Durham University: A Student Guide
@thedurhamstudent
A TOP UK 18,000+ UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
26 DEPARTMENTS
STUDENTS FROM OVER 130 COUNTRIES LOCATED IN NORTH EAST ENGLAND 4300+ STAFF MEMBERS
A COLLEGIATE UNIVERSITY Playing an active role in student pastoral care and each one having its own unique atmosphere.
WORLD TOP 40 FOR
EMPLOYABILITY
So, you're thinking of Durham? Well, we think you're making a very good choice. But it never hurts to have a little bit more information...
So, to help you fall as much in love with Durham as we are, we've gathered together to guide you through student life - as experienced by ourselves. On your way, you'll see what we do, where we meet, and how we thrive whilst at University...and, we hope, be able to imagine yourself alongside us!
Welcome to the extraordinary...
YOUR DURHAM JOURNEY It's time to get extraordinary.
MEET THE AUTHORS! P.6 STUDY, PP.7-8 Ah, yes: the reason why you're here.
COLLEGES AND COLLEGE LIFE, PP.9-15 What's a College? Why are there so many?
THE DSU, PP.16-17 Where Colleges collide.
SPORTS, P.18 Because Durham's always in the running.
VOLUNTEERING, P.19 Do good, feel good.
MUSIC AND THEATRE, PP.20-22 Blowing our own, literal, trumpet.
WHAT'S HERE, AND WHERE? PP.23-8 A handy primer to Durham for the uninitiated.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, PP.29-34 Coming to Durham from further afield? You're in good company.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES, PP.35-6 Keeping you safe and sane.
CAREERS, PP.37-9 WILL DURHAM BE FOR YOU? P.40 It's a bit of a trick question, really.
How to make Durham work for you.
MEET THE AUTHORS... ALEXANDER HEWITT
I’m Alex, a third year English Literature student at Grey College, with a love of writing and crosscountry. ASTRUD TURNER
Hi, I’m Astrud - a stationery and brunch obsessed Law finalist. After I graduate I’ll be starting the Civil Service Fast Stream. You can find me on Instagram at @astrudturner EMILY SMITH
I'm Emily, a third-year English Literature student (and also a part-time Librarian and/or dragon wrangler) from Collingwood College!
LYDIA EDWARDS
I'm Lydia, a MSc Management student from Trevelyan College. I love playing college rounders, netball and women's rugby. You can find me on instagram at @lydiamorfydd if you have any questions! SEUN ONALAJA
I’m Seun, a second year Accounting & Finance student (with placement) from Lagos, Nigeria. I’m at Stephenson College and you can find me on instagram at @seunnn_o SOUMYA SINGH
Hi, I'm Soumya, a Computer Science finalist married to tech and dating languages and badminton. Find me on Twitter (@singhuist) and LinkedIn (/soumyasingh1)
STUDY Teaching varies depending on your course, but will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, and labs. They'll all be in one of the many University buildings dotted around Durham!
You will choose modules – mostly in your main subject or subjects, but with the opportunity to explore other subjects too – to customise your academic path. These modules focus on different aspects of your discipline (a History student may have to choose between studying Ancient Rome or the USSR, for example). Choose carefully… you’ll be spending a lot of time with the module you pick!
Research groups, both within and between departments, facilitate Durham’s world-leading research. Students are welcome to participate by attending their various events (more on that later) – it’s a smart move to get involved in one which takes your interest!
Ah, yes: the reason why you’re in Durham (theoretically, at least)... Assessments can be formative (a trial-run) or summative (the real deal), and – depending on your course – will be made of a mixture of essays, coursework, exams, or practical assessments.
A side note: What do you mean first year ‘doesn’t count’? It’s true – in your first year, you are a Preliminary Honours student. The grade you get will not contribute to your Final Honours, which make up your overall grade. This may allow you time to find your footing – university academia is very different to all that’s come before – but it doesn’t mean that you can slack off…you’ll find that your Preliminary Honours grade affects the modules you can take, and may be of interest to employers.
COLLEGES Colleges are not teaching bodies: they are lively communities of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and contain a mix of all academic disciplines. Durham's colleges provide pastoral support and accommodation, but also opportunities to get involved with student life through student-led organisations named JCRs, MCRs and SCRs.
