The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)

Thank you very much for a detailed reply. It was very helpful!
Which modules do you think are the best and which are the worst in your opinion?
Also, people usually say (especially my physics teacher) that physics university students don't usually have any free time at all. Is this true?
Are the lecturers fully involved in the work that the students do or are they left to fend for themselves?
Also, I would like to know if it would be advisable to take any IT courses (maybe involving java or programming) And is the basic knowledge of A-level maths enough for the course or do I have to learn a bit more maths before I start?
Once again, Thank you

Hey I'm in third year at the moment...

Erm, best and worst modules? In first year you don't get much choice - you choose between a double maths module and two singles - the two singles are easier but obviously they prepare you less for later years. (I took the two singles and haven't found that to be a problem so far - there's a compulsory maths module in second year that gets everyone to the same level.) And the only optional module in the physics department is astronomy - I didn't think it was great to be honest, but it was two years ago and it might have improved by the time you get here, so don't let me put you off if you're interested! Alternatively you can do an extra, revision maths module (recommended for people who haven't done AS Further Maths). There aren't any options in second year.

Nah, that's not true. Sure, there's a lot of work, but everyone still has some time for extra-curriculars. Obviously don't go overboard and join everything in sight, you won't have time for that, but you'll have time to relax and time for a couple of societies/sports at least!

Generally lecturers have to be approached, but when you do they're usually willing to help. Some lecturers email everyone or explain again in the next lecture if a lot of people are asking the same question(s).

I believe that programming in Python has been moved from second year to first year for this year, so if you're going to look at any coding that's the one to learn - it's not essential though; I hadn't done any when I got here. Further Maths A-level/AS level will be helpful if you get a chance to do that; again it's not essential, but if you could look over the basics of complex numbers and matrices before you get to Durham that will help. All the absolutely crucial things will be covered in a revision pack that they send out in the summer after your A-levels.

Which modules do you think are the best and which are the worst in your opinion?
Also, people usually say (especially my physics teacher) that physics university students don't usually have any free time at all. Is this true?
Are the lecturers fully involved in the work that the students do or are they left to fend for themselves?
Also, I would like to know if it would be advisable to take any IT courses (maybe involving java or programming) And is the basic knowledge of A-level maths enough for the course or do I have to learn a bit more maths before I start?
Once again, Thank you

Pennying (or maybe Corking for me as I've applied to Castle.) Does everyone do it? Is it good? Should I prepare a stash of corks to take with me?

Hey guys, What exactly is a 'Rah'? you make it sound like a completely different species in Durham.


I'm an English Literature applicant and was allocated Grey College. Was worried as i heard that most of the science students live there and how far away are the English lecture halls from there? what is its reputation like? full of 'rahs'? :/

Rahs are basically the very posh/rich people who allegedly look down on non-rahs and probably went to public school :P.

Grey College will have a fair few science students but then again each college has a quota so although a lot of scientists will apply there the actual balance will probably be better than you expect. Most of your lectures will probably be in Elvet Riverside, near the centre of town about 15 mins walk away from Grey. I'm not actually sure where the department is so can't say where you'd have seminars though. I'd say Grey is relatively formal for a hill college, with regular gowned formals etc, but not full of rahs or anything.

Hi all, just wondering if anyone past or present can tell me a bit about freshers week. I know that there are many college events arranged which include nights out etc. However I myself do struggle to socialise and I'm generally a relaxed activity kind of person. Do you think I will be any good during freshers as I'm worried that I won't make any friends because of this and the fact that I'm kind of hesitant to approach new people to start a conversation etc.