What are the students like at Durham university?

I have heard some…not nice things about the students there at DU. Asking as someone coming from a working class family, are they truly as stuck up and elitist as their reputation portrays them as?

Reply 1

DurhamRep Mia

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

I have heard some…not nice things about the students there at DU. Asking as someone coming from a working class family, are they truly as stuck up and elitist as their reputation portrays them as?

Hey, it’s completely understandable to have concerns about this. I also come from a working class background and attended a state school in quite a deprived area before going to university. I can only speak from personal experience, but I’ve found that while every place has its mix of personalities, the majority of students at Durham are friendly, down-to-earth, and welcoming. There’s a strong sense of community, and many students come from a wide range of backgrounds, including working-class families.

It’s natural to worry about fitting in, but please don’t let stereotypes hold too much weight. Once you’re there, you’ll find your people that share similar values and interests. And honestly, the diversity of perspectives is part of what makes the experience so enriching.

Mia (DU rep)

Reply 2

Anonymous #2

Working class 2nd year at DU - there are snobs, but they are mainly contained to themselves, and honestly, you won't have any large issues with them. There is a fair bit of "money-blindness" in my experience, but most people understand that not everyone is loaded, and you will be completely fine if you choose to come here.

Every university from Bedfordshire to Cambridge has elitist people; Durham just seems to get an unfair rep for it (although not entirely unjustified).