WHAT IS A JCR, MCR OR SCR? Student life is run by student bodies called JCRs (junior common rooms) for undergraduates, and MCRs (middle common rooms) or SCRs (senior common rooms) for postgraduates. JCRs, MCRs and SCRs have a range of activities from Art, Music and Sport, each led by elected members (perhaps, in the future, yourself!). Different colleges have a range of societies and sports they offer, and you can check out the JCR or MCR websites of your college to see what student life is like there!
WHAT IS A 'FORMAL'? Common rooms also run formals within the college. Formal dinners are special nights in Durham. Students wear formal clothes and sometimes wear gowns (which you will buy when you arrive), or black tie, and fill the dining hall for a three-course meal. Each college has its own traditions - for instance, some have a ‘high table’ which seats academics and college staff, whilst others have themed dinners, post-meal discos, or singalongs...
All colleges offer both accommodation and facilities to support student life. For a handy guide to each college, read on...
The College of St. Hild and St. Bede As Hild Bede used to be two colleges, the grounds are huge - so the events are pretty big, and you don't have to travel for them! As a big college, there are lots of sports teams and societies for every interest. Hild Bede is particularly well known for its active theatre company and Film Society.
Collingwood College Collingwood is extra big and extra busy, with great facilities. It is a great place to mingle with a wide variety of people. Collingwood is known for its relaxed atmosphere and excelling in college sport. For example, there are currently 14 men's football teams and 6 netball teams! Their numerous fancy dress formals throughout the year create fun without formality!
Grey College Grey is an intimate college community who are known for their sport and chapel choir. Also, Grey is the closest college to the main University site if you really enjoy a lie in....
St Aidan's College Located nearest the Politics building and the Business School, Aidan's is located at the top of the hill (having the best library view of Durham!). Aidan's is renowned for its inclusive and informal nature, and alongside their famous Summer Festival, there's plenty on offer for all at this college...
Hatfield College Hatfield College is known for its traditions, having formals twice a week. Some first years are not located on the college site but opposite the Students' Union (and Elvet lecture halls). Being the closest college to town is beneficial for those late night snack runs!
John Snow College John Snow Known as ‘Snow’, John Snow is an intimate community combined with a variety of traditions. The genuine homeliness and support means that you will really find your home at this college!
Stephenson College Located on the hill near Durham Botanic Gardens, Stephenson is a selfcatered college. Unlike the majority of colleges, they don't wear capes or robes and have formals. Instead, they have ‘locomotion dinners’.
Josephine Butler College With views over County Durham, Josephine Butler is a modern and down-to-earth hill college with a lively bar that proves a fantastic place to relax day or night. It's self-catered, and so you will benefit from the flexibility to cook your own food whilst also having the option to eat from the on-site restaurant in the day (which becomes a bar at night!)
Trevelyan College As the most architecturally striking college, 'Trevs' is renowned for its strong sense of community combined with diverse music opportunities. With one of the best-stocked college libraries, their librarian transforms into a DJ at their formals. Although Trevs is one of the smallest colleges, they manage to have four rounders teams alone, demonstrating their strong commitment to sport!
St Mary's College Occupying a beautiful and spacious site, Mary's has an open and friendly nature. Famous for its fabulous formals (including a Midsummer Ball and Harry Potter evening), as well as an outstanding theatre and drama society.
St Chad's College A homely college with a warm environment. The college is best known for its active participation in environmental and social issues across Durham and the wider world. Despite being small, this college isn't short of places to socialise: their dining hall and bar are particular highlights!
St Cuthbert's Society A warm and welcoming college, Cuth's is the only college to offer two sites, with twice the amount of space to relax and twice the college bars. The large college means the social spaces are always busy and it has a cosy vibe, meaning it's a great place to socialise. Their Bailey site is next to the best bridge in Durham, with the most wonderful views of the River Wear.
St John's College St John’s College is a friendly college with an infamous artistic hub. With a variety of cultural events and due to the small nature of the college, you will get to know everyone well including the college staff. As it's located near the town centre, it's convenient to the Students' Union and departments near town.
