Choosing a Uni for Economics 2026 - Major difference between Leeds and Durham?

Hi everyone,

I’ve applied for **BSc Economics (2026 entry)** and currently hold offers from **Leeds and Durham**. I live a bit closer to Durham, but I would be staying in accommodation whichever university I choose.

I’m trying to decide between the two and had a few questions:

- Is there a major difference between the Economics courses at Leeds and Durham in terms of teaching, opportunities, or how they’re viewed by employers?
- Would it be a missed opportunity to turn down Durham because of its higher prestige/rankings?
- How do the social life and community compare? I’m from a minority background so I’d like somewhere where I can feel comfortable and part of the student community.
- Is there a noticeable difference in accommodation quality/standards between the two?

I attended an open day at Leeds and liked the city/atmosphere, but I’m wondering if that feeling might change if I'm actually studying there. I have heard very mixed reviews about studying at Durham.

I’m also waiting to hear from St Andrews, which would be the furthest from home out of the three. If I did receive an offer, how would it compare to Leeds and Durham for Economics and overall student experience?

Feeling a bit unsure which way to lean, so I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone studying Economics (or at these universities generally).
Thanks!

Reply 1

DurhamRep Rosie

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Hi everyone,
I’ve applied for **BSc Economics (2026 entry)** and currently hold offers from **Leeds and Durham**. I live a bit closer to Durham, but I would be staying in accommodation whichever university I choose.
I’m trying to decide between the two and had a few questions:
- Is there a major difference between the Economics courses at Leeds and Durham in terms of teaching, opportunities, or how they’re viewed by employers?
- Would it be a missed opportunity to turn down Durham because of its higher prestige/rankings?
- How do the social life and community compare? I’m from a minority background so I’d like somewhere where I can feel comfortable and part of the student community.
- Is there a noticeable difference in accommodation quality/standards between the two?
I attended an open day at Leeds and liked the city/atmosphere, but I’m wondering if that feeling might change if I'm actually studying there. I have heard very mixed reviews about studying at Durham.
I’m also waiting to hear from St Andrews, which would be the furthest from home out of the three. If I did receive an offer, how would it compare to Leeds and Durham for Economics and overall student experience?
Feeling a bit unsure which way to lean, so I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone studying Economics (or at these universities generally).
Thanks!

Hi there!

It's tricky to weight up two great choices. I'm a student at Durham studying Psychology, so I can answer any questions you might have about what it's like! Otherwise, I'll try to provide some useful information. 😄

The main difference between Durham and Leeds to me would be that Durham is more of a close-knit small university, where Leeds is more of a vibrant city vibe. I know that might sound obvious, but it will play an important role in what you're looking for in student life I think. Both Durham and Leeds are highly regarded by employers, particularly as Durham is perceived as more academic, though both universities show high employability rates. In the UK University Rankings 2026 League table, Durham was ranked 3rd, and Leeds ranked 26th (https://www.thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings/league-table?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqft15bIbELRuD-31G-q2hwBGm-RV7wbOzbiyYGpkpEWGdvFITreNF5IrEicXlQ%3D&gaa_ts=69ac3b7e&gaa_sig=_exWdH25ktKl1xbWn9QnzfRW25GSkHedJmXfVX67YxNDr7NCufjRnHBbs7kdmxZC6Vp761XsnZWT_YioAMnydQ%3D%3D), so both performed well.

I wouldn't say it would be a missed opportunity to turn down Durham due to its prestige, if you don't think it's the right choice for you. University is so much more than learning, it's somewhere you'll be living/socialising/growing for around 3 years of your life, so you have to factor what'll make you happy into that decision. I understand being conscious of the prestige, but if you don't feel aligned with the university, it's important that you pick somewhere you do! 😊

In terms of the social life, Durham is quite small so you should consider that opportunities may be more limited - though there are a lot of transport links, and it's easy to get around if you want to explore a bit more. There is plenty to do in Durham, and there are so many societies and activities on here, so the social life isn't lacking. However, as Leeds is more of a city experience, the nightlife will have a bit more variance, and possibly lower living costs in general.

As for accommodation, I do commute so I can't give you any specifics. There's a helpful comparison table of the accommodations offered at Durham here: https://www.durham.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/colleges/compare-our-colleges/undergraduate-college-comparison-table/. There's one offered by Leeds here: https://accommodation.leeds.ac.uk/compare-residences. 😊

I also had mixed reviews about studying at Durham before I came, as a working class person with a regional accent - it definitely can be a worry. If you have any questions about my experience - or anything else - just let me know!

It's a tricky decision but I hope this has given you some pointers.

All the best,
-Rosie (DU Representative)

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