The &quot;Ask a Durham Student&quot; Thread :)

Original post by 18JHawkins

I have a disability and I will need to contact disability support at some point. When is the best time to do this? Do I have to have a confirmed offer from durham to do this?

I would say it depends what kind of disability you have. If it's something that extra support moving in and settling would help then I'd contact them any time from now, I know people who were able to move in a bit early to adapt and find their way round before there were masses of people everywhere (although possibly that was organised through their college, the disability service is a good place to start). If it's more of an academic thing then perhaps after results day would be a better time, still plenty of time to get stuff in place before you start :smile:

Nope, you don't need a confirmed offer from Durham to do it, I know people that contacted pre-offer and certainly pre-decision to check Durham could offer what they needed before they firmed them etc.

Reply 7644

Meduse

16

Hi everyone - I will be joining Durham this year and was wondering how common it is for people to live in halls during their 2nd and 3rd years? I can't see myself wanting to house share. Will there 100% be enough room to me to live in halls in 2nd/3rd year or is it not guaranteed?

Also, to anyone studying Modern Languages and Cultures, what is the workload like?

Thanks!

Reply 7645

Original post by studygirl388

Hi everyone - I will be joining Durham this year and was wondering how common it is for people to live in halls during their 2nd and 3rd years? I can't see myself wanting to house share. Will there 100% be enough room to me to live in halls in 2nd/3rd year or is it not guaranteed?

Also, to anyone studying Modern Languages and Cultures, what is the workload like?

Thanks!

Staying in college after first year depends on the college (unless you have a medical need to do so ofc). My college almost always has space for anyone who applies by the deadline but I know some rarely have space for second years, only first years and finalists. We have flats though so we're basically sharing either way which might have something to do with it! Essentially it's not guaranteed, but in most colleges it's likely it will be okay. You may be surprised when you get there though, a lot of people think before uni for instance they would never share a bathroom then when it comes to it it's not so bad!
There would also be the option to live alone but not in college - either in private halls or just one bedroom flats so even if you can't get a space in college you'll have options :smile:

I'm afraid I don't study in that faculty so I can't answer that question really :colondollar:

Reply 7646

Meduse

16

Original post by Lemur14

Staying in college after first year depends on the college (unless you have a medical need to do so ofc). My college almost always has space for anyone who applies by the deadline but I know some rarely have space for second years, only first years and finalists. We have flats though so we're basically sharing either way which might have something to do with it! Essentially it's not guaranteed, but in most colleges it's likely it will be okay. You may be surprised when you get there though, a lot of people think before uni for instance they would never share a bathroom then when it comes to it it's not so bad!
There would also be the option to live alone but not in college - either in private halls or just one bedroom flats so even if you can't get a space in college you'll have options :smile:

I'm afraid I don't study in that faculty so I can't answer that question really :colondollar:

Thanks for the info! Do you happen to know the likelihood of this for St Mary's college? If not, I'll just have to ask them.

Reply 7647

Original post by studygirl388

Thanks for the info! Do you happen to know the likelihood of this for St Mary's college? If not, I'll just have to ask them.

I don't know for sure, but Marys is a fairly large college which increases the chances of being able to stay in all years. I can have a poke round for some information tomorrow, but it may be easier to ask them if you want to know for sure :smile:

Reply 7648

ari1224

13

Hi! I looked online but I couldn't find an answer to my question so I'll just post it here if that's ok :smile:

I have a one of those big casio calculators that my school gave me (fx-CG50). If I return if I will get £35 back (it costs £70)
But I will be studying physics... so I don't know whether to keep it for uni.
Or would Durham have calculators they want you to get that's different and "more advanced" than my one?

Thanks in advance

Reply 7649

Original post by ari1224

Hi! I looked online but I couldn't find an answer to my question so I'll just post it here if that's ok :smile:

I have a one of those big casio calculators that my school gave me (fx-CG50). If I return if I will get £35 back (it costs £70)
But I will be studying physics... so I don't know whether to keep it for uni.
Or would Durham have calculators they want you to get that's different and "more advanced" than my one?