University College Best known, not as University College, but as simply Castle. The most well known of all colleges, the atmosphere of the college is magical, with esteemed formals and events like June Ball. While it's known for its castle, be aware that not all accommodation is inside the castle itself!
Ustinov College As a college for postgraduate students, mature students and families, Ustinov offers a welcoming and wide-ranging community which offers something for everyone. Ustinov also offers a citizenship programme with lectures and talks, alongside a lot of cultural nights for the international community of Durham....
Coming in 2020... South College South college will be located on the hill near the business school and will be a self-catered college. The construction of the college will be finished in 2020. You're invited to create this college community and shape its traditions....
Van Mildert College Van Mildert is a catered hill college best known for its infamous ducks. Mildert is distinguished by its music festival 'Jam on the Lake', fashion show and sports like badminton and cheer. At the same time, Mildert has the largest community outreach programme of all colleges...Â
Durham Students' Union
Students' Union Explained The Students' Union, or SU, is both a place and an organisation! Due to the collegiate system, it plays a unique role in Durham compared to other universities. Whereas a College provides a community featuring a representative cross-section of University members, the SU literally represents them all! The SU building features the Riverside Bar and CafÊ (perfect for student food at special student prices). It also has many work spaces, and is perfectly placed to sit in between lectures or as a meeting place with friends. Giant HD screens regularly show live sport (and sometimes movies), and in the evenings you can play pool or darts there too! Some students will have lectures in the SU, but its halls are multipurpose: the academic stages collapse in the evening to become the venue for functions from fashion shows to yoga classes. The SU has elected representatives, who represent student interests by finding ways to improve the academic student experience of all in Durham. There are also associations like LGBTQ+, Disabilities and People of Colour, where students can find communities for solidarity and support. The SU also runs university-wide societies, which supplement college societies - particularly beneficial for those societies which may gain further representation at a University level, such as international and faith societies, academic societies, political societies and career-based societies. You can choose to be as involved in the SU as you want: your experience of the SU is what you make of it!
SPORT
Whether you fancy yourself as an athlete or haven’t worn trainers since P.E., there’s a huge variety of sports to get involved in at Durham, catering for all levels of ability from complete beginner to experienced player. Over 75% of Durham University students are involved in sport of some kind. Sport at Durham is an opportunity to meet new people, have a well-deserved break from studying and even try something new. Indeed, in addition to the likes of football and netball, Durham offers the chance to try your hand at sports you may have never even heard of before university. Ultimate Frisbee, anyone?
College Sport
College sport is where most students will find themselves. A network of 18 different sports, over 700 teams and 16 colleges make Durham’s collegiate sport the largest university sports programme in the U.K. Having picked your sports (the number is optional!) most teams have regular training in addition to competitive matches against other colleges. Within the college system itself there are opportunities for a variety of ability levels. College football teams, for example, range from an ‘A’ to even an ‘M’ team in some colleges. What’s more, the vast majority of the organisation for College Sport is student led, and there is always the opportunity to gain captaincy or executive roles in your team. From badminton to basketball, getting involved in college sport is a must. Check out your respective college information for the first steps on getting involved.
Team Durham
Durham’s pretty impressive when it comes to inter-university sport. And don’t just take our word for it – Durham has finished 2nd in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) leagues for seven consecutive seasons. Team Durham is the place to go for those who have the ability to compete for the University and show off the Durham purple across the country.
Student Volunteering & Outreach Durham University Student Volunteering & Outreach is the heart of student volunteering at Durham. With a wide variety of exciting projects to get involved in, volunteering represents a fantastic opportunity to help the local community, learn really useful skills and meet new people. There are over 50 student-led projects to choose from, organised under three main types:
Education and Environment These projects give you the chance to share your academic knowledge outside of your essays and tutorials and to aid local students in both primary and secondary education. Projects include one-to-one tutoring and mentorship projects to volunteering in the classroom as a Teaching Assistant.
Social Inclusion & Complex Needs Social Inclusion & Complex Needs projects focus on adults in the local area and represent a great opportunity to interact with other generations and people from different backgrounds. These projects offer something a bit different, and range from ‘Computeas’, which helps older people in Durham to learn basic computer skills to NEPACS (North East Prison After Care Society) which offers practical and emotional support to people visiting prisons in the North East.
