The Big 'Recommend Me Durham A College' Thread - Mk 2

Original post

by Lillygoodson

I'm an international student from america and several of the colleges seemed interesting to me so i have no idea how i should rank them. I was hoping for a catered college and i think having a roommate would be fun although i would also be fine with a single. I don't really care about having an ensuite and how nice the facilities are isn't too important to me. I just want to end up in a college that has good vibes. I'm not super into partying but i'm also not that studious so i'm wondering what colleges are just kinda easygoing and chill with friendly people?

Hi there

1. Start with whether you want a catered or self-catered college. Out of the 16 colleges (excluding Ustinov which is postgrad only), 4 are purely self-catered and 2 are party self-catered. The rest are all catered.

2. Once you have a list of the type of college you want, think about whether distance is going to affect your choice. You can look up where lectures for your course are taught and then find the distance between each college and your department building on google maps. Just be aware that your lectures will not necessarily be in your department building so keep that in mind. I'd be happy to tell you where yours will be if you can let me know your course :smile:

3. Then look at the type of rooms these colleges offer- some may have shared rooms only, others may have singles and some may have ensuites. Depending on your preference, narrow down your choices. Since you are intrigued by shared rooms, the ones on the bailey offer most of them including Chads, Hatfield, St Johns and Cuths. Hill colleges will also have a small number of shared rooms but most of the others are either single or ensuite.

4. You can then look at the facilities the colleges offer- Some colleges have gowned formals while others don't- it doesn't really matter in the end but gowned formals appeal more to some students. All colleges will have a library, gym, some sporting facilities, bar etc. but the size will vary. Smaller colleges like Chads will have a smaller gym while the bigger ones like Collingwood will have a bigger one. Irrespective of which college you're in, you'll always have access to the Sports and Wellbeing Centre (Maiden Castle) which offers plenty of facilities including a subsidized gym membership.

5. You can lastly look at the additional costs of each college. Gym memberships, JCR levies and college society membership fees can vary across different colleges.

Honestly, you'll get a good vibe at any college you go to. They all have social spaces like the bar and JCR where you can hang out with friends. Ultimately it will all be down to the kind of people you meet and there's always a good mix at each college so I wouldn't worry too much about this!

You can read some student blogs about life in different colleges as well as check out our social media content here: https://studentblog.webspace.durham.ac.uk/

Hope that helps :smile:

-Himieka

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Reply 1

Enwg

Hi I am an international student who luckily managed to get a deferment to next year to read law but sadly am unable to visit before choosing. Which college do u think will have a higher chance of an Ensuite room, it being catered and it having some nice sports facilities, especially the squash courts. I currently am thinking of Collingwood, St's Chad and hatfield as my current first to third choice

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Hi, I'm an international postgrad in English Studies looking for recommendations. I prefer a catered college, but I don't really have a strong preference for room type.

Reply 3

Durham Rep Ghala

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi, I'm an international postgrad in English Studies looking for recommendations. I prefer a catered college, but I don't really have a strong preference for room type.

Hiya,

Do you have any preferences location wise? Whether you'd prefer to be on the Hill or Bailey, choosing between them can help narrow down your options. The majority of colleges in Durham are catered except for some of the Hill colleges (Stephenson, Josephine Butler, John Snow, South, etc), so I would advise looking at whether you want Hill or Bailey to narrow down your options 🙂

You can have a look at some of the student blogs on choosing a college for some extra insight!
The Durham Student

Hope this helps!

-Ghala

Reply 4

Lemur14

Study Forum Helper, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by Enwg

Collingwood definitely seems like a good option for you. I don't know if any college has squash courts, they may all be down in Maiden Castle but on the whole the hill colleges have got more space for sports facilities etc.
If you're bothered about sharing a room then chads does have a fair few shared rooms - but they also have a higher percentage ensuites than many so you may be happy with that.
Tbh catered and ensuites is a bit of a difficult combination to find, the colleges with the most ensuites are all self-catered so you've probably found the ones with the most already :smile:

Reply 5

Anonymous #2

Original post

by Helioghost

Originally posted 21/08/2012
Right, on this forum we're constantly being asked by people to recommend them a college, since even with the huge amount of information available on the FAQ, wiki, Durham University website, and whole rest of the internet, it's still not the same as getting up-to-date information straight from current students.
So if you want to ask about colleges, this is the place! I'll also be merging similar threads into here to tidy up the forum.