Thanks in advance

You won't be allowed (in a normal year) to use that calculator in your exams sadly (although saying that I'm a maths student who has one and covid has meant I have been able to). For maths I'd say it's been quite helpful in the year though so wouldn't be entirely pointless having one. The calculators we're allowed in the maths department are roughly equivalent to GCSE, so I doubt physics requires anything more advanced (in fact, in the maths department they give you one in first year, not sure about physics).
Essentially I'd say it's up to you! Personally I'd have never wanted to give mine up because I really liked it, but you may be less attached :lol:

I'm pretty sure physics won't let you use it in normal exams but that doesn't mean it can't be helpful in the year (though I probably used it more for stats tbf which I don't imagine you'll be doing much of!)

Reply 7650

ari1224

13

Original post by Lemur14

You won't be allowed (in a normal year) to use that calculator in your exams sadly (although saying that I'm a maths student who has one and covid has meant I have been able to). For maths I'd say it's been quite helpful in the year though so wouldn't be entirely pointless having one. The calculators we're allowed in the maths department are roughly equivalent to GCSE, so I doubt physics requires anything more advanced (in fact, in the maths department they give you one in first year, not sure about physics).
Essentially I'd say it's up to you! Personally I'd have never wanted to give mine up because I really liked it, but you may be less attached :lol:

I'm pretty sure physics won't let you use it in normal exams but that doesn't mean it can't be helpful in the year (though I probably used it more for stats tbf which I don't imagine you'll be doing much of!)

Thanks so much! You've convinced me I think I'm going to keep it... if anything I can always sell it on ebay lol
... kinda weird it is GCSE equivalent
WOW no calc in a maths exam :confused:

hope u did alright :smile:

Reply 7651

18JHawkins

9

Does anybody have an example of what a durham timetable looks like? (Preferably maths).

Reply 7652

Original post by 18JHawkins

Does anybody have an example of what a durham timetable looks like? (Preferably maths).

Poke me tomorrow (in the middle of an exam currently!) and I'll find my first year timetable for you :smile:

Reply 7653

sohel6smi

1

Hi, I am an incoming postgraduate international student this fall and I have starting searching for accommodation at Durham. I'm mainly looking for private accommodation/halls (ONLY studios or 1-bedroom flats w/ensuite + kitchen; do not want to share any facilities or live w/any flatmates). I have been searching using sites like RightMove, Zoopla, StuRents, University Living, and Student.com so far and have had moderate success in finding places I like. I just wanted further guidance on the whole process, tips on where to look, what are the best areas to live, etc. Here's some questions/topics hopefully some of you can answer:

1. Are there any other private student housing sites I should be using that I'm not?
2. What are the best areas for students to live (specifically postgraduate and/or international students)? I'm not looking for the most active student/nightlife areas, but I also don't want to live in an entirely residential area - guess something in between the two? I've mostly been looking at the Elvet, Viaduct, and Claypath areas; Gilesgate and Neville's Cross seem cheaper, but too far and not enough of a student presence. Elvet would be great as my academic buildings are right by the Science Site.
3. My budget right now is ~£140ppw + bills (so about £175ppw total). Originally I was aiming for lower, around £120-140ppw total. But when I started looking, it seemed like that wouldn't be possible, unless I chose to live in Gilesgate or Neville's Cross or opted for shared facilities. Under my requirements/wants (studio/no shared facilities/moderate student presence/close-ish to Science Site/etc.), is £175ppw total reasonable? I know it seems like a high budget, but I have scholarship funding and I'm looking to have a nice-ish place for my first time living independently.
4. Regarding move-in and move-out dates, I was hoping for a late Aug/very early Sept move-in and a July move-out. Most places seem to be going for 51 week contract starting mid-Sept, but I would rather do something like 45 weeks (if it's shorter, I can also spend more on housing per week). Could this easily be arranged w/these student studios or is it hard to negotiate a shorter contract?

