Deciding between Durham & Leeds

Well this seems like a no brainer to me! I think you should go to Leeds for all the reasons you give. I don't think the prestige is as important as a course you are more interested in!

Did you realise that many, many students are never part of the clubbing/getting drunk culture - at every University - and that there will be many 21+ students who will totally identify with this attitude? Sounds like Leeds has the course you really want to do - and its important that you enjoy what you are studying - and frankly, Leeds has a solid academic reputation and in many ways is a more interesting Uni to study at than Durham. Go to Leeds - and enjoy it all.

I get why they are saying that. Its such an achievement to get an offer and they are very proud of that. But in the end this is your course and your uni experience. You need to choose the one you would be happier at. It is not as though Leeds is a terrible University, it has a prestige of its own!

Ok I’ve been wanting to post on here for a long time now! In 2021, I achieved grades BCC & left university after one term due to caring responsibilities. In 2023 I went back to school (age 21) and took two more a levels. In hindsight i shouldve just took an access course but lol. I do one a level in college (i think i will get a B) & one on online. The online one i have little to no support & learn from external resources (i feel like i wasted my money) & I think i will just pass with a C.
So, Durham offered me an unconditional place for Law with Foundation year. I was genuinely so excited until I saw horror stories about it, actually looked at the city & reached out to current students for their opinions. 4 out of 5 said they regretted it. I understand that I am there for an education and no one should take that away from me but it does not help that I feel small. I’m 22, working class and part of an ethnic minority (also a deprived area from London). I don’t feel shame about my background and despite my circumstances, i’ve still passed my a level subjects and i actually feel content with that (:
Uni of Leeds offered me a place with a contextual offer (if i pass the module) for Middle Eastern Studies and Politics- and I absolutely love the city so so much!! The course modules also are amazing, i’ve looked into each one they’re all very interesting & I’ve already picked out which ones i’d like to do etc🥲 obviously i’d have to do a law conversion course if i wanted to continue with law, and the Kings College London one seems like its good for me.
The other thing that is pulling me to Leeds is the social life. I’m 22- I don’t go clubbing or drink (I never have) and that is a personal decision- I don’t worry too much about my age because I do look younger than I am. But despite this, I like going out and i am used to living in a big city and i love it. Durham does not attract me in this way.
My main question is, for anyone who cares- Do i sacrifice prestige for better housing, social life & a course i am more interested in?

Hi there
Firstly, congratulations on securing two offers at both great universities!
From what I understand, you're pretty much set on going to Leeds which is completely fair as you like the city and the course too. I understand not wanting to come to Durham because of the concerns I think almost everyone has when researching Durham. Even though the students you talked to may have regretted coming here, that won't necessarily be the POV of the other 23000 students at Durham. There are people from various backgrounds at Durham- I'm from a minority ethnic and lower socio-economic background too, so I doubt you'll ever feel out of place here. Not all students drink here either, in fact many don't. This blog shows exactly what I'm talking about.
Still, Durham isn't perfect, but I don't think any university is really. Leeds may very well be the university for you, and I'm glad you've figured that out for yourself without letting anybody influence your decision. I'd say don't let your parents make you go to Durham if you think you'll fit in better at Leeds. It's a great city indeed (I wish I had the time to explore it more!). Durham may have that 'prestige' but honestly nobody is going to offer any Durham student a job just because they went to Durham. An employer would rather pick someone who has better skills for the job than judging a candidate based on their institution. So I think you can develop such skills at Leeds just as much.
All I'd say is that id you do to Leeds, try to visit Durham once or twice as it's a beautiful city for a day trip
Good luck!
-Himieka

Himieka, that is such a fair, balanced and wise response
(you are a credit to your own university)

Ok I’ve been wanting to post on here for a long time now! In 2021, I achieved grades BCC & left university after one term due to caring responsibilities. In 2023 I went back to school (age 21) and took two more a levels. In hindsight i shouldve just took an access course but lol. I do one a level in college (i think i will get a B) & one on online. The online one i have little to no support & learn from external resources (i feel like i wasted my money) & I think i will just pass with a C.
So, Durham offered me an unconditional place for Law with Foundation year. I was genuinely so excited until I saw horror stories about it, actually looked at the city & reached out to current students for their opinions. 4 out of 5 said they regretted it. I understand that I am there for an education and no one should take that away from me but it does not help that I feel small. I’m 22, working class and part of an ethnic minority (also a deprived area from London). I don’t feel shame about my background and despite my circumstances, i’ve still passed my a level subjects and i actually feel content with that (:
Uni of Leeds offered me a place with a contextual offer (if i pass the module) for Middle Eastern Studies and Politics- and I absolutely love the city so so much!! The course modules also are amazing, i’ve looked into each one they’re all very interesting & I’ve already picked out which ones i’d like to do etc🥲 obviously i’d have to do a law conversion course if i wanted to continue with law, and the Kings College London one seems like its good for me.
The other thing that is pulling me to Leeds is the social life. I’m 22- I don’t go clubbing or drink (I never have) and that is a personal decision- I don’t worry too much about my age because I do look younger than I am. But despite this, I like going out and i am used to living in a big city and i love it. Durham does not attract me in this way.
My main question is, for anyone who cares- Do i sacrifice prestige for better housing, social life & a course i am more interested in?