The "Ask a Durham Student" Thread :)

archaeologygirl

I'm at Stephenson. I was randomly put here. And I'm glad for it because it's like 30 seconds walk to lectures. Next year I'll be in Mary's. I'm there because I didn't get into Chad's (looking at the list, Chad's didn't accept any Foundation people, nor did Castle) and it was my second choice just because it is close to the science site.

I would be proud to be in Stephenson as I live just a stone's throw away from his birthplace (Wylam).

Reply 601

*River

15

peanutbutternjelly

Which colleges are you guys at, and how did you go about choosing a college? Any regrets or are you happy with your choice?

I'm at Butler because I wanted to be self-catered. However, my experience of the college (although I know not everybody agrees with me) is that it is less sociable and integrated than the other colleges that I've spent time in or have friends from.

Reply 602

River85

17

*River

I'm at Butler because I wanted to be self-catered. However, my experience of the college (although I know not everybody agrees with me) is that it is less sociable and integrated than the other colleges that I've spent time in or have friends from.

It's too new. It just hasn't had the time to develop yet. Be patient.

I almost converted to Butler for their first year, just so I could get cheaper accomodation. Glad I didn't though.

Reply 603

*River

15

River85

It's too new. It just hasn't had the time to develop yet. Be patient.

I know, it'll keep getting better but that's going to be a bit late for me :p:

.

Reply 604

generic hybrid

17

I'm at Butler too, again for the self-catering. I'm quite happy here -- like River said, the social scene isn't really as developed yet as it is at the other colleges, but the accommodation is fantastic and I have made a lot of great friends here. :biggrin:

Reply 605

Itchynscratchy

10

I didn't choose, but I have still loved it. To be very honest I don't think college choice would make a huge difference for most people.

Reply 606

Fields

13

I chose Castle because it's a castle.

Reply 607

Aula

18

I chose JB 'cause I wanted a single room and to cook for myself.
But I got moved to Aidan's which I love, so s'all good :smile:

Reply 608

peanutbutternjelly

1

Durham don't ask for exact module scores when applying, do they?

Reply 609

*River

15

^Not as far as I'm aware, no.

Reply 610

Hopping Mad Kangaroo

15

peanutbutternjelly

Durham don't ask for exact module scores when applying, do they?

No, but if you had a really good score overall for AS, your teacher could mention it in your reference...

Reply 611

Reblet

12

Isn't UCAS planning on asking for all mod scores soon?

Reply 612

ticos

13

Not sure if this is the best place to ask this, but maybe I'll be lucky and find a philosophy student who knows about this...

I have an offer from Durham to study philosophy next year, and I read in the handbook that the department has an arrangement for doing exchanges in the second year with the University of California. I know already that I would really want to do this, and I was wondering if anyone on here knew anything about it or, even better, had done it/applied for it themselves. How does the application process work?/How competitive is it?/What do they judge it on when they're choocing who gets to do it? The possibility of this exchange is one of the major factors in my university choice, and I need as much information as possible! Help is very greatly appreciated!

Reply 613

River85

17

http://www.dur.ac.uk/philosophy/undergrad/studyabroad/

Doesn't tell you anything. I'm a philosophy student myself and have heard about this, can't remember details though. I'll dig around my emails and see if I've got anything.

Otherwise you could try email Jill, the secretary, using the form.

I'll be in Durham tommorrow anyway, I'll look around for some literature.

Reply 614

*River

15

How competitive it is totally depends on how many other Philosophy students apply, there is a fixed place that the Philosophy department can fill, and no other department can have that space. If they don't find anybody who's suitable, then they won't send anybody.

I considered applying for the History department's exchange slot this year. You have to have a letter of parental support, be excellent academically and have the support of academic staff, prove that you can afford the stay and write a personal statement as far as I remember. Basically, they want to know that you can be independent because you're going to be a long way from home and all of your support networks (I know that sounds a bit corny, but it's true). In the end I decided not to apply, partially because my parents weren't too happy about it, but also because I was a bit worried about settling back into Durham again in my final year when I hadn't really found my feet at that point.

Reply 615

KiwiBaby

I have a question :smile:

Are you allowed to go to another college's formal dinners? And if you do but don't have a gown because your college doesn't wear them, do you have to borrow someone else's gown for the occasion?

It would be so much fun to go to a formal at every college! Particularly since Collingwood don't seem to have that many :frown:

Reply 616

Itchynscratchy

10

KiwiBaby

I have a question :smile:

Are you allowed to go to another college's formal dinners? And if you do but don't have a gown because your college doesn't wear them, do you have to borrow someone else's gown for the occasion?

It would be so much fun to go to a formal at every college! Particularly since Collingwood don't seem to have that many :frown:

You can yes, but you have to be invited by a member of that college. You would also have to borrow/buy a gown if they haev them yes.