is it likely to get a college that you ranked low if you don’t get in to your top option? as im sure the priority would go to those ranking first, and all my top choices are the bailey colls!!!! idk im scared HAHAH

Reply 6

Anonymous #3

Hello everyone,
I see that most discussions relate to the undergraduate programmes, but im on here for some postgrad discussions if anyone can shed some light on this:

I recently got accepted for the MLitt International Relations masters programme at St.Andrews and its counterpart MA International Political Science at Durham. I'm quite torn between making my final choice, since both these unis are so similar in size, population, close community culture, traditional and old unis, reputation for the specific department, overall uni reputation and rankings, etc..

The key differences are:
a) Price: around 10,000 gbp higher overall expenses for one year at St. Andrews compared to Durham.
b) Reputation: St. A seems to be more 'branded' because of its oldest scottish uni title, its guardian and times ranking, and since its always explicitly mentioned in discussions alongside Oxbridge and Russell like as if it was worth that additional mention for such a small uni which isn't affiliated to any group. Whereas Durham is a Russell uni, so it has that clout within the UK for job prospects immediately after graduation.
c) Job Prospects: St. A seems to have fewer recruitment drives due to the low population of the uni and it being quite far off for london based companies... This probably is the same for Durham for the same reasons, but maybe it gets away with it on the job market because of being a Russell group uni.? idk.
d) Social Environment: St. A seems to give off a more social vibe, even if its smaller in size and population. Seems very engaging, with a stronger sense of community, whereas Durham has quite a rep for snobbery. Although i don't know these for a fact. And St.A just seems like it has more going on in general. But all these are just my perceptions.
e) Academics: it's quite literally just self study, and whatever you make of it. Plus how different could the academic resources or tutors be when both are such high performing universities? I do hear that the IR department is a 10/10 in St.A and maybe a 9-8/10 at Durham in comparison to other depts at their unis.

What do you guys think about this?
Does St.A get points for being prettier and culturally rich and more internationally diverse?
i'm trying not to let this make me biased lol.

Reply 7

Durham Rep Ghala

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hiya,

I would say anything is possible, you may get allocated your top option or you may not and are allocated a college ranked low. The Allocation process is quite complex but it takes into account your college rankings and the number of students from each department; if your top college is oversubscribed then the allocation team will try to allocate the next ranked college and if that's not viable then they'll continue to down your college ranking form until you are they are able to match the criteria (I hope this makes sense 🙂) . I linked the website detailing all you need to know about the allocation process and how it works if you want a bit more insight.
The Allocation Process

I know how stressful and nerve-racking this process can be for students having gone through it myself, but I can guarantee whichever college you are allocated, you will end up loving and will be fine! Also these are preliminary allocations and are subject to change. You can have a read through some of our student blogs on college allocations for a bit more reassurance 😄
Why you shouldn’t stress about not getting your first-choice college! – The Durham Student

I hope this can help and goodluck!

-Ghala

Reply 8

Anonymous #4

Hey!
I've got an offer for Physics, and I'm planning to put St John's down as my top choice.
I'm Christian, but pretty loosely and I've been told it's really religious. Is it?
I'm aware as a Physics student it's a long walk but I'm fine with that. Can anyone give me some thoughts?
Cheers

Reply 9

Durham Rep Ghala

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi there

I've answered the same question on this forum before which I would recommend reading- here's the thread- https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7318034#post98113557

-Himieka

Reply 10

Amir Hamza

Hey, Bangladeshi Muslim applying for physics. Was wondering what the best college for me would be. Wanting something that's close to where the lecturers will be. Prayer area isn't necessary, since I can just pray in my room, but a prayer space around would be cool. I'd also prefer single rooms over sharing. Thanks!

