Hello!
As an international student myself, I definitely can relate to the stress that was selecting a college. If this is any consolation, I don't think I've ever met a student at Durham who isn't obnoxiously proud of their college so regardless of which college you end up at, I'm sure you'll end up loving it anyways! (especially if you end up in the best college, which is my college, John Snow)

I would recommend going through the college comparison page on Durham's website
here to find out more about what each college offers in terms of amenities. For me, my biggest considerations for which college I chose was whether it was catered/non-catered, its location, room types, and traditions.
For catering, the summary is that some colleges are catered and others are self-catered. Therefore if you are a picky-eater (like I am) it may make more sense to go to a self-catered college. Alternatively, if you don't want to worry about cooking for a year, self-catered may be a better option!
Some colleges also have different room types (including both shared and ensuite rooms) and if you're really dead-set on getting an ensuite - which was my main motivation in selecting a college - you should check out some of the newer colleges on the hill (but again, check the link!) I should point out that different room-types are also priced differently, so make sure to check out the residence charges
here.
Durham's colleges are also informally split into the "hill" and "bailey" colleges, with the older, more Hogwart-y colleges located on the Bailey and the newer, more decked-out colleges located on the hill. As a member of a hill college myself, I find that the hill colleges generally are a lot more chill than the older colleges, which can be more traditional (but again, I am definitely biased!) Some colleges are also located closer to different teaching sites across Durham, and I would recommend going through
this map to see which colleges are close to the sites important to you.
Finally, some colleges have gowned formals and some do not. Gowns are a tradition some colleges have at some colleges, which are type of cloak/robe that we wear to some events, primarily matriculation (our ceremony where we are formally accepted into the university). Some colleges have gowned formals (Durham-speak for fancy dinners) which require you to wear gowns and some don't. Just to clarify, all colleges have matriculation, formals, balls and all the bells and whistles that is Durham so the gowns are a pretty minor difference but again, most of the differences between colleges are pretty minor!
For your ECAs, I would definitely recommend continuing them at Durham! There are many societies at the university level (you can see the full list on the Durham Student Union website
here) and also at the college level (you can check out the JCR webpages for each of the colleges you're interested in joining for this!) and you'll definitely be able to find something for you (or if not, you can start it!) I do know that there is a
Dance Sport Team at the university level and the
Durham Union for debating, which may pique your interest!
Now that I am actually here, I would like to reassure you that genuinely everyone loves their college and it isn't as big a deal as it seems when you're applying. Even though you will make friends at your college and find your community there, you'll also end up making friends from your course, other colleges and societies anyways so your college isn't the be all end all!
Hope this helps and hopefully, I'll see you next year

– Lesath (DU Rep.)
#BleedBlue