Durham University
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The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)
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Original post by EvanJackPenn
Can you bring non-college/Durham friends to formals, specifically at Castle?
Yes you can. In Grey you can invite guests along to most formals, although not many each- I think there's a limit of 1 or 2 guests per person. I assume the system's similar in castle (some of my non-castle friends have been to castle formals before) but I'm not sure exactly how their booking system works
Durham University
Durham
Original post by EvanJackPenn
Can you bring non-college/Durham friends to formals, specifically at Castle?
Yes you can. My roommate is a local and he brings his friends from school all the time
Original post by EvanJackPenn
Can you bring non-college/Durham friends to formals, specifically at Castle?
Don't honestly know about castle but I should point out something that not a lot of people realise. Formals are often over-subscribed. You are not guaranteed a place at many of your own formals in many colleges.
Many colleges also prioritise finalists (3rd years) over 2nd years and 2nd years over freshers. This is to encourage people who no longer live in to come into the college and continue feeling part of the college.
Tickets at some colleges are often booked in tables. You get together with your friends and you a apply for a table. This table can include guests from outside the college so it may mean that the guest of a 2nd/3rd year might get to attend where a fresher from the college might miss out.
On the plus side, if you can't get a ticket to the meal, you can usually get a ticket for the "ents" afterwards.
Seems unfair but you come to appreciate the system after the first year.
Original post by lloyd0800
Just a word of advice. If you plan on applying to Durham university, please donot make the same mistake I did and apply to grey.
It is one of the worst for sport, if you want sport - go to Collingwood.
It is run so strictly, its like being at a strict boarding school. Seriously, name me another university that would ban drinking games, in its own bar!
You get fined for literally anything. Drinking in a corridor, drinking with too many people in your room, too much noise all of which are given on the spot, without warning, and are quite hefty.
Seroiusly, any reasons that you can think of that would be good for being at grey, are available at other colleges without the problems at grey.
Close to science site? Go Mary's or preferably collingwood
Like gowns? Marys, but seriously they're massively overrated.
anything else you can think of, just choose collingwood, marys or Van Mildert. You'll have a lot better time than i did.
Grey is just the worst college in almost every way, I'm just trying to make your choice and application a little easier.
It is one of the worst for sport, if you want sport - go to Collingwood.
It is run so strictly, its like being at a strict boarding school. Seriously, name me another university that would ban drinking games, in its own bar!
You get fined for literally anything. Drinking in a corridor, drinking with too many people in your room, too much noise all of which are given on the spot, without warning, and are quite hefty.
Seroiusly, any reasons that you can think of that would be good for being at grey, are available at other colleges without the problems at grey.
Close to science site? Go Mary's or preferably collingwood
Like gowns? Marys, but seriously they're massively overrated.
anything else you can think of, just choose collingwood, marys or Van Mildert. You'll have a lot better time than i did.
Grey is just the worst college in almost every way, I'm just trying to make your choice and application a little easier.
So if I interpret you correctly.
Alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour by ex-public schoolboys laced with a healthy dose of innate misogynistic harassment and intimidation is severely frowned upon / not tolerated at Grey.
Can't really see what the problem is with that. I'd hope all the other Durham colleges have a similar stance.
Original post by lloyd0800
Just a word of advice. If you plan on applying to Durham university, please do not make the same mistake I did and apply to grey.
It is one of the worst for sport, if you want sport - go to Collingwood.
It is run so strictly, its like being at a strict boarding school. Seriously, name me another university that would ban drinking games, in its own bar!
You get fined for literally anything. Drinking in a corridor, drinking with too many people in your room, too much noise all of which are given on the spot, without warning, and are quite hefty.
Seroiusly, any reasons that you can think of that would be good for being at grey, are available at other colleges without the problems at grey.
Close to science site? Go Mary's or preferably collingwood
Like gowns? Marys, but seriously they're massively overrated.
anything else you can think of, just choose collingwood, marys or Van Mildert. You'll have a lot better time than i did.
Grey is just the worst college in almost every way, I'm just trying to make your choice and application a little easier.
It is one of the worst for sport, if you want sport - go to Collingwood.
It is run so strictly, its like being at a strict boarding school. Seriously, name me another university that would ban drinking games, in its own bar!
You get fined for literally anything. Drinking in a corridor, drinking with too many people in your room, too much noise all of which are given on the spot, without warning, and are quite hefty.
Seroiusly, any reasons that you can think of that would be good for being at grey, are available at other colleges without the problems at grey.
Close to science site? Go Mary's or preferably collingwood
Like gowns? Marys, but seriously they're massively overrated.
anything else you can think of, just choose collingwood, marys or Van Mildert. You'll have a lot better time than i did.
