What course are you applying for: History
Subjects you are currently studying: History, English Literature, Maths
Predicted grades: A*, A, A
GCSE grades: 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 9, 9, 9, 9 (2 As, 7A*s)
Which other unis you are applying to: Sheffield, Lancaster, Loughborough, maybe Exeter
Why you like Durham: I just sort of fell in love with it! I knew I liked the course, but there are so many brilliant History courses throughout the country. I didn't really go into the Open Day with high hopes. If I am entirely honest I was expecting Durham to feel a lot more overwhelming and elitist than it did, but I was pleasantly surprised. A big part of the whole idea of University for me is living somewhere I would feel comfortable and safe, as I know academically I would be unable to achieve if I was constantly in a state of anxiety. I feel like Durham certainly has a very homely atmosphere, especially with the collegiate system, and at no point did I feel nervous or unsafe (which is a real rarity for me). The City was absolutely gorgeous; walking along the bridge over the river to the Cathedral was like something out of a fairytale. Sports facilities were definitely good enough for my average-at-cricket self, and Chester Le Street is only a short bus journey away. And it's a bonus that a lot of my Dad's family live up in Northumberland, so I wouldn't be too far from familiar faces. I know a lot of these seem like little things, but they are little things that make Durham go from a great course and a highly regarded institution - which would be the same for anyone studying my subject - to somewhere that I genuinely feel I could happily spend 3 years (at least) of my life.
Extracurriculars: I sing, play a couple instruments, dance, cricket, co-lead a debate society