Durham University
Durham
The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)
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Original post by undergradstudent
There was an idea to introduce them but for now (for undergrads at least), it's all mixed. However it would be easy to create a couple of single-sex corridors if there was demand, I'm sure freshers could ask for it on their room allocation forms.
Ahh, I see.
Durham University
Durham
Do people who are trying out for Team Durham (athletics) have to go up to Durham early? (I think someone at the open day said they do, but not sure)
If my train arrives at Durham after midnight would it be dangerous as I will be travelling alone? The fares are kinda expensive and if going for non-peak hours it'll be much cheaper but the arrival time is 2:45am... Should I go for it?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
Original post by noifol
If my train arrives at Durham after midnight would it be dangerous as I will be travelling alone? The fares are kinda expensive and if going for non-peak hours it'll be much cheaper but the arrival time is 2:45am... Should I go for it?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
Durham is generally a fairly safe place. I used to walking around at night by myself a lot and never had any issues. (Though you probably shouldn't follow my example
).My concern would be that you'll be arriving late into a city that you don't know. I have no idea whether there will be taxis there then. I would suggest you'd be better trying to get a train that'll arrive during the day for the first time you get into Durham.
You'll also miss out on the beautiful view out of the train window as you pull into the station by arriving at 2.45!
Original post by noifol
If my train arrives at Durham after midnight would it be dangerous as I will be travelling alone? The fares are kinda expensive and if going for non-peak hours it'll be much cheaper but the arrival time is 2:45am... Should I go for it?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
Agreed with Aula, generally arriving in a city for the first time at night is a bad idea - only do it if you can sort out a taxi before getting there.
Security issues in Durham at night - don't go down by the river, is pretty much it. Also it gets harder to get into colleges as they tend to lock up. You'll want to check with your college first that there'll be someone to actually give you your key and so on.
Thanks a lot guys! I guess I'll pick an earlier time or simply get an air ticket to Newcastle and enjoy the welcoming service at the airport :P
Sorry for keep bombarding you with all sorts of questions! I'm so glad to have received such prompt replies!
Sorry for keep bombarding you with all sorts of questions! I'm so glad to have received such prompt replies!
Original post by noifol
Thanks a lot guys! I guess I'll pick an earlier time or simply get an air ticket to Newcastle and enjoy the welcoming service at the airport :P
Sorry for keep bombarding you with all sorts of questions! I'm so glad to have received such prompt replies!
Sorry for keep bombarding you with all sorts of questions! I'm so glad to have received such prompt replies!
Keep bombarding - that's what this forum's here for!
Hello, I'm going to be at St Cuthberts. When will we know what type of accommodation we've got? Before we get to Durham or when we get there?? It's just that I'm wondering whether to bring lots of plates, spoons etc with me (and actually learn to cook)- but I don't know whether I've got catered or not...
Also is it OK if I wear a sari/ "shawl kameez" at a St Cuthberts formal? I read somewhere that girls are supposed to wear "cocktail dresses"- I don't own any and I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable wearing one.
Is anyone part of the Durham art society? I was wondering if they have any stuff/ how much stuff they had there (paints, brushes, paper, easels etc). If not, then I'll have to remember to pack some paints, brushes and sketchbooks with me.
Also, alot of people have said that we should wait until going to Durham before we buy textbooks- but where have people bought their textbooks at Durham (specifically physics textbooks). I'm anxious to get them because I think I learn best from textbooks.
Also is it OK if I wear a sari/ "shawl kameez" at a St Cuthberts formal? I read somewhere that girls are supposed to wear "cocktail dresses"- I don't own any and I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable wearing one.
Is anyone part of the Durham art society? I was wondering if they have any stuff/ how much stuff they had there (paints, brushes, paper, easels etc). If not, then I'll have to remember to pack some paints, brushes and sketchbooks with me.
Also, alot of people have said that we should wait until going to Durham before we buy textbooks- but where have people bought their textbooks at Durham (specifically physics textbooks). I'm anxious to get them because I think I learn best from textbooks.
Original post by mooishness
questions
You'll definitely find out whether you'll be catered or not before you get there, although I'm not sure how long before. And although I haven't seen anyone wearing a sari at my college formals (not that I've been to many), I'm sure it would be fine! Cocktail dresses are just a suggestion - it just needs to be something formal/dressy
The department sells the first-year physics textbook in freshers' week. It's Young & Freedman - University Physics with Modern Physics, and you need a new copy which includes the login for the Mastering Physics website. I believe mine cost £40-something a couple of years ago (bought from the department). I think you can also buy access to Mastering Physics separately.
(edited 11 years ago)
Original post by mooishness
Hello, I'm going to be at St Cuthberts. When will we know what type of accommodation we've got? Before we get to Durham or when we get there?? It's just that I'm wondering whether to bring lots of plates, spoons etc with me (and actually learn to cook)- but I don't know whether I've got catered or not...
