Durham University
Durham
The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)
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I have received an offer from Durham to study Geography from October 2014. The admissions department advise that I have until January 31st to decide which college I want to apply to.
On the open day I only got the chance to visit two colleges (Josephine Butler and St Mary's) so deciding which college is difficult. Ideally, I would like an en suite, single room, in a traditional college, in a central location and preferably self-catered.
Some help with my best options would be much appreciated.
On the open day I only got the chance to visit two colleges (Josephine Butler and St Mary's) so deciding which college is difficult. Ideally, I would like an en suite, single room, in a traditional college, in a central location and preferably self-catered.
Some help with my best options would be much appreciated.
Durham University
Durham
Original post by T4ylor
I have received an offer from Durham to study Geography from October 2014. The admissions department advise that I have until January 31st to decide which college I want to apply to.
On the open day I only got the chance to visit two colleges (Josephine Butler and St Mary's) so deciding which college is difficult. Ideally, I would like an en suite, single room, in a traditional college, in a central location and preferably self-catered.
Some help with my best options would be much appreciated.
On the open day I only got the chance to visit two colleges (Josephine Butler and St Mary's) so deciding which college is difficult. Ideally, I would like an en suite, single room, in a traditional college, in a central location and preferably self-catered.
Some help with my best options would be much appreciated.
Have you done the quiz (https://www.dur.ac.uk/undergraduate/accommodation/choosing/quiz/)?
Great choice in degree btw
Oh great! My brother offered to fix up one of our old bikes and I was wondering whether it was worth the hassle.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Hi there
I'm waiting for my offer to study Natural Science at St Mary's (chosen because of its proximity to the science site- I'm a lazy person).
However, I have just received an offer to study Natsci at Cambridge... If Durham does give me an offer, it will be a choice between Durham or Cambridge for me and I would like to ask any Natsci students at Durham what they feel are the pros and cons of studying it there (i.e. the quality of teaching, the people, the environment, etc.).
Any advice at all is greatly appreciated!
I'm waiting for my offer to study Natural Science at St Mary's (chosen because of its proximity to the science site- I'm a lazy person).
However, I have just received an offer to study Natsci at Cambridge... If Durham does give me an offer, it will be a choice between Durham or Cambridge for me and I would like to ask any Natsci students at Durham what they feel are the pros and cons of studying it there (i.e. the quality of teaching, the people, the environment, etc.).
Any advice at all is greatly appreciated!
Original post by nomdeplumeX2
Have you done the quiz (https://www.dur.ac.uk/undergraduate/accommodation/choosing/quiz/)?
Great choice in degree btw
Great choice in degree btw
Many thanks for the reply.
I have done the quiz.Unfortunately,it would appear that unless I apply to and get a place at Josephine Butler ,then a single ,en suite room ,for a first year student,will be very unlikely.
I was hoping that a more "traditional college" might be possible,but there seems little,or no chance of my preferred accommodation preferences being met at any college other than Josephine Butler.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Original post by T4ylor
Many thanks for the reply.
I have done the quiz.Unfortunately,it would appear that unless I apply to and get a place at Josephine Butler ,then a single ,en suite room ,for a first year student,will be very unlikely.
I was hoping that a more "traditional college" might be possible,but there seems little,or no chance of my preferred accommodation preferences being met at any college other than Josephine Butler.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I have done the quiz.Unfortunately,it would appear that unless I apply to and get a place at Josephine Butler ,then a single ,en suite room ,for a first year student,will be very unlikely.
I was hoping that a more "traditional college" might be possible,but there seems little,or no chance of my preferred accommodation preferences being met at any college other than Josephine Butler.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Cuth's is your other option, there is no guarantee of ensuite but if you opt for the self-catering you are guaranteed a single room and you are much closer to everything, including the Bailey
Original post by T4ylor
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
I wouldn't say that. The hill colleges aren't really much more spaced out than those on the Bailey. Most social groups form either within your college, course or societies anyway, so I don't think you'd be missing out on much. The main downside of a hill college in that regard is that you've got further to go to the city centre and the nightlife, but I don't think it's all that big a deal.
Hey guys how u doin ? got a few questions for yall
best college for modern languages ?
most multicultural college ?
colleges without religious stuff ?
Thanks !
best college for modern languages ?
most multicultural college ?
colleges without religious stuff ?
Thanks !
(edited 9 years ago)
I have an offer for History this year and am definitely putting it as my firm choice, am just wondering if anyone knows what the new college allocation system entails - they mentioned that it is different at the open day but not really how it works?
