things help. I don't like being told to f off.
I know Durham quite well and even if the uni part is okay the town would be a nightmare. It's all cobbled streets and hills. Newcastle would be a better choice as the town centre is much more accessible.

I forgot to add that you would never get up to the railway station in a wheelchair unless you had a hoist. It would be fun coming down though!