Reply 11

Durham Rep Ghala

Official Rep

Original post

by Amir Hamza

Hiya,

The Hill colleges are probably closest to the science site, mainly St Mary's, Collingwood College and Grey College. Grey College does have a designated prayer room onsite and it's only 5 minutes from the science site 🙂 Grey college also offers single rooms with a shared bathroom (although they have a couple of ensuite rooms as well) and is probably the best college to consider if you're looking for a college close to where you lectures will be, has single rooms as well as a prayer room for students. You can have a look at Grey college as well as read more about what facilities they offer on here Accommodation and Catering - Durham University and you can have a read through the guide for muslim students blog here A mini guide to all new Muslim students – The Durham Student written by one of our students 🙂 Also, I'd like to add that there's a new halal supermarket in Durham that opened last year and has a range of different halal products as well as halal meat and if you're part of a catered college, I believe some do have halal options as well.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

-Ghala

Reply 12

Anonymous #5

Hi! I've recently been given a conditional offer for Durham to study Sociology and Anthropology, but I'm not entirely sure which college suits me. During the open day, I stayed in St John's because I had to travel overnight, and I really loved it (and the food), but I don't want that to be the only reason I chose it. For reference, I'm not too fussed about catered v.s. self-catered (although I'm not very good at cooking), I would probably prefer a smaller and quieter college, and I'm a POC if that makes a difference. Any advice would be great!
Thanks :smile:

Reply 13

Durham Rep Ghala

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hiya,

It sounds to me like St Johns might be a good option! Since you've already experienced albeit briefly what it would be like staying there and you enjoyed it, I would definitely recommend it especially since you don't particularly have a preference for catered or self catered. St Johns also happens to be a smaller college (especially compared to the rest of the Bailey) and is quite a good college from what I've heard. My friend was in St Johns and she preferred how small it felt and the sense of community, something which I believe you may like 🙂 St Chads is quite similar to St Johns but a bit bigger if you're still wanting to stay on the Bailey.
The hill colleges tend to be much bigger and more diverse with South and John Snow being the more popular options, they're both self catered and have are a bit more mixed in terms of student from different backgrounds. Still, as someone who has been at Durham for three years now, most colleges tend to be quite similar (the only real big difference is size, bailey or hill or catering).

If you really liked St Johns and can see yourself living there and embracing the college life, I would definitely recommend going with it! 🙂

Hope this helps!

-Ghala
(Official DU Rep)

Reply 14

Anonymous #5

Original post

by Durham Students

Hiya,
It sounds to me like St Johns might be a good option! Since you've already experienced albeit briefly what it would be like staying there and you enjoyed it, I would definitely recommend it especially since you don't particularly have a preference for catered or self catered. St Johns also happens to be a smaller college (especially compared to the rest of the Bailey) and is quite a good college from what I've heard. My friend was in St Johns and she preferred how small it felt and the sense of community, something which I believe you may like 🙂 St Chads is quite similar to St Johns but a bit bigger if you're still wanting to stay on the Bailey.
The hill colleges tend to be much bigger and more diverse with South and John Snow being the more popular options, they're both self catered and have are a bit more mixed in terms of student from different backgrounds. Still, as someone who has been at Durham for three years now, most colleges tend to be quite similar (the only real big difference is size, bailey or hill or catering).
If you really liked St Johns and can see yourself living there and embracing the college life, I would definitely recommend going with it! 🙂
Hope this helps!
-Ghala
(Official DU Rep)

Okay, thank you so much!

Reply 15

AwesomeSillyBoy

Hi,
Looking for a recommendation for a college, and i wanted to know a few things,

I’m currently thinking south as my first choice, given i like the concept of my own room (i really wouldn’t like to share) especially with the fact they have their own gym, Not bothered about an en-suite and i would like a social college.

A bit about me:
I’m a powerlifter and take it quite seriously and properly love it. (hence why i liked south), despite this i’m not sure about collingwood as a choice because it may be too sporty; I still like to go out and drink quite a fair bit (which i’m not sure if collingwood is too serious for that)
I’m going to study biological science (so i’d like to be up the hill)

Also do catered colleges like Collingwood still allow you to cook for yourself if you want? and are people in South social? (i think i’ve made it clear i like to go out), i wouldn’t like a college where no one in halls interacts.

I’m also from a state school in London and am a little worried about the super private school stereotype that durham holds (so i’m kinda aiming to avoid the Bailey)

I was hoping someone could provide me with info about what colleges they’d suggest for me, since i’m kinda debating Collingwood and South to be my first choice so if i could have another opinion on that and further suggestions. Thanks.

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 16

Lemur14

Study Forum Helper, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by AwesomeSillyBoy

Hi,
Looking for a recommendation for a college, and i wanted to know a few things,

I’m currently thinking south as my first choice, given i like the concept of my own room (i really wouldn’t like to share) especially with the fact they have their own gym but I was wondering if since it’s the newest college it may be filled with international students, (not that this is a bad thing, i’m just going off the stereotypes they don’t like to go out and such.) Not bothered about an en-suite.

