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The University of Durham

A glance through the alumni list of the University of Durham is like looking at a Who’s Who of British society. The list includes famous sports personalities, academics, business leaders, actors, soldiers, musicians, politicians, activists, religious leaders, royalty and writers. Here are a few names chosen at random with their area of expertise given in brackets:

  • Will Carling (rugby)
  • Nasser Hussain (cricket)
  • Andrew Straus (cricket)
  • Roger Moore (actor)
  • David Bellamy (environmentalist)
  • George Alagiah (broadcaster)
  • Matthew Amroliwala (presenter)
  • Jeremy Vine (journalist)
  • Jonathan Edwards (athletics)
  • Will Greenwood (rugby)
  • Mo Mowlam (politician)
  • Ruth First (anti-apartheid activist)
  • Dame Margot Fonteyn (superstar ballerina)
  • Sir Peter Ustinov (actor, former chancellor of University of Durham)
  • Bill Bryson (writer, current chancellor of University of Durham)

A detailed examination of the university and its facilities soon demonstrates what has attracted so many outstanding individuals. The University of Durham scores consistently in the top ten of British universities in the Sundays Times University Guide, The Independent’s Complete University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. This world class university with its 15,000 students is located mainly in Durham, but also has a campus (Queen’s) in Stockton. A key attraction of the University of Durham is its collegiate nature; each of its 16 colleges provides residential, social and welfare facilities for students, helping to foster a sense of community. The organisation of college teams, giving opportunities to play inter-collegiate, competitive sport for all levels of experience and ability, is an attractive feature for sportspersons. Although the University of Durham has a reputation for producing inter-national cricketers and rugby players, sporting opportunities include everything from rowing to table-tennis. The University of Durham also supports the local community via a bursary scheme. 

The Main Environs of the University of Durham

The university is concentrated within the city of Durham, where 14 of the 16 colleges are located; the other two colleges are located 20 miles away in Stockton-on-Tees. Durham city centre is well provided with shops, there is an Indoor Market and a weekend market is held in the town square. Newcastle is a 15 minute train ride away. There is a good selection of restaurants, from fast-food joints to classier establishments. Students at the University of Durham will find it easy to move about the city; most people walk everywhere and a taxi fare across town costs under ₤4. There is a bus service to Newcastle and Sunderland, as well as mainline train connections to London, York and Edinburgh. The colleges of the Queen’s Campus are an integral part of the University of Durham, and participate fully in inter-collegiate sport. They are a 35 minute car journey, or an hour on the inter-campus bus, from the rest of the university.  

Academic Life at the University of Durham

The University of Durham has three faculties: Arts and Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences and Health. It has excellent research facilities and a comprehensively equipped library. The mix between course work and examinations varies widely between the faculties, with Science students having the greatest number of contact hours. The University of Durham expects its students to be self-disciplined and places little pressure on students. The emphasis is on attendance at tutorials and the completion of course work; however, tutors are always available to give help and advice.

After hours activities at the University of Durham

Sport is a major activity at the University of Durham. Facilities are excellent, and there is a weights-room, a fitness suite and an astro-turf pitch. Apart from sport, there are over 150 clubs and societies, from alternative music to yoga, hill walking to wine tasting, belly dancing to chess. If you cannot find the society you are interested in, you can start your own, often with financial help from the student’s union. The union also provides a free night bus to make travel through the city safer for students. Students of the University of Durham who are interested in journalism can participate in a number of publications including an on-line magazine. There is an active theatrical scene with the University of Durham having its own company. Off-campus activities include visits to the cinema both in Durham and Newcastle, and live music shows in Newcastle. Durham itself has five night-clubs to choose from.   

Accommodation at the University of Durham

Most students of the University of Durham live in college in their first year and live in privately-rented houses with a group of friends during subsequent years. College rooms have internet connection points, and although bathroom facilities are communal they are modern and clean. The food provided is basic but with a number of options. For those needing a specialist diet Josephine Butler College provides self-catering facilities. For students living out, the Student Union keeps a register of landlords who comply with a strict set of criteria and will help with any disputes. Rental contracts run a full 12 months from July each year. 

 



Support for Students at the University of Durham

The University of Durham pledges that disabled students can take part in all aspects of University life. The Queen’s campus is particularly well designed with disabled access in mind. For all students the University of Durham is particularly good when dealing with financial support. Each college has a dedicated financial officer who can offer advice and liaise with the main office. The University of Durham runs its own grant scheme which was short-listed for the Times award for student support packages in 2206/7. There is also a comprehensive careers planning service.
The University of Durham pays particular attention to student welfare, with elected Welfare Representatives and campaigns on physical, mental and sexual health being run throughout the year, and the provision of a 24 hour counselling telephone line. There are opportunities for paid work in the college bars and shops, and the Careers Service has details of local vacancies in the city for part time work.

Taking everything into consideration, the University of Durham deserves its reputation as a world-class university.   
 

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