Original post by ISYMFS
Hey guys how u doin ? got a few questions for yall
best college for modern languages ?
most multicultural college ?
colleges without religious stuff ?
Thanks !
best college for modern languages ?
most multicultural college ?
colleges without religious stuff ?
Thanks !
Hi there!
1) No one college is any better for any subject, as there is no teaching done in college (unlike Oxford and Cambridge). All learning takes place in other university lecture rooms or in the department itself. Pick a college based on where you want to live, not what subject you do!
2 and 3) There aren't any colleges I have ever come across that are particularly multicultural, and as far as I've ever been aware only St John's is particularly religious. Most colleges have a chapel/ Interfaith room but religion is not a big part of any colleges life.
If you're looking at colleges though, I would recommend checking out Aidan's. It used to have a reputation as the 'party college', however in my experience of Durham (I'm at Aidan's but know people from other colleges) it is one of the most inclusive so often hosts events promoting things like experiencing different cultures. It's now more often seen as 'the Rainbow college' as cliched as that sounds
Original post by T4ylor
Many thanks for the reply.
I have done the quiz.Unfortunately,it would appear that unless I apply to and get a place at Josephine Butler ,then a single ,en suite room ,for a first year student,will be very unlikely.
I was hoping that a more "traditional college" might be possible,but there seems little,or no chance of my preferred accommodation preferences being met at any college other than Josephine Butler.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I have done the quiz.Unfortunately,it would appear that unless I apply to and get a place at Josephine Butler ,then a single ,en suite room ,for a first year student,will be very unlikely.
I was hoping that a more "traditional college" might be possible,but there seems little,or no chance of my preferred accommodation preferences being met at any college other than Josephine Butler.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Just to add my little bit, I would warn that unless you have specific medical reasons then a single ensuite is REALLY unlikely in anywhere except Jo Butler. Colleges have to prioritize those rooms for people with medical problems that necessitate it. This is especially true of some of the Bailey colleges as they are less modern so don't have the opportunity to put some of those facilities in.
I would also question - what is it about a 'traditional' college that appeals to you? St Mary's is older than some Bailey colleges, and other colleges that are less old still have stuff like gowned formals. When I applied I thought I was desperate to have a traditional college, but now I am so glad that I didn't. In my experience the facilities are better at more modern colleges but they have exactly the same college atmosphere as any other college. I go to a non gowned college, but have been to formals at a few of the traditional colleges as a guest (I borrowed a gown) for the experience. However I much prefer having a gowned formal as an occasional experience. In my college we have less frequent (about 3 per term) but generally more extravagant formals that are themed, often with fancy dress (and people REALLY get into the fancy dress!). It makes every formal a bit different, and also means that there were less occasions when you had to eat early if you weren't going to the formal (in colleges with weekly formals I know people either got really fed up of having to dress for dinner as it is cool the first few times, but afterwards becomes a bit boring, or fed up of having to eat at a different, generally more inconvenient time if they didn't want to go to the formal).
Check out this for an easy comparison of different colleges, but note that some of the figures for % of ensuite rooms include shared rooms.
https://www.dur.ac.uk/undergraduate/accommodation/choosing/
However I would say that while it looks like Jo Butler is on the outskirts, it really isn't actually that far out, Durham is small and you get used to walking everywhere.
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by pianofluteftw
Hi there!
1) No one college is any better for any subject, as there is no teaching done in college (unlike Oxford and Cambridge). All learning takes place in other university lecture rooms or in the department itself. Pick a college based on where you want to live, not what subject you do!
2 and 3) There aren't any colleges I have ever come across that are particularly multicultural, and as far as I've ever been aware only St John's is particularly religious. Most colleges have a chapel/ Interfaith room but religion is not a big part of any colleges life.
If you're looking at colleges though, I would recommend checking out Aidan's. It used to have a reputation as the 'party college', however in my experience of Durham (I'm at Aidan's but know people from other colleges) it is one of the most inclusive so often hosts events promoting things like experiencing different cultures. It's now more often seen as 'the Rainbow college' as cliched as that sounds
1) No one college is any better for any subject, as there is no teaching done in college (unlike Oxford and Cambridge). All learning takes place in other university lecture rooms or in the department itself. Pick a college based on where you want to live, not what subject you do!
2 and 3) There aren't any colleges I have ever come across that are particularly multicultural, and as far as I've ever been aware only St John's is particularly religious. Most colleges have a chapel/ Interfaith room but religion is not a big part of any colleges life.