A bit about me:
I’m a powerlifter and take it quite seriously and properly love it. (hence why i liked south), despite this i’m not sure about collingwood as a choice because it may be too sporty; I still like to go out and drink quite a fair bit (which i’m not sure if collingwood is too serious for that)
I’m going to study biological science (so i’d like to be up the hill)

Also do catered colleges like Collingwood still allow you to cook for yourself if you want? and are people in South social? (i think i’ve made it clear i like to go out), i wouldn’t like a college where no one in halls interacts.

I’m also from a state school in London and am a little worried about the super private school stereotype that durham holds (so i’m kinda aiming to avoid the Bailey)

I was hoping someone could provide me with info about what colleges they’d suggest for me, since i’m kinda debating Collingwood and South to be my first choice so if i could have another opinion on that and further suggestions. Thanks.

Collingwood definitely isn't too serious for you, I would say it's one of the more social colleges. College sports tend to have quite a social side to them (much less competitive than university level sport).
In general catered colleges are more social as everyone goes down to the dining hall together which is a good way to meet lots of people.
Of course that's not to say self catered colleges are not social too. Having a kitchen in your accommodation is a great place to be able to invite people round, and in a townhouse there's a reasonable number of people sharing so I'd imagine there's usually someone around. If you fill out your accommodation preference form making it clear you want a social flat then you'll likely be completely fine.
Catered colleges are entirely happy for you to cook for yourself - but the difficulty can be kitchen facilities. Some colleges have better facilities than others so it's worth researching which have the best facilities if you're wanting to cook.

Honestly I think you'd find your crowd in either college - but from what you've said I would put Collingwood first :smile:

Reply 17

AwesomeSillyBoy

Original post

by Lemur14

Collingwood definitely isn't too serious for you, I would say it's one of the more social colleges. College sports tend to have quite a social side to them (much less competitive than university level sport).
In general catered colleges are more social as everyone goes down to the dining hall together which is a good way to meet lots of people.
Of course that's not to say self catered colleges are not social too. Having a kitchen in your accommodation is a great place to be able to invite people round, and in a townhouse there's a reasonable number of people sharing so I'd imagine there's usually someone around. If you fill out your accommodation preference form making it clear you want a social flat then you'll likely be completely fine.
Catered colleges are entirely happy for you to cook for yourself - but the difficulty can be kitchen facilities. Some colleges have better facilities than others so it's worth researching which have the best facilities if you're wanting to cook.
Honestly I think you'd find your crowd in either college - but from what you've said I would put Collingwood first :smile:

do you have any other potential colleges that might fit me?? as well as some to avoid . thanks

Reply 18

Lemur14

Study Forum Helper, Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by AwesomeSillyBoy

do you have any other potential colleges that might fit me?? as well as some to avoid . thanks

It sounds like most of the hill colleges would do you well :smile:

Mary's is quite social, but I don't know anything about their gym. Personally I loved Butler, it can be super social, although the flats are only of 6 so it's more in the bar etc. but there was always something going on. The gym membership was a good price although I suspect the gym at South/John Snow is better and I've no idea if they did powerlifting equipment so could be worth researching that first.
I'd avoid the smaller colleges such as Johns and Chads. They're lovely colleges but people typically choose them hoping for a smaller, quieter experience so probably not ideal for you. Also I was told that Hatfield only had one kitchen accessible to first years across the whole college so if you're wanting to do some cooking then maybe avoid there too (someone may have a better knowledge on that, it's what someone told me about 4 weeks into first year years ago so not necessarily reliable!)

Reply 19

Anonymous #6

Hey everyone,
Looking for college recommendations/condemnations.

I've applied to read History for 25-25 entry and am looking for a catered college specifically. I'm quite interested in the arts, particularly music and drama, but am also keen to try out loads of new activities, be they arts or sports. A vibrant social culture is really important to me.

There's lots of talk around the block on college stereotypes and 'posh vs not posh' colleges; I really don't have a preference and prefer not to play into such stereotypes, but I do go to a relatively elite private boarding school and have been privately educated my whole life, if that makes a difference for college pick.

So basically; catered, nice people, convenient location for history (this one less important), good social scene. I've had my eye on St Chad's, but I thought it might be good to get a few other colleges shortlisted/blacklisted due to Chads' tiny intake.

Any advice would be appreciated!
Cheers