Experience in Durham, United Kingdom by Florence

What is it like to live in Durham? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Durham is a beautiful city with a friendly atmosphere and something for everyone. If you're into big clubbing nights in multi-story venues then you can hop on a train to Newcastle and you'll be there within 30 minutes. The city itself is full of coffee shops, places to eat, pubs and the usual high street shops. The parts along the river are great for early-morning jogging or walking, especially on a sunny day.

What is the student lifestyle like in Durham?

As a student in Durham, whatever your interest, you will find others like you. The universities clubs and societies host a huge range of activities to get involved in. Since it is a small city, there are not a lot of concerts and cultural events, so you have to get involved with societies in order to discover different venues and people. It's a small city so you can get to know it well, and there are some good places to see live music such as the Angel, Fishtank (mostly DJ sets), Head of Steam, Big Jug... There are no big multi-story clubs in Durham, but you can have a good night out going to some of the many pubs in Durham and then ending up in Fishtank or Fabio's (who also have live music sometimes). College bars are a good place to hang out because they have cheap drinks, and often host events such as open mic nights and other events.

If you like sport then Durham is definitely for you. Every college has dozens of sports teams to join. Durham is in the top 3 for university sport so if you're a serious athlete then it's a good place to come.

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How much does it cost to live in Durham?

Rented housing ranges from anything around £50-£120 depending on location, quality and size. The average per week is around £70. You can buy food quite cheaply if you're smart. Grocery shopping at the market and heading up to Aldi/Tesco extra in Gilesgate will save you a lot of money. Gilesgate is the place to look if you're on a tight budget and you don't mind walking a little further.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Durham? Is there any advice you can give?

Accommodation is very easy to find in Durham. You may find something on Erasmusu.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is not great in Durham, mostly takeaway places and Italian restaurants. The standout places to go are Zen and El Coto, but for a cheap student meal Spags is the place to go

What places would you recommend visiting in Durham?

Cathedral, college bars, castle college, along the river, Whinney Hill, Botanic gardens, pubs off the beaten track.

Is it good to eat out in Durham? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

El Coto, Zen, Claypath Deli (a lesser-known treasure), most of the coffee shops, Sambuka (£3.95 for 3 courses!), Spags if you like simple, cheap Italian food.

Is the nightlife good in Durham? Where is good to go?

Depends on your taste - Lloyds/Loveshack/Klute for chart music and sticky floors. The Angel, Fishtank, Head of Steam for live music. The Swan and 3, Varsity, Hild Bede bar for a nice pint.

What advice would you give future students heading to Durham?

Try everything and find your thing.

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