If you're looking at colleges though, I would recommend checking out Aidan's. It used to have a reputation as the 'party college', however in my experience of Durham (I'm at Aidan's but know people from other colleges) it is one of the most inclusive so often hosts events promoting things like experiencing different cultures. It's now more often seen as 'the Rainbow college' as cliched as that sounds
very useful information thanks a lot!
my mind wonders now: if I live by my own , can I just go to my college for the activities ?
Was just wondering if college accomodation is really worth it money-wise ? (Sorry, I'm bombarding this thread with questions - well, not really, but sort of;..)
Original post by ISYMFS
very useful information thanks a lot!
my mind wonders now: if I live by my own , can I just go to my college for the activities ?
my mind wonders now: if I live by my own , can I just go to my college for the activities ?
In your first year, except in rare cases you are expected and encouraged to live in college, living in your own place isn't that common, and living in college comes with all sorts of benefits. However in later years most people 'live out' with friends in privately rented accommodation but yes, you can still go back to college to take part in the activities there.
Original post by french mouse
Was just wondering if college accomodation is really worth it money-wise ? (Sorry, I'm bombarding this thread with questions - well, not really, but sort of;..)
I felt that it was. Durham really encourage people to live in college in their first year, and the vast majority do unless they are local as if you didn't you'd miss out on opportunities to make friends and socialise. Living in college is lovely in my opinion. Whilst people complain about the food, it is all good quality and there is lots of choice. College is always warm, you don't have to pay for bills or internet and there are lots of facilities you can use. So whilst in your later years you can live out and make savings (by buying cheap food/ not putting the heating on), living in college in first year at least is worth it for the convenience as you settle in, the atmosphere, the facilities and the friends you make.
Original post by T4ylor
Many thanks for the reply.
I have done the quiz.Unfortunately,it would appear that unless I apply to and get a place at Josephine Butler ,then a single ,en suite room ,for a first year student,will be very unlikely.
I was hoping that a more "traditional college" might be possible,but there seems little,or no chance of my preferred accommodation preferences being met at any college other than Josephine Butler.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
I have done the quiz.Unfortunately,it would appear that unless I apply to and get a place at Josephine Butler ,then a single ,en suite room ,for a first year student,will be very unlikely.
I was hoping that a more "traditional college" might be possible,but there seems little,or no chance of my preferred accommodation preferences being met at any college other than Josephine Butler.
I just worry that it's location (on the outskirts) will mean that you may not feel as much a part of everything as you might on or near the Bailey.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
A few colleges have single rooms but en-suites are harder to find. In truth, shared bathrooms are not that bad. I never had to wait for anything in the year I was living in college. You also usually get a sink in your room so you don't have to leave your room for everything.
They also force you out of your room more often when you first get there. During freshers I made some really good friends when they saw me wandering back to my room in my pyjamas and invited me in to an impromptu gathering in someone's room.
The Bailey is really not the centre of everything. It's just one place where students live amongst many. The hill colleges are very sociable places. Also Durham is small. Nothing is that far from anything.
The Geography building/lectures are on the science site so the hill colleges are closer.
(edited 9 years ago)
I have received an offer from Durham for Psychology!
I have chosen St Chad's, but I heard that it is very competitive.
Any students from St Chad's?
I have chosen St Chad's, but I heard that it is very competitive.
Any students from St Chad's?
I'm hoping someone who has already graduated can help me - We've just been told that there's a graduation dinner in college on 2nd and 3rd of July. My actually graduation is on the1st so it would mean the family staying another night in a hotel. Does everyone go to these college meals? What are they like? Is it worth staying an extra night?
Original post by KayteeKaytee
I'm hoping someone who has already graduated can help me - We've just been told that there's a graduation dinner in college on 2nd and 3rd of July. My actually graduation is on the1st so it would mean the family staying another night in a hotel. Does everyone go to these college meals? What are they like? Is it worth staying an extra night?
These meals aren't compulsary but it's a shame your graduation day makes it difficult to go. I went this year and it was a nice occasion and I think most people went but I wouldn't go out of your way to go. It's basically a nice meal with everyone's families and the principal saying how well you've all done etc etc. This was at Trevs by the way and I assume other colleges are similar...
Could someone tell me about life in the Stockton Campus
Posted from TSR Mobile
Posted from TSR Mobile
What is the standard of the football team like at Durham? I saw on the team's website that if you consider yourself of a good standard you should email them, but how good is a 'good' standard? Sorry if this sounds a little vague haha.
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