Grey is just the worst college in almost every way, I'm just trying to make your choice and application a little easier.
Grey is not at all alone in fining people for behaviour that negatively affects other people in the college. It is quite common. Every offence you've described has a negative impact on other people and the fines are on the whole there to stop that happening.
It might seem fun to play drinking games but it's no fun for the staff who have to clean up the vomit in the corridors, nor for the people who have to look at it. It might be fun for you to squeeze 25 people into an impromptu party in your room/corridor but it's no fun for the neighbours on the corridor who have an assignment to complete or an exam to revise for.
You need to have consideration for other people and it's quite selfish and immature to think that going to university means you can behave any way you like no matter how it affects other people.
Original post by KayteeKaytee
Grey is not at all alone in fining people for behaviour that negatively affects other people in the college. It is quite common. Every offence you've described has a negative impact on other people and the fines are on the whole there to stop that happening.
It might seem fun to play drinking games but it's no fun for the staff who have to clean up the vomit in the corridors, nor for the people who have to look at it. It might be fun for you to squeeze 25 people into an impromptu party in your room/corridor but it's no fun for the neighbours on the corridor who have an assignment to complete or an exam to revise for.
You need to have consideration for other people and it's quite selfish and immature to think that going to university means you can behave any way you like no matter how it affects other people.
It might seem fun to play drinking games but it's no fun for the staff who have to clean up the vomit in the corridors, nor for the people who have to look at it. It might be fun for you to squeeze 25 people into an impromptu party in your room/corridor but it's no fun for the neighbours on the corridor who have an assignment to complete or an exam to revise for.
You need to have consideration for other people and it's quite selfish and immature to think that going to university means you can behave any way you like no matter how it affects other people.
Hello Kaytee,
so excessive and in particular misogynistic behaviour is tackled ?
Original post by ooh-la-laa
So if I interpret you correctly.
Alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour by ex-public schoolboys laced with a healthy dose of innate misogynistic harassment and intimidation is severely frowned upon / not tolerated at Grey.
Can't really see what the problem is with that. I'd hope all the other Durham colleges have a similar stance.
Alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour by ex-public schoolboys laced with a healthy dose of innate misogynistic harassment and intimidation is severely frowned upon / not tolerated at Grey.
Can't really see what the problem is with that. I'd hope all the other Durham colleges have a similar stance.
I've not really experienced much misogyny or harassment at Durham even in a more relaxed college. And it's something that is virtually impossible to police anyway. The fines are more to control anti-social behaviour.
Original post by lloyd0800
these fines were in freshers week? Lots of studying going on then..... and much more common than at other colleges, seriously are you at grey? because i know people at other colleges and they get fined for less than what we do
Attempting to slander the college is a fruitless exercise. If you feel like you've been wronged, tell Grey. Send the principal an email or something.
Original post by lloyd0800
sorry, but its really not a problem at any other university is it? but i gues you are so against it you the exact type of person that give it this boarding school image. Seriously its pathetic
If by "it" you mean I'm against sexual harassment, homophobia, bullying and intimidation then you're damn right I am.
Original post by lloyd0800
these fines were in freshers week? Lots of studying going on then..... and much more common than at other colleges, seriously are you at grey? because i know people at other colleges and they get fined for less than what we do
I know this might be hard for you to understand but not everyone wants to get pissed all the time, even in freshers week. Not everyone wants to deal with other peoples' vomit in public places and lots of people would like to get some sleep at night, even in freshers week. Freshers week is no excuse for not considering other people.
I am not at Grey (but know lots of people there) and I do appreciate that they are quite strict compared to some (but by no means all) colleges. It's really not a reason to hate the place. No one is stopping you drinking in the bar or going out. They just want to make sure you're not having a negative effect on other people and a lot of people appreciate that.
Original post by lloyd0800
sorry, but its really not a problem at any other university is it? but i gues you are so against it you the exact type of person that give it this boarding school image. Seriously its pathetic
Perhaps you picked the wrong university. Maybe you should have been happier at one of the "party" unis like Manchester.
Original post by lloyd0800
are you serious? christ where did i ever say anything about sexual harassment or anything you've mentioned?
I was talking about drinking and noise.
my god, it amazes me the people you get on here
I was talking about drinking and noise.
my god, it amazes me the people you get on here
Am I being serious? Absolutely.
Your posts on here demonstrate a singular lack of either empathy with or respect for others.
Amazement Let's address that next. It is genuinely amazing that an institution predicated on learning, understanding and enlightenment are seemingly frequented by some not yet capable of applying these valued premises to their own behaviour.
