The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)

The chances of you being able to transfer are quite slim. I wouldn't advise you to accept an offer with the hope of being able to move. If you approach your college with the view that you won't like it and want to be somewhere else, you may not even try to engage with your college and you are likely to be unhappy.

Collingwood has a diverse membership and many people there may have initially wanted to be somewhere else. You will not stick out like a sore thumb at all. Collingwood is a great college and everyone I know there is very happy. Try and find out more about it, visit (if you haven't already) and try to imagine it as home. The reality of living in college is much more about finding friends and feeling comfortable than what the buildings are like and whether you occasionally wear a gown.

https://www.dur.ac.uk/dates/select_term/?period=Summer%20vacation%202013

Looks like the "International student meet and greet service" begins on Wednesday 25th September, so I assume they don't want you moving in before then. But I'd recommend sending an e-mail in to the university immigration service and checking on that.



The details of the modules you take for that course can be found at the following link;
http://www.dur.ac.uk/resources/faculty.handbook/degrees/frameworks/nn43.pdf

That page gives links to the Module Handbook entry for each module, which lists the number and frequency of contact hours, so you should be able to get an idea of the firm commitments.

Whether the loan/grant is enough, that depends entirely on your lifestyle - college bills being a fixed amount means you don't have to worry about costing food and bills, so anything in addition to that should be entirely under your control. It's best for you to find out how much you're entitled to, and have a guess at what you might be spending.

Generally, I'm under the impression that the current grants and loans are insufficient even to cover basic college bills for the majority of people, so supplemental finances, either from jobs or family is necessary for most.

But in terms of whether it's a good idea to get a part time job while doing a degree, it mainly depends on how the individual works and copes with things, but it's a big commitment, and can really negatively impact your social and academic lives if you misjudge it. On the other hand, if you don't have enough money without it, you've not got much choice.

I know I'm a bit of a bother on here but I often think of little things and wouldn't know where else to ask!

-is there a bus or some other transport from the Station to the bailey and/or the hill? I imagine most freshers arrive by car, I'll stay in Newcastle with the family and come by train! With at least one huge suitcase

-is accommodation paid in installments, or in full at first term? I read about it on the website, but can't seem to find it now!

-If I'd like to ask for an ensuite room (with medical evidence and all the jazz), should I point it out now or in later stage? I hear they send a welcome letter, or pack, or something similar.

thanks!

I'm sorry, I noticed on the Uni website there seem to be different addresses depending on their purpose (postal address, main campus, etc.).
Which address should I write on my EU finance form? I know it's a silly question, but I'm a bit confused!

Sorry, but what's the context for this address? Well, if in doubt, use the address for the Palatine Centre, where the University has recently consolidated many of its offices and services:

The Palatine Centre
Durham University
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE

As a first year student, when are class choices made?

Need some help here. Got offer from university of Durham for post graduate in International Relations. The IELTS requirement mentioned in condition were, overall 7 with no sub score less then 6.5.
My score which i have achieved is as following.
overall : 7 writing: 7, Listening: 7.5, Speaking: 7, Reading: 6.

my qualm is, my overall score is equates the requirement, however, my one sub score is 6 (in reading), .5 less then asked.
i am apprehensive now, will my score be accepted? or i have to do it again. please, any Durham student or faculty member guide me through.

second part of my question is, which Durham college accommodation should i choose? i have received an email telling me, you are ought to select college of your choice. As i am international student, i have no idea which college is best. please any current student, a little help would be a great respite for me.
Umair

I was accepted for a single hons. degree (english). Can i change it to a combined hons. ?