My Erasmus Experience in Durham, United Kingdom (by Laura)

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

I was clear that I wanted to go to the United Kingdom for my Erasmus, and I was also clear that I didn't want to go to London, as I had already been there three times and I wanted to see new places. I chose Durham for its academic prestige, for its system of colleges, and for its landscape.

How long does your grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

I applied for two different grants: the first, the 'MOBINT' from the Government of Catalonia, which gives me 200€ a month; and the second, that of my university (Pompeu Fabra), which, up to now, I have received 500€ of, but I think I am still waiting for another payment.

What is student life like in Durham?

Durham is basically a student city. Lots of parties are organised in the colleges, and the Erasmus Society also regularly organises events.

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

Academically, I recommend the university 100%. In terms of organisation, it's quite bad, at least from my own experience it seems to be. I arrived at the end of September and I leave in less than a week, and they still aren't clear on the number of credits that they are going to give us for each module. On the other hand, the system of colleges is very good, but it's worth mentioning that they go about telling you that you have the right to residence in your college... until you try to reserve a room... then they tell you otherwise. Even still, you can still go to all of your college's events, but, if like in my case, you live a little further away and your bus services are bad, it's not the most enjoyable experience having to walk all the way home.

What is the food like in the UK?

English food isn't the best, but Durham city centre is full of Italian restaurants and those of other nationalities (there is also a Spanish restaurant, but they it should be illegal to call the paella they serve 'paella'). In terms of fast food, there is Subway, Dominos and Greggs, which is always really good when you don't have a lot of time to eat.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Durham?

Yes and no. As I have already said, I chose Durham because, when I asked, they told me that there would be accommodation available in my college, but that wasn't the case. Close to Durham (approximately a 30 minute walk away), there are two villages, Gilesgate and Framwellgate. I was in Framwellgate, in a five room house that I shared with other students. It's not very far away, and it actually would have been really good if the buses weren't so unpunctual (up to 40 minutes of delays). Once you are in Durham, you will find many houses available for students to rent, but when you look through the agencies, they only offer you those in the city's outskirts. If you can do, I would recommend going to Durham before the semester starts and seeing the houses in the city centre in person.

How much does it cost to live in Durham?

I paid more or less £350 a month for rent (400€), but I guess that in the city centre it must be a little more expensive. Food in the supermarket costs more or less the same as it does in Spain, maybe it's a little more expensive... The problem in the exchange rate, which makes everything even more expensive, as the Euro loses out. In terms of public transport, trains in the UK are extremely expensive - you could easily spend £160 on a return ticket to London. Some buses are free with a valid student ID card, and on others, you can pay £1 and be able to travel freely on the services all day. But, as I said earlier, they are quite unpunctual. If you are living in the city centre, you are not going to need public transport, as you can get everywhere on foot.

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

I arrived in Durham with a C1 level of English (equates to more than one year of classes at my university in Spain). The majority of the students and professors are not actually from here, they come from the south, so there's no problem in understanding them. The problem lies with the people from the Newcastle and Sunderland areas... I think it's known as the Geordie accent. Warning: it's impossible to understand.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Durham from your city?

I came by plane from Barcelona. It's much cheaper going to Newcastle Airport and then taking a bus, taxi or train to get to Durham than it is to go to London - you would then have to take a train up to Durham, which would end up making the journey around £80 more expensive.

Which places do you recommend for nightlife in Durham?

There are several places that you can go out to: Loveshak, Klute, Studio, Loft, just to name a few... they are all in the city centre. There are also lots of pubs with a calmer atmosphere; I have been to The Swan and Three Cygnets, and it's actually really good. I also recommend keeping an eye on the parties organised at the university too.

And eating out in Durham? Can you name your favourite places?

The majority of times that I have eaten out have been between classes at Greggs, but there are also restaurants that are really good. Zizzi's is an Italian restaurant, and there is a buffet that is well-priced for students. In terms of restaurants in general, there are lots to choose from.

And cultural hotspots?

It's a beautiful city. It's worth visiting the castle and the cathedral (the cloister from Harry Potter included). The city centre is really pretty, the streets are cobbled (difficult to walk on in heels), and it's full of bridges.

Is there any advice that you want to give to future students in Durham?

Bring warm clothes and an umbrella, and, as I already mentioned, try to find accommodation in the city centre.

I have only been here for three months, but be what the time may be, make the most of it! There are lots of organised trips and excursions to see other close-by cities, but you can also go alone: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Leeds... don't hide away in your house all day, you can do your university work during the week and then make the most of the weekend to do things.

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