Erasmus Experience in Durham, United Kingdom by Eleftheria

Why did you choose to go to Durham, United Kingdom?

I will say the truth. Durham and generally United Kingdom was not exactly what I wanted for my Erasmus time. It was my first choice, but clearly for academic reasons. The university is the 3rd best (after Oxford and Cambridge) on my field and indeed it completed to the fullest all my desires and expectations. Also, I am planning to do my master here, so it was a chance to get familiar with the university requirements and the English academic system.

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How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I will be here for six months. I would recommend to future Erasmus students to take a full year as the academic system is quite different; and I explain myself: The courses here run for the full academic year, meaning that they start in October and finish in June and the terms are three (Michaelmas, Epiphany, Easter, lasting three months each). However, it is not impossible to stay either for six or even three months, as long as you arrange the way you are going to be assessed with the responsible tutor or your academic advisor. Everyone is really helpful and I am sure you will not face any problems.

I received a satisfactory amount of money, that covers only my accommodation.

What is the student lifestyle like in Durham?

Durham is literally a city that lives through the students. Even if most of the clubs, pubs and restaurants close around 2 am, the city is alive even during week days. Durham university works though a collegiate system. Colleges and societies are hosting events all the time, so it is really difficult to get bored. There are numerous societies, suitable for everyone regarding sports, music, theatre, drinking(! ), academic ones, political and whatever you can imagine. There are really active in Durham life (for example now during Christmas time gospel society, and brass band society are in the streets singing and playing music).

Would you recommend the city and the University of Durham to other students?

Definitely yes! An opportunity not to miss.

What is the food like?

Lots of restaurant and take-aways with a big variety (from the traditional fish and chips, pizza and burgers till Lebanese and Thai cuisine).

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Durham?

The truth is I did struggle to find accommodation, mainly because I am staying only for six months and most of the landlords were trying to rent their houses for the whole year (9 months).

I am paying £344/month for a fully equipped house ( most of the houses here are fully equipped) and I live with other 3 housemates.

One can stay to the university accommodations, but only if eligible.

Usually you get a lot of help and advising from the university itself when you are seeking for a house in the private market, so do not worry at all about that.

How much does it cost to live in Durham?

Roughly 660 euros per month (including rent).

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Well it's English so everyone more or less could make it. You might struggle with the strong north accent at the beginning but sooner or later you will get used to it.

Language courses, academic writing workshops and many other kind of workshops that could contribute to the better performance to your courses are offered throughout the year and completely free from the university.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Durham from your city?

Flying from Athens/Thessaloniki to London and then taking the train until Durham (approximately 3 hours from Kings Cross train station to Durham).

Alternatively, there are some direct flights from Athens/Thessaloniki to Newcastle and then taking again the train from Durham (which is only 15 minutes away).

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Durham?

Depends on what you would like to do.

If you want to grab a pint of Guinness and chill with some friends, while playing the pool, you could go to the Library pub, or New Inn.

However, there are numerous pubs scattered all around the city.

If you are a party animal you could go to Fabio's, Jimmy Allen's or even to Klute (voted as Europe's worst club, but you could go just for the experience).

Bear in mind that every night there is some kind of event going on organised by the colleges or the societies. Lots of opportunities of free food and drinks there!

You can always chill at your college's bar, where drinks are really chip but mainly they close around 12.

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And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Durham?

I've only been to Bill's since I enjoy cooking at home and it was lovely, but a bit pricy.

From what I can recall right now I would recommend Velvet Elvis, White Kitchen, Café Rouge (all these three for brunch). Tango, Leabaneat, Tia's, Nanto's and many others.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Definitely take a tour at the breath-taking Cathedral, especially during November you will enjoy the Lumiere Festival and several other museums of the city.

Durham is really close to Scotland, so do not miss the opportunity to visit Edinburgh and the other cities close. The Erasmus society organises trips to close cities all the time, so grab the opportunity and go!

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Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Durham in the future?

Enjoy your time and do not miss any opportunity that the university and the city offers you.