Experience at Durham University, UK

Generally, what is Durham University like?

Durham University is quite high pressure academically and in general, I think college life might enhance this, it is very eclectic however in terms of people, possible friendship groups and activity possibilities. The city is beautiful, walking is a big thing, the scenery is always lovely. The university aspires for good results and expects hard work.

What are the facilities like?

The facilities are good- modern languages department has adequate study spaces, a small area for eating which is convenient. The anthropology department is less equipped in terms of study space as far as I've experienced, but a very grand and comfortable department to study in. Eating space in the library is quite poor, but the rescources are obviously excellent. College facilities are also great, gym and bar, and sports facilities included. What lacks in terms of facilities I might say, is a swimming pool.

What are the tutors like?

Tutors have had little/ no presence in my three years (out of four) of university so far. Beginning to plan my dissertation now I am in touch with a dissertation supervisor, but otherwise I am unfamiliar with my tutor.

Are the lessons easy in Durham University?

The difficulty of lessons I think depends on your interest, the work you put in, and your learning style. If they all match up, which they really should, but won't necessarily, then it's likely learning won't be horrendously difficult. But in general I haven't found it that easy. There's always a lot going on, and it's difficult to get my head around everything at the same time. I feel overcommitting impedes on learning, but when there are so many opportunities it is difficult not to. Also committing to clubs and societies facilitates a different kind of learning, equally encouraged at DU. Whatever you do you will learn, there's not doubt about that.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Yes, events for international students, through colleges/ clubs and societies there's obviously loads going on in terms of social events for members. Faculty departments also organise events. Anthropology hosts social events/gatherings within the department with professors. The language departments host coffee meetings for speaking opportunities and meeting new people etc.

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

There is an excellent quality of teaching, the professors are all great. It is just sometimes very difficult to take it all on board, I feel it is easy to feel overwhelmed with information and more difficult to grasp concepts well. I'd have thought it should be the other way around. It is surely of question of the student having to work effectively, but also a matter of getting information across appropriately. I find the nature of academia is that it is often unnecessarily complex.

Are there any stories you can share?

An anthropology lecturer Jamie, has taught me the most in lectures from sharing his own experiences as a person as well as through academic content. I have found that his lectures illustrate interesting and complex ideas effectively, and his content relatable, and memorable long-term. This is what university should be about and definitely is about at Durham University- stimulating and inspiring students, to think for themselves and challenge their perspectives on the world. Prompting us to get out there as our own individual selves. Societies & clubs certainly facilitate the application of these newly found/ challenged 'selves' into practice. Whereas I feel college life, hasn't, simply because it limited me in the kinds of people I was frequenting (lovely as they are nonetheless!).