What we love about Durham
We asked our students what they loved about Durham. Here is what they said…
Durham University
Durham
About us
Durham - Inspiring the extraordinary.
Durham is a globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.
Durham Cathedral and Castle has been inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1986 for its outstanding universal significance to humanity. They are awe inspiring and the Cathedral has been a place of worship for over a 1000 years.
Why study at Durham?
Founded in 1832 Durham is a World Top 100 University and Russell Group member and the third oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge.
When you join Durham, you will be joining a global community of over 20,000 students from over 130 countries.
Rankings
5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
10 subjects in the World Top 50 (QS World University Rankings by subject 2024)
What makes us different
Durham University offers 17 distinct college communities with a mix of staff and students from all our subject areas. Our colleges have a huge range of student led activities and opportunities to discover new interests and gain skills for life!
The Wider Student Experience at Durham offers unique and distinctive opportunities for enrichment, whether this is through music, sport, theatre or volunteering.
Sport is at the core of Durham student life with a huge range of sporting opportunities available. From joining college teams to competing at University level and beyond, we offer exceptional opportunities to get involved. We’ve been Top 3 BUCS table University since 2012 and have one of Britain’s largest student participation programmes in sport.
Durham is one of the top universities in the world for taking action to address some of the environmental challenges facing society today. We are 19th in the category of sustainability (QS World University Rankings 2025)Durham University
Palatine Centre, Stockton Road,, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3LE
Visit our websiteCourse locations
Durham University Business School
Mill Hill Lane, Durham, DH1 3LB
Durham City
Palatine Centre, Durham, DH1 3HP
Cranmer Hall
St John's College, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3RJ
Durham University
South Road, Durham, DH1 3LG
Ben
Durham UniversityMChem Chemistry (Industrial Project) (F111)Hey, I'm Ben and I've been studying Chemistry at Durham Uni for the past 3 years. After doing all three sciences up to A-Level I found Chemistry to be my favourite, and Durham University has been fantastic for allowing me to explore it in depth whilst still contextualising it in terms of its wider impact. As a result, I've got an industrial placement lined up next year working for Johnson Matthey, where I'll be part of a research team focused around catalysis. Feel free to drop me a message with any questions about Durham's Chemistry course or about anything in general in terms of studying and living in Durham, and I'll try my best to answer them! Audrey
Durham UniversityBA English Literature (Q300)Hi! I'm Audrey, a year 2 English Literature student from Hong Kong. My college is St. Mary's, and I highly recommend it - most of the friends I've made here are from Mary's as well, the community is very nice in general (I'm currently involved in the Book Club, but there are so many more societies!), and the cherry blossoms are beautiful in the spring. I'm open to discussing anything about Durham, from adjusting to the teaching and learning methods from a non-A-levels background, to the collegiate system, to food and weather (it actually rains less than you think). I'm also one of the student representatives for the English Department, so feel free to approach me with any questions about the degree! Divya
Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)Law student aspiring to be a solicitor-advocate at a full-service law firm, with a special interest in commercial law and legal services for individuals. International student born in India and brought up in Zambia. I have done in-depth research into Durham University when developing the 'Transition into Higher Education Course' that every first year receives. I aim to provide support for incoming students on any matters! Bella
Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)I'm Bella - an undergraduate Law student who moved from Vietnam to Durham to start the next chapter of my life :). I'm both an international and home student (because both Vietnam and the UK are my homes) and spend most of my time exploring ways to contribute to things that I feel are greater causes! Feel free to ask me any Durham / course related questions :) Charlotte
Durham UniversityMChem Chemistry (Industrial Project) (F111)Hi everyone! I'm Charlotte, a third year MChem student from Durham University. I'm interested in organic and medicinal chemistry, transition metal catalysis and drug development. I am hoping to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry after I have graduated. I have worked as a tutor and student mentor for the University so feel free to ask me anything related to chemistry, admissions to university, the collegiate system at Durham or any other questions you may have! 😊 Dara
Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)Hi, I'm Dara and I am a law student at Durham aspiring to be a future lawyer but also studies finance and would not mind to have a career in that as-well. Feel free to ask me any questions!!! Emily
Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)Hi! I’m a first-year student studying Law here at Durham University. I’m from Preston, Lancashire and I am a liver in at Stephenson College. I am a member of the Women in Law Society, the Horrible Histories Society and the DU Judo club. In my spare time, I love watching old 90s and 2000s Tv shows as well as cheesy romantic comedies with my flatmates! I’m really passionate about martial arts, especially Japanese Ju Jitsu which I have a brown belt in and I’m currently working towards my black belt with my club back home. My favourite thing about Durham University is the college system which is how I met my friends and course mates! After Durham, I’m hoping to become a solicitor in employment or family law. Crystal
Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)Hiya, my name is Crystal and I am a third year law student at John Snow College! I am an aspiring barrister who loves debate and politics! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have about Law at Durham or any wider student experience queries :) Carmen
Durham UniversityLLB Law (M101)Hey there! I'm Carmen, a second-year law student at Grey College (one of the best ones!). I'm originally from Malaysia, but I've fallen for Durham's charm and history. As a welfare officer at my college, I'm always here to lend an ear and create a safe space for everyone. I also juggle a part-time job at the uni, so I'd love to chat about balancing work and studies. Being an international student, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new culture. I also identify as disabled and queer, and I'm always open to sharing my experiences or offering support if needed. If you're up for a chat about life at Durham or uni life in general, I'd love to get to know you! Bradley
Durham UniversityMPhys Physics and Astronomy (FF3N)I am a current Physics student at Durham University, originally from the Manchester area, who studied Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A-level. I have a keen interest in Astrophysics and Nuclear Energy in particular, and my future career aim is to have a role in either of these areas that involves programming and/or data analysis. I am a big football (Man United) fan, and I have also developed an interest in Formula One over the past few years. Alexandra
Durham UniversityBA Philosophy and Theology (VV56)Hi! I'm Alex and I'm in St Aidan's College studying philosophy and theology! I love all things musical theatre, reading, dance and cheer (alongside my academic interests of course)! I also have a huge passion ethics and plan to go into ethical advising when I leave University! Ellie
Durham UniversityBA Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) (VL52)Hey, I'm Ellie! I'm originally from Bournemouth, Dorset and I'm currently an enthusiastic PPE student at St. Aidan's College. At A Level, I studied Politics, Biology, and Maths (I like to keep my options open!). After uni, I'm interested in working in the political sector. However, as I'm studying such a varied degree, I'd like to explore many possible avenues. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about my course, colleges or uni life!