What is Durham university like?

I was supposed to go to an offer holder day but it has been cancelled due to the corona virus outbreak.
Durham is at the top of my list and I want to firm it, although I feel uncertain doing this without having visited.
I have an offer for natural sciences ( bio & psych ) and accommodation at St. Cuthberts ( probably Parson’s Field )
Are these two close together?
Please could you describe the uni as a whole, how it compares to other unis and the surrounding areas (eg. Shops, etc)

Hi, I'm a student at Durham currently studying Law.

In terms of a general description of the University campus I'd say that Durham is pretty compact. If you've been to Cambridge, the set up is pretty similar in a lot of ways and most buildings on campus are within walking distance of each other and of the the various colleges. The central 'hub' of campus is where you'll likely spend most of your time; this is where the Bill Bryson Library is along with pretty much all of the science buildings. The city itself is very safe and it's got a really nice atmosphere, plus if you like York-style architecture there are quite a few cobbled streets and Gothic style buildings around the city centre.

In terms of Cuths, if you're in Parson's Field you'll be a little bit removed from the main college site but by no means out of the loop. The Parson's Field site is maybe a 5 - 10 minute walk away from the city centre and probably a similar distance from the main Cuths college site. You'll likely have most of your lectures and contact hours in the main central 'hub' I mentioned which is about 15 minutes away from Parsons.

All in all, if you're worried about being removed from activity etc. you shouldn't at all. Parsons, while not the main Cuths site, is not far at all from all the main teaching areas, other colleges and social places (in fact, if you like a night out you'll probably be at an advantage because Parsons is a bit closer than most sites to the city centre). Parsons actually has its own bar as well, so they definitely cultivate a college/university spirit.

Hope this helps.

This is really helpful, thank you so much!
Is Parsons Field aesthetic/ nice to look at? I am considering the Bailey although I don’t want to be catered for.
How did you find making friends at Durham?
Which societies are good?