How to Choose the Right University to Study in Durham?

Durham is one of the most lively and beautiful cities to stay and study in a county of North East England. The city is low cost when it comes to staying which means you can enjoy a student life without much restrictions. The inexpensive lifestyle along with affordable options of student housing makes it an appealing factor to students from different parts of the world. The city is known to have a rich history that has been witnessed in its architectural buildings and sites. You can come across some of the beautiful places, attractions, festivals, and events which take place on and off campus. The students are attracted to the city as the universities over here have a reputation as one of the top-notch higher education institutions across the UK.

Top Universities in Durham

• University of Durham: Durham University is a public research university that is ranked 78 in the QS World University Rankings. They offer students 99 undergrad and 204 postgrad programs in engineering, science and technology, arts and humanities, and many more.
• New College Durham: New College Durham is one of the independent colleges in Durham which was established in the year 1977. This ranks 1371 in the QS World University Rankings 2022 and 106 in the US News and World Report Rankings 2022. 

How to Choose the Right University?

Catered vs self-catered university

When deciding on a Durham University, the first consideration is whether you prefer a catered or self-catered lifestyle. This decision can significantly impact your overall college experience so you must choose wisely. If you don’t want to cook, then it is best to go with a university that offers catered student apartments in Durham. Meal times can be a great opportunity to socialize with friends beyond your immediate living space. If you are staying at a self-catered accommodation, then you need to know how to cook.

Location

The location of the college matters. When selecting Durham College, it is important to consider its location. Understand if you prefer to stay in the city center which gives you the convenience of being near shops and clubs or you want to stay in the outskirts where you can stay amidst nature. When it comes to studying, each of the colleges offers a great blend of subjects and students from different disciplines so you can have the right opportunity to meet a diverse group of people.  The location of your student accommodation in Durham is essential. Keep in mind that you might not necessarily be taught in the department building in the first year so it is one of the best ideas to familiarize yourself with the university map to see what colleges are closest to the lecture buildings. It is worth noting that the college you select doesn’t necessarily dictate your location since some colleges offer different sites.

Size of the university 

Selecting between a small university and a large university depends on personal preferences. Small colleges offer the students a more intimate setting where they can get to know most, if not all, of their peers. You may find that you offer a closer-knit community as well as a stronger sense of belonging. On the other hand, when you choose to study at a large university it offers a more diverse group of people which provides you with a wide range of varieties in terms of the faces that you will see around the campus. Studying in a good university can help you see many familiar faces around the campus while having the opportunity to meet new people. It is essential to consider the social preferences and also decide which college size is perfect for you.  

Facilities and community 

When selecting Durham College, it is common to have a lot of questions about which one is the best for certain activities like sports, theatre, social spaces, or even aesthetics. It is essential to avoid making decisions which are best to research each college’s facilities, societies as well as sports teams by checking the website.  

Funding opportunities 

As a current Durham University student, you can constantly be amazed by the wide range of funding opportunities that are available to students from different colleges as well as departments. It is no secret that university life is expensive and that is why everyone needs to know about the best funding opportunities which are available to them. You can check with the universities to know about different scholarship opportunities. This will help you to fund your studies and grab the degree in the best possible way. Different departments offer different scholarships which you can check. You can find scholarships for both undergrad and postgrad students. If you get the funding for studies, then you can afford the best student rooms in Durham.

Accommodation 

If you are considering living in the college, then your top priority suit be finding suitable accommodation which meets your needs. In Durham, you can find a wide range of options that offer unique styles and amenities. Most of the college accommodation in Durham is located in the historic buildings. This provides you with a sense of pride in the place you call home and also makes it a unique experience. In terms of facilities, each of the colleges offers Durham student accommodation its own set of bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms as well as dining rooms.