Regina’s Experience of Studying at Durham University

Regina’s Experience of Studying at Durham University

Durham University consistently tops the national and international leader boards with its teaching and research excellence, warm collegiate community of extraordinary people and unique historic setting. In the 2022 QS World Rankings Durham ranks 82nd in the world, whilst in the 2022 Guardian University Rankings it ranks fifth in the UK. This makes Durham a great location to get a world-class education at a more affordable price than the traditional G5 universities. So, when I discovered that one of my team members recently graduated from this prestigious institution, I knew I had to get all the inside information!

In this blog article, we will explore what makes Durham such a great place to study and experience real British culture.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Regina: For sure! I am originally from Shandong, China, and studied an undergraduate degree in International Journalism at Shantou University.Then, I applied to Durham University for a postgraduate degree in International Relations.

Why did you choose to study at Durham University?
Regina: My biggest reason for choosing Durham was its excellent reputation and fantastic teaching quality. Its academics are well-respected across the world and Durham is known for producing a high calibre of graduates.

However, I was also fascinated by Durham’s customs, traditions and culture which are incredibly similar to the “Harry Potter Style”. I am an avid Harry Potter fan and from the very start I was excited about the possibility of studying and living in such an environment. Durham has fancy formals, castles, gowns and a college system mirroring that of Hogwarts and old school English etiquette. In fact, it is one of the few universities left in the UK that still uses the college system. 

Doesn’t this remind you of Hogwarts’ dining hall?

What type of students does Durham University prefer?
Regina: With regards to what type of students are most likely to be accepted, Durham definitely prefers enthusiastic students who are eager to engage in academic research, regardless of the subject. Furthermore, athletic talent is highly valued by Durham University. It has one of the best sport programmes in the nation so it looks for students to complement this ideal. 

What is student life like at your university?
Regina: My student life was mostly fun, interspersed with mind-numbing coursework and slightly frantic holidays. Throughout my degree, I lived in Grey College with students from all different subjects and countries. We experienced multiple lockdowns and quarantines together and although it was tough at times, the feeling of community and family helped us get through it together. As the Grey College population was in the same bubble, we celebrated various cultural holidays together and had regular social gatherings. This meant that despite COVID-19 we still got to experience a typical student life.

Durham is centrally located within Northern England and provides easy access to many different, beautiful cities and historical sites. For instance, you’re only a 12-minute train ride to central Newcastle, which is known for its amazing party and nightlife scene.

Where are your favourite places to eat and hang out?
Regina: Downtown Durham is full of delicious restaurants and clubs. There are all kinds of shopping malls in the city centre, and occasionally I go to the market to see if there is something new for me to try.

The town is peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by hills and a river, and I love going for walks in the Old Durham Garden. I often walked through the cricket field and along the river with my classmates. The nearby farm has lovely animals, including peacocks, alpacas, wild boars, horses, and a very clever Border Collie.

Isn’t he the cutest?

What advice would you give to students applying to British universities?
Regina: My first tip is to enrich your life, starting from now. This is important not only for your university applications but also for your future professional life. For international students, my second suggestion is to work on your English, especially content specific English related to your major. By improving your academic English, your studies will be slightly easier, leaving you more time for socialising. Finally, my last piece of advice is to be prepared to have fun. Play as much as you can, learn as much as you can, and don’t worry about going to a foreign country. This will be one of the best experiences of your life and you’ll definitely not regret it!

If you’re interested in studying at Durham University, get in touch with us today. We can help you get in to the university or college of your dreams. Book your free initial consultation now.