Planning to move to Durham for your education? It is pretty exciting news. Universities of Durham are famous for their excellent teaching and research.
Thousands of students come every year to study here. But remember that everything has its pros and cons. This guide will help you learn about Durham in depth. So you can decide whether it is a good choice for you or not.
Advantages of Studying in Durham
You will find plenty of advantages to studying in this city. From getting classes to finding student accommodation in Durham, this city provides many pros. Here, they are:
Global Reputation and Higher Education
Durham provides you with a unique student life. It has a worldwide reputation for its education system. This city has world-class universities and holds 89th global position in QS World University rankings.
Your degree from one of Durham universities will be valued globally. This value opens the door for great career opportunities for you.
Living Arrangements in Durham
There are different kinds of student accommodation in Durham. You will find a wide range from private studios and shared flats to university halls.
Private student apartments are affordable and independent options for students. They usually provide amenities such as study spaces, kitchen, gym, laundry, etc. University halls are the first choice for first-year or international students. They prefer this option because it is a ready-made life for a student.
Unique and Strong Education System
Durham has an education system similar to Oxford and Cambridge. This is a unique feature of this city, which makes it stand out from others. It is a perfect place to balance academic and social life.
In Durham, you will join courses that challenge students to another level. In universities, you will find professors who are experts in their field. It motivates you to concentrate on your growth and innovation.
History and Culture
Durham has richness in history and culture. It is featured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has iconic Cathedral and Castle. This city blends amazing student life with historic vibes.
Durham has a diverse cultural and lively lifestyle. You can go to music events, cultural festivals and beautiful cafes while living in this city. Once you step into Durham, you will feel a unique cultural environment.
Job and Extracurricular Opportunities
Besides historic landmarks and rich culture, the city provides you with great job opportunities as well. With its worldwide reputation, your degree will find an open door to grab opportunity for work.
It also encourages you to engage in extracurricular activities such as joining societies, sports clubs, and music groups. You can join whatever club as per your preferences.
Disadvantages of Studying in Durham
The thing that has pros, also has its own cons. Not everything is perfect as it sounds. Here are some disadvantages for students while living in Durham:
Academic Demands
Durham is not for you if you are not willing to accept any challenge. The key to getting into one of Durham universities is strength. This city supports independent study and self-discipline. Many students are not happy with their workloads and deadlines.
It will be difficult for you to adjust if you are an international student who got out of a different education system. You will find it exhausting to balance study, a part-time job, and social life.
Cost of Living
Maybe it is cheaper than other countries in the UK, such as London. But it is still a part of the UK, which makes it expensive. It will be overwhelming for a student who is new to the city.
It will be hard to manage, from paying rent for student accommodation to your daily expenses. You need to do everything carefully, money-wise.
Possibility of Isolation
Durham is a smaller city than Manchester, London, or Birmingham. It means you will have fewer people to match your vibes and talk to. There will be less nightlife, outdoor activities, or entertainment.
It will be very difficult to fit in if you are not a social butterfly. Being an introvert can cause you problems settling in this city.
Limited Academic Flexibility
This city provides common courses like History, English, Law, and Science. If you want to pursue unconventional courses, then you will find fewer options. You will be disappointed if you are interested in higher courses like digital media, fashion, or technology.
Like other cities, Durham does not have universities with rare courses for students. It is a big drawback for those who are studying in this city.
Communication Challenges
Students face slow responses in their lectures and late feedback for assignments. It will impact your student life in a bad way. Many professors are supportive, but most of them can also cause problems for students. It can be very stressful for an international student.
Conclusion
Everything has its good as well as bad side. Durham is no different; it also has its benefits and drawbacks. This city has academic excellence but has fewer course options. It is not that expensive city but the cost of rent, groceries, transport add up quickly here.
But at the end of the day, it is your choice. If you are willing to take its advantages and face its cons, then come to Durham. It is waiting for you.