Also is it OK if I wear a sari/ "shawl kameez" at a St Cuthberts formal? I read somewhere that girls are supposed to wear "cocktail dresses"- I don't own any and I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable wearing one.
Is anyone part of the Durham art society? I was wondering if they have any stuff/ how much stuff they had there (paints, brushes, paper, easels etc). If not, then I'll have to remember to pack some paints, brushes and sketchbooks with me.
Also, alot of people have said that we should wait until going to Durham before we buy textbooks- but where have people bought their textbooks at Durham (specifically physics textbooks). I'm anxious to get them because I think I learn best from textbooks.
Also is it OK if I wear a sari/ "shawl kameez" at a St Cuthberts formal? I read somewhere that girls are supposed to wear "cocktail dresses"- I don't own any and I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable wearing one.
Is anyone part of the Durham art society? I was wondering if they have any stuff/ how much stuff they had there (paints, brushes, paper, easels etc). If not, then I'll have to remember to pack some paints, brushes and sketchbooks with me.
Also, alot of people have said that we should wait until going to Durham before we buy textbooks- but where have people bought their textbooks at Durham (specifically physics textbooks). I'm anxious to get them because I think I learn best from textbooks.
Hello! I don't know exactly as I'm not at cuths, but I'd imagine you'd find out in advance whether you're catered or self catered- just so you can prepare! You should get a freshers' pack in the post very soon, and I guess it'll either tell you in there, or there'll be some kind of accommodation preferences form for you to fill in, and they'll tell you after they've got those back from people.
I think that'd be fine: it saying cocktail dresses is just a guide of how formal to be, so you don't turn up to a normal formal in a ballgown or jeans etc
About textbooks, I would definitely recommend not getting them before you get here. There are two waterstones' in the centre of town- one normal one and one purely for academic textbooks that should have everything you need, and in the right editions- that might be harder to find elsewhere. The only problem is there's a good chance you won't need them that often. In first year I bought all my textbooks in the first few days, and then only looked at them twice before exam time (this year I bought none and got better marks...) It might be a good idea to wait a couple of weeks to see if you really need them, and even then have a look at them in the library first to see if you think they'd be useful: maths textbooks are pretty much incomprehensible unless you want to look up something very small, and it might be similar for physics- they're not much like school textbooks.
Hope that helps
Original post by mooishness
...
Also is it OK if I wear a sari/ "shawl kameez" at a St Cuthberts formal? I read somewhere that girls are supposed to wear "cocktail dresses"- I don't own any and I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable wearing one.
...
Also, alot of people have said that we should wait until going to Durham before we buy textbooks- but where have people bought their textbooks at Durham (specifically physics textbooks). I'm anxious to get them because I think I learn best from textbooks.
...
Also is it OK if I wear a sari/ "shawl kameez" at a St Cuthberts formal? I read somewhere that girls are supposed to wear "cocktail dresses"- I don't own any and I'm not sure if I'd be comfortable wearing one.
...
Also, alot of people have said that we should wait until going to Durham before we buy textbooks- but where have people bought their textbooks at Durham (specifically physics textbooks). I'm anxious to get them because I think I learn best from textbooks.
For the sari, definitely fine - my JCR (Trevs) has had a few discussions involving various requests about international-styled formalwear, and if brightly-coloured Bermudan trousers can get through, I'm sure that will be fine!
I'm starting my fourth year of the Durham Physics course, and I'd really not recommend buying any textbooks until you get there. Partly because of the confusing Mastering Physics thing, partly because you shouldn't need to buy any except the core guide - the libraries available are really good, so you should be able to find anything you need.
I got a email from my college, Collingwood, telling me to visit this page with these forms and stuff on it. One of the forms (https://www.dur.ac.uk/collingwood/newstudents/undergraduates/college_charges_2012/) called College Charges, has a pile of things on it which you can choose to pay or not, like JCR LIBRARY CONTRIBUTION, JCR SPORTS & SOCIETY DUES, JCR COMPUTER FUND, CHARITY CHARGE and COLLINGWOOD ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP. What's the deal with this? It says the JCR DUES is compulsory, but am I meant to pay these other things as well?
Original post by lukeuser
I got a email from my college, Collingwood, telling me to visit this page with these forms and stuff on it. One of the forms (https://www.dur.ac.uk/collingwood/newstudents/undergraduates/college_charges_2012/) called College Charges, has a pile of things on it which you can choose to pay or not, like JCR LIBRARY CONTRIBUTION, JCR SPORTS & SOCIETY DUES, JCR COMPUTER FUND, CHARITY CHARGE and COLLINGWOOD ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP. What's the deal with this? It says the JCR DUES is compulsory, but am I meant to pay these other things as well?
I've got no idea what half of those even are.
JCR dues you need to pay in order to be a JCR member and use any of the stuff owned by the student body, and attend events, etc.
I assume the next three are "pay or you can't use these". Seems odd having a 'sports and societies' payment when different groups need entirely different amounts of money.
