Experience in Durham, United Kingdom by Jasmine

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

It's nice being able to live in a small enough (very small, in fact! ) city that you can walk everywhere without needing to get a bus. (Although, if you're feeling particularly lazy, you can get a bus to the library from North Road in town, which is handy if you have a lot of books to carry! ).

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The weather is very cold and usually snowy in the winter and very sunny in May normally. So you get the best of both worlds!

What is the student lifestyle like in Durham?

The collegiate system means that you have a sort of helpful network of people in your college for friendships and support.

The nightlife is pretty poor (we're home to the worst rated nightclub in Europe - Klute! ) but you end up strangely enjoying how terrible and tacky it is! The nightlife is also made better by the cheap alcohol to be found in College bars and some other establishments. The cinema/theater here is quite limited, but good for seeing the odd film or play (some student plays and musicals are fantastic! Highly recommend those... ). But the restaurants and cafes are brilliant, and you can eat and drink really cheaply in some.

Colleges also run a lot of events independently for their own students, like dinners, balls, fancy dress parties, and lots of them have coffee shops and toastie bars in them.

Also, Newcastle, full of lots to do culturally (and a buzzing nightlife if that's your thing) is only a 15/20 minute train ride away, and costs £3. 50 for a single ticket. Perfect.

How much does it cost to live in Durham?

It's not too bad. At the moment I'm paying £74 per week to live in my house, which is very good for the centre of town. If you live out in Gilesgate it can be a lot cheaper, e. g. £60 per week, but it's a bit of a trek away from the main lecture halls, but ok if you have a bike!

The maximum house price I've heard of is £130 per week, but these prices are easily avoided.

There aren't any big supermarkets in Durham town centre, but there are a couple of Tescos and an Iceland which are fine. The big supermarkets outside the city centre are accessible by bus which is cheap, or you can just order your shopping online, which is very easy and convenient!

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

Not at all - there's always a mad rush early on in the year to find accommodation, but it never runs out. There are lots of student estate agents that can help, or you can apply for accommodation in college.

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

My favourite restaurant here is an oriental cafe/ store called "The Golden Pearl" - the food is absolutely delicious and very cheap. Only problem is that it closes very early at night - but you can run there and grab a delicious take away also to take home.

College food is fine, very standard, but never terrible.

What places would you recommend visiting in Durham?

The cathedral - it's beautiful.

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

Yes, it is great! The Golden Pearl (see above! ), The Slug and Lettuce (doesn't sound like an appetising name, but it's nice in there, promise! ), San Marco, Bella Italia, and the best fish and chips just off North Road is called Stantons - the tastiest f&c ever. And if you go in on Tuesdays or Fridays, it's buy one get one free!

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

I'm not the best judge of this as I don't enjoy getting really drunk and clubbing. Unfortunately also, British students are a bit embarrassingly capable of getting very drunk at clubs, in comparison to more sensible European students. But Loveshack, Lloyds and Klute are popular, as are Loft and Fishtank. But there are also lots of pubs and bars which are great

What advice would you give future students headed to Durham?

Throw yourself into lots of societies and activities, have lots of fun, and try to find lots of varied people - may be a little difficult in Durham, but when you do, it's worth it.