Thank you so much in advance for your help!! Really appreciate it!

Reply 7654

Original post by ari1224

Thanks so much! You've convinced me I think I'm going to keep it... if anything I can always sell it on ebay lol
... kinda weird it is GCSE equivalent
WOW no calc in a maths exam :confused:

hope u did alright :smile:

Indeed, if it's no use you can probably get more than £35 for it on ebay at a later date anyway! I guess they don't want us able to do the advanced maths so really anything more than basic maths functions isn't really needed? :dontknow:

Honestly maths at uni often has very few numbers...had an exam yesterday which was obviously open book because of covid, so we could have used a calculator and I don't think it came in use once :lol:

Other modules do have numbers though thankfully, or I'd never get anywhere!

Original post by 18JHawkins

Does anybody have an example of what a durham timetable looks like? (Preferably maths).

Since TSR doesn't seem to want to upload it...have a imgur link: https://imgur.com/C9V3g9F :smile:

That was my first term timetable last year, I don't believe much has changed in terms of quantity over the last couple of years, though obviously times etc. will change! Support classes were very optional (maybe like 20 people out of the 500 who could have gone would go), we often used to go and compare homework answers while eating etc. so very casual. All students get Wednesday from 1pm off for extra-curricular activities (unless you're on placement etc., but that's not likely to be an issue for a maths student!)
Let me know if you have any more questions :smile:

Original post by sohel6smi

Hi, I am an incoming postgraduate international student this fall and I have starting searching for accommodation at Durham. I'm mainly looking for private accommodation/halls (ONLY studios or 1-bedroom flats w/ensuite + kitchen; do not want to share any facilities or live w/any flatmates). I have been searching using sites like RightMove, Zoopla, StuRents, University Living, and Student.com so far and have had moderate success in finding places I like. I just wanted further guidance on the whole process, tips on where to look, what are the best areas to live, etc. Here's some questions/topics hopefully some of you can answer:

1. Are there any other private student housing sites I should be using that I'm not?
2. What are the best areas for students to live (specifically postgraduate and/or international students)? I'm not looking for the most active student/nightlife areas, but I also don't want to live in an entirely residential area - guess something in between the two? I've mostly been looking at the Elvet, Viaduct, and Claypath areas; Gilesgate and Neville's Cross seem cheaper, but too far and not enough of a student presence. Elvet would be great as my academic buildings are right by the Science Site.
3. My budget right now is ~£140ppw + bills (so about £175ppw total). Originally I was aiming for lower, around £120-140ppw total. But when I started looking, it seemed like that wouldn't be possible, unless I chose to live in Gilesgate or Neville's Cross or opted for shared facilities. Under my requirements/wants (studio/no shared facilities/moderate student presence/close-ish to Science Site/etc.), is £175ppw total reasonable? I know it seems like a high budget, but I have scholarship funding and I'm looking to have a nice-ish place for my first time living independently.
4. Regarding move-in and move-out dates, I was hoping for a late Aug/very early Sept move-in and a July move-out. Most places seem to be going for 51 week contract starting mid-Sept, but I would rather do something like 45 weeks (if it's shorter, I can also spend more on housing per week). Could this easily be arranged w/these student studios or is it hard to negotiate a shorter contract?

Thank you so much in advance for your help!! Really appreciate it!

The estate agents in Durham can also be a good shout for looking for places (off the top of my head BillFreeHomes, MorganDouglas, JWWood, Harringtons, no doubt you can find more if you google)

If you're looking for between the two of student night life and residential, I'd probably suggest somewhere like Claypath, although I'm not sure I've ever been up there ngl so that's from what people say :colondollar:

Gilesgate has a massive student presence, so don't discount it for that reason. Neville's Cross does have more of a postgrad presence, however I'm not sure there would be much 1 bed flat/studio stuff out there so probably not the simplest option (though I live there and I do like the mix of families and students over there). Viaduct has the reputation of being where you want to live if you want to go clubbing etc. so it depends if you want that!

