Durham University as an International Student

Hey Everyone!
I am an international student looking forward to study at Durham and to be honest I cannot really visit until I go there for uni and while looking at vlogs and videos on Youtube I really fell in love with the collegiate system of the university. However, I heard from a few friends that Durham is not very diverse and that I would feel isolated especially as a minority coming from a non-English speaking country. However, other people have told me that the collegiate system makes students coming from all around the world more integrated into the uni social life with everyone else. Can someone guide me whether Durham would be good or overwhelming for an international student coming to the UK for the first time? And how is the student life and night life at Durham University?

Looking forward to all your opinions and answers!!!!
Thank you!!!

Reply 1

cksiu

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by sprawling-requis

Hey Everyone!
I am an international student looking forward to study at Durham and to be honest I cannot really visit until I go there for uni and while looking at vlogs and videos on Youtube I really fell in love with the collegiate system of the university. However, I heard from a few friends that Durham is not very diverse and that I would feel isolated especially as a minority coming from a non-English speaking country. However, other people have told me that the collegiate system makes students coming from all around the world more integrated into the uni social life with everyone else. Can someone guide me whether Durham would be good or overwhelming for an international student coming to the UK for the first time? And how is the student life and night life at Durham University?
Looking forward to all your opinions and answers!!!!
Thank you!!!

About 1/3 of Durham undergraduates are from overseas. You will have a large pool of non-English speaking friends-to-be, even if all the local students are non-inclusive. So there is no need to worry. Relax and enjoy your uni-life.

Reply 2

DurhamRep Lesath

Official Rep

Original post

by sprawling-requis

Hey Everyone!
I am an international student looking forward to study at Durham and to be honest I cannot really visit until I go there for uni and while looking at vlogs and videos on Youtube I really fell in love with the collegiate system of the university. However, I heard from a few friends that Durham is not very diverse and that I would feel isolated especially as a minority coming from a non-English speaking country. However, other people have told me that the collegiate system makes students coming from all around the world more integrated into the uni social life with everyone else. Can someone guide me whether Durham would be good or overwhelming for an international student coming to the UK for the first time? And how is the student life and night life at Durham University?
Looking forward to all your opinions and answers!!!!
Thank you!!!

Hello!

As a fellow international student, I completely understand how scary it is when you read the headlines about Durham and what not but honestly do not worry about it. I feel like there is no separation of international and non-international students in friend groups, and most of my friends are local. Of course, you're not going to be friends with everyone but thats fine! You'll will find your people and the college system definitely has helped me in that regard.

Of course moving to any new country is going to take some getting used to but as long as you are willing to make friends, I am sure the students in Durham will be more than willing to take you in! Honestly the most overwhelming part is the moving in and getting used to walking all the time (coming from a car-centric country) but dont worry I'm sure you'll fit right in.

Hope this helps,
– Lesath
(DU Rep.)