If you are actually saying that females, both fellow students and in general, should not be viewed as mere potential objects of either sexual gratification or puerile verbal abuse; that an individual's sexual orientation or the colour of their skin is never a reason for direct or indirect persecution, or that those who can have fun without complete alcoholic dependency do not deserve to be belittled then I would humbly apologise for such a gross misjudgement and implying anything to the contrary.
Original post by W. H. Auden
1. My conditional offer is A*AA. If I get A*A*B, what are the chances of being accepted?
2. How easy is it to find a job in Durham?
3. What is the workload like for English? Will I have time for a job?
4. Are there any left-wing organisations/activism I can get involved in?
2. How easy is it to find a job in Durham?
3. What is the workload like for English? Will I have time for a job?
4. Are there any left-wing organisations/activism I can get involved in?
As people couldn't answer 3 and 4
3. I know quite a few English students. As with any degree at Durham the workload is quite heavy. In English there is a massive reading list, quite a few essays (not all of which count towards your degree but you still have to do them), tutorials and seminars to prepare for as well as lectures. I don't know of many people at all that work during term time a) because of lack of jobs and b) because of lack of time. I would say that unless you are incredibly motivated you would be sacrificing both your concentration on your studies and enjoying your time at uni (taking part in societies etc.) by taking up a job. However most people I know get a job during holidays - especially during summer we have 4 months off pretty much so you can make some good money during that time.
4. YES! Durham has a reputation of being a bit Right wing, but you'll find plenty of like minded lefties at Durham. There is a strong Labour society, but aside from that there also lots of groups of people that identify as socialist or communist. Durham is also home to the people's bookshop which often holds talks. As a university there are often interesting talks put on by different societies, and campaigns/ protests/ pickets in the past have covered issues such as the Bedroom tax and the Living Wage. There are also societies such as the International Development society, the feminist society and the Durham Atheist, Secularist and Humanist Society depending on what sort of issues you're interested in
If you have any more questions let me know - one of my friends is very very left wing so can probably say even more of what goes on!
Original post by pianofluteftw
As people couldn't answer 3 and 4
3. I know quite a few English students. As with any degree at Durham the workload is quite heavy. In English there is a massive reading list, quite a few essays (not all of which count towards your degree but you still have to do them), tutorials and seminars to prepare for as well as lectures. I don't know of many people at all that work during term time a) because of lack of jobs and b) because of lack of time. I would say that unless you are incredibly motivated you would be sacrificing both your concentration on your studies and enjoying your time at uni (taking part in societies etc.) by taking up a job. However most people I know get a job during holidays - especially during summer we have 4 months off pretty much so you can make some good money during that time.
4. YES! Durham has a reputation of being a bit Right wing, but you'll find plenty of like minded lefties at Durham. There is a strong Labour society, but aside from that there also lots of groups of people that identify as socialist or communist. Durham is also home to the people's bookshop which often holds talks. As a university there are often interesting talks put on by different societies, and campaigns/ protests/ pickets in the past have covered issues such as the Bedroom tax and the Living Wage. There are also societies such as the International Development society, the feminist society and the Durham Atheist, Secularist and Humanist Society depending on what sort of issues you're interested in If you have any more questions let me know - one of my friends is very very left wing so can probably say even more of what goes on!
3. I know quite a few English students. As with any degree at Durham the workload is quite heavy. In English there is a massive reading list, quite a few essays (not all of which count towards your degree but you still have to do them), tutorials and seminars to prepare for as well as lectures. I don't know of many people at all that work during term time a) because of lack of jobs and b) because of lack of time. I would say that unless you are incredibly motivated you would be sacrificing both your concentration on your studies and enjoying your time at uni (taking part in societies etc.) by taking up a job. However most people I know get a job during holidays - especially during summer we have 4 months off pretty much so you can make some good money during that time.
4. YES! Durham has a reputation of being a bit Right wing, but you'll find plenty of like minded lefties at Durham. There is a strong Labour society, but aside from that there also lots of groups of people that identify as socialist or communist. Durham is also home to the people's bookshop which often holds talks. As a university there are often interesting talks put on by different societies, and campaigns/ protests/ pickets in the past have covered issues such as the Bedroom tax and the Living Wage. There are also societies such as the International Development society, the feminist society and the Durham Atheist, Secularist and Humanist Society depending on what sort of issues you're interested in
If you have any more questions let me know - one of my friends is very very left wing so can probably say even more of what goes on!I'm not sure how I'm going to cope term-time without a job
Though I'll have to hear back from student finance first before I worry too much. Thank you so much for the information!
Original post by W. H. Auden
I'm not sure how I'm going to cope term-time without a job Though I'll have to hear back from student finance first before I worry too much.
Thank you so much for the information!
Though I'll have to hear back from student finance first before I worry too much. Thank you so much for the information!