I would say £175ppw isn't entirely unrealistic, but I wouldn't expect to get many extras for that iyswim? Some studios also provide access to gym, entertainment facilities etc. on site, but since you're looking for the cheaper end you probably won't get that. You may also struggle in some respect since a lot of housing will have already gone for next year, so there's less choice than there would have been in November time (yes Durham housing goes insanely early!). I also wouldn't expect to be living in central Elvet for that price, although a quick search of sturents suggests there is a couple of bits, so perhaps I'm wrong.

Most of Durham housing typically works on July-July contracts tbh, although as you say some studios are September-September. You would be very unlikely to persuade a September-September place to let you terminate in July without you finding a replacement tenant (and loads of people offer their places for the summer for people who want them for cheaper than you're looking at, so I would say you would be lucky to find someone, plus it's a hassle for you). However, if you don't want to find housing right now, you might be able to find somewhere that usually offers a July-July contract in August/September who would rent to you until July. It's incredibly rare to get a September-July contract unfortunately, because there's so much student housing and no particular demand for tourists etc. staying over the summer.

Hope that's somewhat helpful at least!

Reply 7655

NovaeSci

18

A foundation year at Durham is a possibility; however I'm 32 and would to live year round. With a bad credit history (covid has not been kind!) do student flats/houses credit check everyone, etc. I just wouldn't want to apply, get accepted, then literally be homeless, ha.

Also, what are the part time jobs like? I'd need one to keep my head above water.

Thank you :smile:

Reply 7656

Original post by NovaeSci

A foundation year at Durham is a possibility; however I'm 32 and would to live year round. With a bad credit history (covid has not been kind!) do student flats/houses credit check everyone, etc. I just wouldn't want to apply, get accepted, then literally be homeless, ha.

Also, what are the part time jobs like? I'd need one to keep my head above water.

Thank you :smile:

All my houses haven't done credit checks at all, look for somewhere aimed at students and you may be fine (although admittedly I'm not a mature student and it's possible it's different?). That said, I have needed a guarantor, who also didn't go through any checks but did provide some details/signed the contract etc. Would that be a possibility for you? I can't imagine you're the first student to apply with bad credit history, so there must be some way round it...
Part time jobs are somewhat limited I would say. You can work in your college bar or similar but obviously that's limited hours and term time only. Other than that it's trying your luck in town, which can be variable depending on your experience and whether you happen to get lucky. The alternative is of course getting an online job, one of my friends does a lot of online tutoring which makes some money, and another does software development for a company remotely part time, this may be the best option if you can find something :smile:

Reply 7657

NovaeSci

18

Original post by Lemur14

All my houses haven't done credit checks at all, look for somewhere aimed at students and you may be fine (although admittedly I'm not a mature student and it's possible it's different?). That said, I have needed a guarantor, who also didn't go through any checks but did provide some details/signed the contract etc. Would that be a possibility for you? I can't imagine you're the first student to apply with bad credit history, so there must be some way round it...
Part time jobs are somewhat limited I would say. You can work in your college bar or similar but obviously that's limited hours and term time only. Other than that it's trying your luck in town, which can be variable depending on your experience and whether you happen to get lucky. The alternative is of course getting an online job, one of my friends does a lot of online tutoring which makes some money, and another does software development for a company remotely part time, this may be the best option if you can find something :smile:

Thanks for your response.

A guarantor would definitely be out the question. I'll have to give Durham an email as you are most likely correct regarding not being the first to have this issue.

Is it normally Newcastle where students have the best chance with jobs if not online? Just weighing up options at the moment.

Reply 7658