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Durham College for Law!! Helped needed!

Hi all,

I'm really confused about which college to apply to at Durham. I'm applying for Law.

I've heard that Castle is very impressive and right in the heart of everything. However, I get the impression its abit like the Christchurch of Oxford - very popular and oversubscribed - so very difficult to gain a place.

Would anyone recommend at college for law that has a central location, friendly, attractive and not too popular!

Thanks for any help/advice!

Reply 1

generic hybrid

First off, you should know that once the department decides to make you an offer, you will get an offer from the university whether the college you applied for takes you or not. If you apply for Castle and they can't fit you, you will just get an offer from a college that has room. Don't be afraid to apply to a popular college because you think you will be less likely to get an offer at all!

The more central colleges (Castle, Hatfield, John's, Chad's, Cuths) are known as the Bailey colleges, but because they're older and more traditional they tend to be more oversubscribed than the Hill colleges. However even if you are in one of the hill colleges it will probably take you twenty minutes at the most to walk to the law department. Durham is pretty small.

There aren't really any colleges that are unfriendly, so I recommend you check out the stickied FAQ in this forum, and the college page on the Durham site: http://www.dur.ac.uk/colleges/ They are usually pretty helpful if you want to get a feel for the different colleges.

Reply 2

River85

generic hybrid

However even if you are in one of the hill colleges it will probably take you twenty minutes at the most to walk to the law department. Durham is pretty small.

It's small, but hilly. But getting around on foot isn't a problem at all. I can easily walk from one end to the other (say the railway station to the Al-Qasimi building - probably the further than you'd ever have to walk during your time in Durham, in 10 minutes. Fifteen easily).

But, saying that, the law school is moving to the science site (therefore closer to the hill colleges). Although this probably won't happen until you (OP) are in your final year or possibly have even graduated so it shouldn't be too much of a concern.

The Bailey colleges, centred around the historic city centre (the castle, cathedral. The hill colleges are post-war and to the east of the city, closer to the science site).

I'll back up the point about there being no "unfriendly" colleges. Cuth's and St John's like to think of themselves as close and friendly colleges (although whether they really are more friendly is debatable) and are both Bailey colleges, so close to the law department (as it stands now) and city centre. Cuth's is actually a society, rather than a college, with more independence. It caters largely (but certainly not exclusively) for local, part-time and mature students. So it's maybe a little more varied than other Bailey colleges (and certainly has one of the larger percentages of state school students, should that be a concern) and John's being the "Christian college" although being a Christian or religious isn't a pre-req, and it's not forced on, some would argue that it gives the college a friendlier and more supportive atmosphere.

Castle is heavily oversubscribed and for a good reason, the idea of living in a castle and World Heritage Site is appealing to many. However, it must be said that even if you do get in which is tough) there's no guarentee you'll live in the castle.

Still, if you find a college you really like, don't be too put off appling to it. If you get an offer from your department then you have a place, it's just, should the college you choose be full, you'll be allocated to another one which does have space. All colleges have their qualities, you may end up at a one you'd like even more, or it may make no difference!

Have you seen the university's Youtube channel?

http://uk.youtube.com/user/DurhamUniversity

Although I find some of their videos rather laughable in terms of self-advertisement there are some decent videos that cover most (if not all) of the colleges. Hatfield's being particularly amusing...

Reply 3

annakarenina21

Got an offer for Van Mildert college for law!
Can anyone tell me something about it?

Reply 4

LegalDiaries

Reviving this thread.

I have an offer for the PHD Law at Durham.

Trying to find a college to apply for that fits this;
a. Near the School of Law
b. Self catered and ensuite.
c. Has a vibrant postgraduate community. I would care less for undergrads honestly.
d. Do not care much for whether it is traditional or modern.