I know it's not really my place and that I can't really comment on other people's financial situations, but I think I might as well say: I'm on the average student finance loan and I've coped fine through uni
With some savings from before uni, and jobs in holidays it's been fine. It's also worth saying that Durham have systems in place such that the university itself can support you in times of financial need. Best of luck, and if you have any questions feel free to ask!
Original post by W. H. Auden
I'm not sure how I'm going to cope term-time without a job Though I'll have to hear back from student finance first before I worry too much.
Thank you so much for the information!
Though I'll have to hear back from student finance first before I worry too much. Thank you so much for the information!
There should be some opportunity to do work within your college on the bar ect. I don't think there's usually a huge amount of hours on offer but it's better than nothing if you need the money.
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Does anyone know how difficult it is to transfer into Natural Sciences?
I have an offer for chemistry, but I think I want to do both Chemistry and Physics. The subjects I am taking (non UK system) are in Physics and Maths and Chemistry (chemistry finished), so I don't think qualifications will be a problem.
Does anyone have any experience in this or can anyone comment on the Chemistry and Physics NatSci program at Durham?
I have an offer for chemistry, but I think I want to do both Chemistry and Physics. The subjects I am taking (non UK system) are in Physics and Maths and Chemistry (chemistry finished), so I don't think qualifications will be a problem.
Does anyone have any experience in this or can anyone comment on the Chemistry and Physics NatSci program at Durham?
Original post by W. H. Auden
I'm not sure how I'm going to cope term-time without a job Though I'll have to hear back from student finance first before I worry too much.
Thank you so much for the information!
Though I'll have to hear back from student finance first before I worry too much. Thank you so much for the information!
I have worked from second year onwards (and have been heavily involved with societies and sports clubs in that time too), its definitely doable but you have to be far more motivated and organised than your average student. Not leaving work until the last minute, starting revision early, planning ahead etc.
I worked in Newcastle, usually 2-3 shifts per week, then full time in the holidays, and I would just take a couple of weeks off around exam time.
It all depends on you and how much busyness and at times stress youre willing to put up with really. For me its been worth it though, I enjoy working and having a set of friends outside of the uni bubble, and of course the money is handy, and you certainly develop a good work ethic if you didn't have one already!
I don't believe my work has suffered at all, I am on track to do very well. I imagine English would be a somewhat similar work load to that of my course, so yeah you could definitely work alongside uni if you're willing to take on the extra effort.
Posted from TSR Mobile
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by Fango_Jett
Does anyone know how difficult it is to transfer into Natural Sciences?
I have an offer for chemistry, but I think I want to do both Chemistry and Physics. The subjects I am taking (non UK system) are in Physics and Maths and Chemistry (chemistry finished), so I don't think qualifications will be a problem.
Does anyone have any experience in this or can anyone comment on the Chemistry and Physics NatSci program at Durham?
I have an offer for chemistry, but I think I want to do both Chemistry and Physics. The subjects I am taking (non UK system) are in Physics and Maths and Chemistry (chemistry finished), so I don't think qualifications will be a problem.
Does anyone have any experience in this or can anyone comment on the Chemistry and Physics NatSci program at Durham?
I'd just give them an email. Your issue might be that Natural Sciences and Chemistry are organised by different departments, but I do know people who have done what you describe. The only way to know for sure is to ask.
I also think sometimes it's easier to switch once you get here (basically once they know your final grades and who else is coming to do what course). Just drop them an email now though and ask!
I also know several people who do the NatSci Physics and Chemistry course - from what I gather they really enjoy it as it's a nice mix, covering core parts from both the chemistry and Physics courses. You wont have very many optional modules though and occasionally there is a large amount of work to do all at once but overall I think they've been very happy with their choice
Original post by Fango_Jett
Does anyone know how difficult it is to transfer into Natural Sciences?
I have an offer for chemistry, but I think I want to do both Chemistry and Physics. The subjects I am taking (non UK system) are in Physics and Maths and Chemistry (chemistry finished), so I don't think qualifications will be a problem.
Does anyone have any experience in this or can anyone comment on the Chemistry and Physics NatSci program at Durham?
I have an offer for chemistry, but I think I want to do both Chemistry and Physics. The subjects I am taking (non UK system) are in Physics and Maths and Chemistry (chemistry finished), so I don't think qualifications will be a problem.
Does anyone have any experience in this or can anyone comment on the Chemistry and Physics NatSci program at Durham?
I would ask as there's always an issue with lab space for people taking Chemistry as part of Natural Sciences but as you've already got an offer for Chemistry you should be in luck there, definitely get in touch with the Head of Natural Sciences, James Blowey. He's a lovely guy and really helpful
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