Durham University

Durham is a brilliant place to live and study. Picturesque city with a fascinating history and breathtaking natural and human architecture. The 14 colleges based there have as their backdrop the stunning castle and cathedral. It has a vibrant and varied social scene (bars, cafés, nightclubs, theatres, restaurants and a cinema) but small enough to be able to walk just about anywhere. Bill Bryson (the university Chancellor) described it as ‘a perfect little city − if you have never been to Durham, go there at once. Take my car. It's wonderful.’ The bailey is encapsulated by the river and has on it the castle, cathedral and several colleges (University, Hatfield, Chad's, John's and Castle). Hild & Bede college is on the river bank, overlooking the city. The hill, to the south of the bailey, has most of the university buildings and eight of the colleges (Josephine Butler, Ustinov, Collingwood, Grey, St. Aidan's, Van Mildert, Trevelyan and St. Mary's). Most of the colleges on the hill were built in the 60s and 70s and have great facilities and accommodation; the bailey has the charm of old buildings and cobbled streets. Queen’s Campus is in Stockton-on-Tees and the student body and campus are an integral part of the regeneration of the area. Stephenson and John Snow colleges are at Queen’s, as are some subject areas, including medicine; all departments are on the main campus (including the Wolfson Research Institute). About one sixth of students are based at Queens. The colleges on both campuses provide a good sense of community for students and are the main focus of their lives. Each has its own individual character and college rivalry is intense! The junior and middle common rooms of the colleges regularly put on plays, host balls and formal dinners and provide a social hub for their students. College facilities include libraries, computer rooms, study areas, common rooms and bars. Teaching is done mainly in departments: sciences are in the designated science park next to the library; others are scattered throughout the city. Many departments retain a tutorial system combined with cutting edge research. Students come from all over the world; over 120 countries are represented. Students’ union is in the centre of Durham (in Dunelm House), a building that makes extremely good use of concrete: split over four levels, it has a bar, café and a shop selling all sorts. Union holds regular events (eg Jazz Café, Revolver Indie nights on Saturdays, and Durham blasts off to Planet of Sound on Fridays). DSU also publishes an independent student newspaper (Palatinate) and airs Purple Radio, both run by students. SU is a collaboration of colleges, supporting 100+ societies across both campuses. These include student community action and award-winning Charity Kommittee (DUCK), which supports hundreds of local and national charities (students raise money by taking part in expeditions, hitch hikes, rag raids and more). Student theatre group, and light opera group (DULOG) regularly run productions; many student drama, revue, musical and performance companies. Both campuses have great transport links and stations in walking distance. Newcastle and  Middlesbrough are nearby if you want to get out of the student bubble. It’s a university with character, a lively and active student population as well as strong academic record and connections around the world

Housing: Accommodation all good standard, but varies eg Collingwood, ensuite rooms fully catered; University College, living in a castle!! For those living out, excellent students’ union accommodation office. Eats: For something a bit special try Hide, Hollathans or Oldfields. Drink: Most colleges have student-run bars, prices reasonable. Nightlife: Regular SU events including weekly sell-out Planet of Sound. Klute has cult status: plenty of cheese. Other clubs both big & small. Sports: College sports teams, most facilities on Durham site. All levels so there will be a team to suit you. Jobs: Careers service runs a employment service. Best features: Opportunities to get involved in whatever interests you. And worst: Cobbles, hills and cobbled hills!

Judith Hann (presenter, Tomorrow’s World), Harold Evans (newspaper editor), Will Carling (England rugby captain), Nasser Hussain (England test cricketer), Hunter Davies (writer), Jonathan Edwards (world triple jump record holder), Mo Mowlam (politician, former Northern Ireland Secretary), George Allagiah (journalist).

Contact students’ union on 0191 334 1775, email enquiries@dsu.org.uk or visit website www.dsu.org.uk