Sports and Physical Activities These more recreational projects involve working with children in the local area and, unlike the academic focus of the Educational Projects, there is a real emphasis on energy and fun. Projects here include the Thurston Drama and Art Project, runs evening performing arts activities for children, and the ‘GOALs Social Club’ which runs weekly informal sessions for adults with learning difficulties.
Become a Leader In addition to fantastic volunteering opportunities, DU Student Volunteering & Outreach offers the chance to gain leadership roles. Whatever your level of experience, roles are available every year on the Student Executive Committee or as a Project Leader – a great way to add to the C.V. and make your mark on a volunteering project.
Music and Theatre
Music Music Durham coordinates all student musical activity at Durham University. This includes ensembles, concerts, masterclasses and socials. Music can be performed at both University and college level. Every student belongs to one of the university’s sixteen colleges. Each college has its own unique atmosphere and ensembles, and there are also some intercollegiate groups. There's also more informal ways to enjoy music at Durham. Events that include open-mic nights and oxjam within and outside of the colleges. There is a huge range of musical opportunities to get involved in– whatever your taste, be it classical, modern or musical theatre. There are also Scholarships available for musicians across the University. Remember, you do not have to be a music student to play music at Durham: there’s something for everyone.
To find out more about Music at Durham click here
Theatre Rather than ask what there is in Durham’s theatre scene, it would be quicker to ask what there isn’t. Whether you’re in the mood for watching or writing, acting or assisting, reviewing or recording, Durham offers it all. Each College has a lively theatre group which produces multiple plays a year (although, if you really want to be in a specific show, they welcome members of other Colleges too!). University-wide groups, such as Durham Student Theatre, regularly produce highend productions, too – meaning there’s many opportunities to get involved. If you’re more up for analysing than for acting, you’ll be glad to hear that reviewing theatre productions is a big deal in Durham. Various student productions – such as the Palatinate, The Bubble, and The Northern Review – regularly seek contributions.
Newcastle’s thriving theatre scene…or for those truly dedicated to drama, theatres such as York and Manchester are an easy day-trip away!
What's here... and where?
PUBLIC LECTURES THE WORD “UNIVERSITY” ORIGINALLY SIGNIFIED “SCHOLARLY COMMUNITY” – A MEANING WHICH DURHAM KEEPS ALIVE IN ITS MANY PUBLIC LECTURES. SUCH TALKS ARE TYPICALLY CROSS-DISCIPLINARY, FREE, AND OPEN TO ALL…SO STUDENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME TO ATTEND ANY WHICH TAKE THEIR FANCY!
INAUGRAL LECTURE SERIES
INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY
AS A GESTURE OF WELCOME (OR,
BIG QUESTIONS REQUIRE BIG BRAINS.
PERHAPS, TRIAL-BY-FIRE), NEWLY-
THAT’S WHY THE IAS BRINGS THINKERS
APPOINTED CHAIRS ARE INVITED TO
FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD TO
FLEX THEIR ACADEMIC MUSCLES BY
DURHAM – HOSTING AT LEAST 20 A
SHARING THEIR RESEARCH –
YEAR! – TO DISCUSS QUESTIONS
FEATURING RENOWNED ACADEMICS
WHICH REALLY MATTER, AND
AND RESEARCH WHICH IS FRESH OFF
RESEARCH WITH REAL IMPLICATIONS.
THE PRESS.
DURHAM CASTLE LECTURE SERIES
DEPARTMENTAL LECTURES
DURHAM CASTLE’S PICTURESQUE
IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT
GREAT HALL HAS, DOUBTLESS, SEEN
EACH AND EVERY ACADEMIC
QUITE SOME SIGHTS THROUGHOUT ITS
DEPARTMENT IN DURHAM IS ALIVE –
HISTORY – AND IT CONTINUES TO BEAR
ALWAYS PRODUCING NEW RESEARCH
WITNESS TO SOME OF THE MOST HIGH-
AND DEVELOPING BIG IDEAS.
PROFILE SPEAKERS, AND THE MOST
REMEMBER TO ENGAGE IN THESE; IT
TOPICAL OF TALKS, TODAY.
