8 reasons to choose Durham University

07 Apr 2017

Got your sights set on England for your undergraduate experience? Well, forget Oxford and Cambridge; if you want the most robust student experience Britain has to offer, look no further than Durham University.

Situated in gorgeous Northeast England, Durham is a region long-renowned for its natural beauty and rich heritage. The Northeast also has a lower cost of living and a fraction of the population of the Southeast. It’s no wonder why this region is now one of the most popular study destinations in the UK. After all, Durham University is ranked within the top 100 universities in the world.

Let’s take a look at why Durham University is the perfect fit for you…

1. You’ll love your uni

Durham University boasts an incredible 90% student satisfaction rating. In fact, rates of student involvement in sports and extracurriculars at Durham is also one of the highest in the UK, with their 200+ sports teams consistently leading the university league rankings. Statistically speaking, you’ll be happy, healthy, and fully-involved at Durham University.

2. The city of Durham is one of the most magical places in the world

We mean this quite literally – Harry Potter’s Transfiguration class in The Chamber of Secrets took place in Durham Cathedral! And its influence on the famous wizarding world doesn’t stop there, either, with the dining hall in University College also inspiring the Great Hall of Hogwarts. But the city’s affiliation with The Boy Who Lived isn’t the only thing which makes it so special, since the warmth and spirit of ancient England still lingers in every nook and cranny of the city.

Image courtesy of Durham University

3. Connect with your peers through Durham’s collegiate system.

Unlike most UK universities, Durham is structured into separate colleges – sixteen, to be exact. Your college will not only provide on-campus accommodation, but it will also be the hub of your social and student life. Durham colleges offer top-notch facilities, including gyms, cafes and libraries, just to name a few. You can also join various sports clubs and societies, helping you create life-long friendships with like-minded peers.

4. You won’t have to worry about employability

Of all the universities around the world, Durham is ranked 39^th for employer reputation. In fact, Durham graduates are the ninth-most sought-after graduates in the UK. This comes as no surprise, given the number of celebrities and important social figures among their elite alumni, including former England rugby star Will Carling, BBC Sports presenter Gabby Logan, and the late Labour politician Mo Mowlam, just to name a few.

Image courtesy of Durham University

5. You couldn’t ask for better quality teaching

In 2015, all subjects offered at Durham ranked within the top ten, according to The Complete University Guide, making it the only UK university to have ever achieved this! And more than 90 percent of Durham’s subjects ranked in the top ten again this year. But learning at Durham goes beyond the classroom, with 83% of its research being considered “world-leading” and of “internationally excellent quality.”

6. Durham is steeped in history

The history of Durham is colourful, varied, and enshrouded in legend. Humans have occupied the area since 2000 BC, though a group of monks originally founded the city in 995. Since then, the city has served as a global hub of learning. Durham University is the third-oldest in the UK, behind Oxford and Cambridge. Durham Castle – which was the first building of Durham University – and Durham Cathedral were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

7. Durham balances community and connection

The close, communal atmosphere of Durham will make you feel at home, yet still connected to the fast-paced city life surrounding areas have to offer. If you ever fancy a day away, Durham is just a fifteen minute train journey from Newcastle, a vivacious city with excellent cultural and entertainment opportunities. Manchester and London are a two to three hour train journey away, but since Durham is located on the east coast rail line, catching a train won’t be a problem.

8. You’ll get the quintessential British experience at Durham

When you think of England, you might imagine extravagant castles, uneven cobblestone footpaths, narrow roads winding through lush green hills, and antiquated brick buildings lining city streets. If you’ve been looking forward to experiencing all these things firsthand, Durham certainly delivers.

Still not convinced? Don’t just take our word for it – we’ll let Durham students speak for themselves:

“The one thing which I cannot stress enough is how much there is to do at Durham University. There is a huge variety of sports teams and student societies to join and there is always something going on. Not only have these opportunities helped me develop on a personal level, but they have given me a student experience that I will never forget.” – Sean Lim, Law

“I decided to come to Durham University mainly because of its reputation for academic excellence and the college system. I was also really drawn to the traditional feel of the University, and the low cost of living up North. As a city-girl, I love the fact that Durham is small enough for me to walk wherever I need. It’s a gorgeous place to live and the scenery never fails to brighten my day.” – Maroshini Krishna Morgan, Law

Eager to find out more? You can find out everything you need to know about applying for an undergraduate course at Durham University here.

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