Charity charge is a nice idea, but obviously optional - just you feel bad if you don't.
The Collingwood Association is your college's alumni organisation. I don't know why undergraduates are invited to be members of it.
Unexpectedly I achieved 5As in my AS results yesterday and now I can seriously consider Durham as one of my choices. I wish to study Geography and the requirements are A*AA. I just wondered if my teachers will have to predict me at least 1 A* for me to be considered? Or will AAA predicted grades be ok? Thanks in advance!
Original post by summer_dreamer
Unexpectedly I achieved 5As in my AS results yesterday and now I can seriously consider Durham as one of my choices. I wish to study Geography and the requirements are A*AA. I just wondered if my teachers will have to predict me at least 1 A* for me to be considered? Or will AAA predicted grades be ok? Thanks in advance!
Congratulations on your results, 5 As is excellent!
They'll be looking for an A*AA prediction and for your teachers to be confident about you getting an A*, but definitely call them up (late next week, they'll be really busy with clearing/adjustment now!!) and ask them about your circumstances
Original post by Awoodrow2
I've got no idea what half of those even are.
JCR dues you need to pay in order to be a JCR member and use any of the stuff owned by the student body, and attend events, etc.
I assume the next three are "pay or you can't use these". Seems odd having a 'sports and societies' payment when different groups need entirely different amounts of money.
Charity charge is a nice idea, but obviously optional - just you feel bad if you don't.
The Collingwood Association is your college's alumni organisation. I don't know why undergraduates are invited to be members of it.
JCR dues you need to pay in order to be a JCR member and use any of the stuff owned by the student body, and attend events, etc.
I assume the next three are "pay or you can't use these". Seems odd having a 'sports and societies' payment when different groups need entirely different amounts of money.
Charity charge is a nice idea, but obviously optional - just you feel bad if you don't.
The Collingwood Association is your college's alumni organisation. I don't know why undergraduates are invited to be members of it.
Thanks. So I'll pay all of them except the Collingwood Association membership. I was just a bit confused!
Original post by noifol
If my train arrives at Durham after midnight would it be dangerous as I will be travelling alone? The fares are kinda expensive and if going for non-peak hours it'll be much cheaper but the arrival time is 2:45am... Should I go for it?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
Can anyone kindly advise me on the security issues in Durham after midnight?
As others have said Durham is generally very safe. If this is for your arrival for the very first time, you might want to go during the day, since a) you can actually see where you are; b) wherever you want to stay the night might not have anyone there to let you in at 2am.
If not, go for it. I'm from London and usually get the 10pm arriving at around half 1 in Durham. There's taxis from the station that you can book in advance (you can possibly find them on here, otherwise tell me and I'll send you them) and they'll pick you up fine. Usually I just walk it. Weekend nights you arguably have a bit more risk from drunk locals who don't like students. During the week you often just bump into your friends coming back smashed from a night out!
But remember, Durham is a tiny place. You can get pretty much anywhere in a taxi in town for a fiver. And if you have any concerns, a fiver is a price worth paying.
Hello
Just a quick couple of questions:
Are you allowed to keep your stuff in your room during holidays when you are back at home?
Does laundry cost(collingwood)?
Just a quick couple of questions:
Are you allowed to keep your stuff in your room during holidays when you are back at home?
Does laundry cost(collingwood)?
Original post by TommyCricket
Hello
Just a quick couple of questions:
Are you allowed to keep your stuff in your room during holidays when you are back at home?
Does laundry cost(collingwood)?
Just a quick couple of questions:
Are you allowed to keep your stuff in your room during holidays when you are back at home?
Does laundry cost(collingwood)?
Keeping stuff during holidays is a horribly complicated thing that I need to find out about every single time, just in one college. So the answer is "maybe".
It's likely that you'll be able to, but not certain. It may depend on the holiday, on the type of room, on the type of let...And laundry costs £2.50 for a wash and 40p for a dryer in Trevs, I assume it'll be similar in Collingwood - although hopefully not so expensive! It was £1.60 in my first year, then they got new, worse machines...
Original post by TommyCricket
Hello
Just a quick couple of questions:
Are you allowed to keep your stuff in your room during holidays when you are back at home?
Does laundry cost(collingwood)?
Just a quick couple of questions:
Are you allowed to keep your stuff in your room during holidays when you are back at home?
Does laundry cost(collingwood)?
You can leave your stuff as it is in your room but you'd have to pay for it, works out around £400 because you continue paying rent during the holidays. You do, however, get masses of under bed storage which you can keep stuff in free of charge but it does mean packing your room up at the end of each term. Most people just use the under bed storage.
It does cost indeed - £2.50 for a wash whether you use your own detergent or not, 50p for the dryer. It's kind of annoying because the washing machines are tiny but the dryers are absolutely huge...
Enjoy Collingwood, it's brilliant!
(edited 11 years ago)
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