WOULD BE NICE TO PLAY A PART IN THE WORK THAT’S REMEMBERED IN YEARS TO COME, AFTER ALL...
OUT AND ABOUT ONE OF THE BEAUTIES OF DURHAM LIFE IS THAT EVERY YEAR PROMISES SOMETHING NEW. THAT SAID, HOWEVER, HERE'S A TASTE OF THE SORTS OF THINGS YOU'LL ENCOUNTER...
FULL MOON FOOD MARKET
ORIENTAL MUSEUM AND PALACE GREEN
A MONTHLY MASS-MEETING OF THE BEST STREET EATS IN THE NORTHEAST.
OFFERING EVERYTHING FROM HANDS-ON ART WORKSHOPS TO TALKS BY FAMOUS AUTHORS!
GALA THEATRE AND CINEMA LIVING ART SEE THE CITY (LITERALLY) LIGHT UP FOR LUMIERE, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT, OR ABLAZE FOR THE FIRE AND ICE EXHIBITION.
LIVE DRAMA, CLASSIC CINEMA, STAND-UP COMEDY...THE GALA HAS IT ALL.
CAFE CULTURE DURHAM HAS PLENTY OF FOOD AND CAFE'S TO MEET WITH FRIENDS OR STUDY IN.
NIGHTLIFE THERE'S PLENTY ON OFFER AT DURHAM IN REGARDS TO NIGHTLIFE, FROM NOTORIOUS NIGHTCLUBS LIKE JIMMY ALLENS AND PLAYERS TO THE SU TRANSFORMING INTO A CLUB ON SOME EVENINGS. AT THE SAME TIME EVENTS LIKE FASHION SHOWS AND BALLS ARE NO STRANGER TO THE DURHAM NIGHTLIFE. THERE'S ALSO DIFFERENT CLUB NIGHTS FOR EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK INCLUDING WEDNESDAY'S BEING FAMOUS AS A NIGHT OUT FOR SPORTS CLUBS....
DURHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL IN SUMMER EVERY YEAR DURHAM HAS A JAZZ FESTIVAL WHICH CELEBRATES THE BEST OF JAZZ AND BRINGS IN ACTS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD..
..THROUGHOUT TOWN DURHAM HAS AN ARRAY OF SHOPS, A YEARLY CHRISTMAS MARKET AND AN ODEON CINEMA TO CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED...
NEWCASTLE AND BEYOND IF THIS ISNT' ENOUGH FOR YOU, NEWCASTLE IS 12 MINUTES AWAY ON THE TRAIN, WITH MORE NIGHTLIFE, MORE SHOPS, AND AN ABILITY TO GET THE METRO OUT TO THE SEASIDE...
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Wherever you are from in the world, there is something at Durham for you as well as amazing support provided by both the wider University and your college to ensure your transition from your home country to Durham is as smooth as possible! Usually, international students have the opportunity to arrive at the University earlier than home students. This gives you enough time to settle in at University and in the U.K., do visa checks, open a bank account as well as register with a GP... All of which the University will support and guide you through so no need to worry!
Getting into Durham... The University hosts a pickup service from Newcastle Airport for international students, which is a great opportunity for you to meet other international students, current students, and have an easier transition into the UK while catching a bus straight into the University. Prior to your arrival, Student Services will get in touch with you to see if you would like to book a space on the bus, as well as a space for loved ones bringing you. If you choose to opt out of this service, Newcastle Airport has great transport links to Durham such as trains, buses and taxis. You can use any of these transport systems to get to the University. If you are coming in with family, there are numerous hotels in Durham to stay in such as the Premier Inn, the Marriott or the Radisson Blu. You can book rooms online in advance, either directly on hotel websites or through trusted external sites such as booking.com. Upon arrival, it is important to head to your College, which will host welcome events, direct you to your room (and even help you take your stuff up). College will also provide you with more information on where you need to go in order to get your visa documentation sorted out. Once you aarriveand you receive your Durham welcome, you’re sure to start to feel at home!
Getting around Durham... Durham is a wonderful city, and home to many shops, cafes, and restaurants. The University has a great partnership with the bus company Arriva, so you can head into town on the number 6 bus or X12 and walk into any of the grocery stores in town such as Tesco or Iceland to get your necessities. You can also do some shopping for bedding or clothes in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, home to numerous stores like Next, H&M and New Look. Alternatively, you can order your items online to arrive to your college after you have moved in. If in doubt, ask your college reps or Porter for the right postal address.
The UK is not usually too cold around October, but it’s advisable to bring a warm jacket, coat, scarf and umbrella, in case it gets chilly or wet! If you fancy a quick bite during the hustle and bustle of fresher’s week and moving in, there are numerous restaurants and cafès serving various cuisines in town. You can also get food delivered to your college via delivery services like JustEat or Deliveroo.
Societies...
There are numerous international students at Durham and a wide variety of international societies to get involved in. From University wide societies such as Malaysian Society, Indian Society, Mexican Society or African and Caribbean Society, there is a Society in place that provides an accommodating environment for every international student as well as an opportunity to learn about different cultures! There are also societies for faith such as Christian Union and Islamic Society. Apart from University wide societies, most colleges will have their own international college rep or society in which they will organise smaller events. This is a great way to get to meet other international students in your college, as well as learn a bit about where they come from.
STUDENT SUPPORT
UNIVERSITY SUPPORT Student well-being is a priority of the University and therefore, the University provides assistance to make your time at Durham as hassle-free as possible. Visit the University web pages or visit the Palatine Centre for information about the following
DISABILITY FINANCE
FAITH SUPPORT ACADEMIC SKILLS
HARASSMENT
SAFETY
COUNSELLING
DISABILITY
IMMIGRATION
DSU ADVICE The Disability Support office will provide any SERVICE
NIGHTLINE
CHILDCARE
assistance and advice to anyone affected by a
disability, includingany learning disabilities and medical and mental health conditions. More information on durham.ac.uk/disability.support
COLLEGE SUPPORT SEXUAL HARASSMENT Each college boasts its own student
support office, welfare team and finance The university doeswith not tolerate anyawards, forms of sexual support, each its own grants violence and therefore is equipped with all means and bursaries to ensure that you can stay and measures to help individuals who experience
happy and healthy both to ininternal college sexual harassment with access andand on external specialists. The university also runssupport a module campus. Your college's student
called Consent Matters to educate university
officer is your first point of contact, and
members about consent, how to act upon
will be able to guide you in the right
experiencing sexual harassment or helping someone
direction to seek the right assistance. else who has been a victim harassment. More
information on dur.ac.uk/sexualviolence
CAREERS & ENTERPRISE
CAREERS
Regardless of whether you are aspiring towards a corporate job, to broaden your horizons as a researcher, seeking opportunities for community involvement, hoping for a stint in the creative industry, stepping into the public sector, or want to give the entrepreneur in you a direction, the University’s dedicated Careers and Enterprise Centre (CEC) will be your portal. Full of tips and guides, and with links to employers across all industries, they offer a multitude of events and opportunities to give you a headstart in your career.
EMPLOYABILITY RANKINGS
CAREERS BY DEPARTMENTS
Ranked in the World Top 100 for QS Graduate Employability Rankings in 2018 & 2019.
In addition to the CEC, each department has its own links with employers and will present their own opportunities: make the best use of them!
HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS Meet and engage with employers directly
CAREER FAIRS
Opportunities to secure funding and mentoring opportunities
AWARDS & COMPETITIONS
Financial support for accomodation and travel expenses to undertake work experience
STUDENT EMPLOYABILITY FUND
Courses for self-reflection and identifying strengths and development areas
Tailored individual guidance for attaining work experience opportunities
CEC ON THE WEB
SKILLS AUDIT
ADVICE
careers.dur.ac.uk
/careersatdurham
dur.ac.uk/careers
@careersatdurham
careers@durham.ac.uk
WILL DURHAM BE FOR YOU? Durham gives you the opportunity to study a variety of subjects with people from all areas of the world, with a range of beliefs, viewpoints and experiences. The atmosphere challenges you academically and offers a unique experience of working in a leading academic environment located in a historic city. The collegiate experience gives you a sense of belonging and community for the whole time you are at Durham. If this sounds appealing, then studying at Durham is for you.