Durham, a quaint and compact city located in North East England, is home to some of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK. The majestic Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tower over the city's landscape and attract thousands of visitors annually.
Often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in England, Durham is just three hours by train from London and less than two from Edinburgh. Durham University is not only a world top 100 university but also the third oldest university in England, and it is ever popular among students worldwide. Let's learn more about this charming city.
Five Reasons to Study in Durham
1. Enriching Student Life
It is said that when you come to Durham, you enter a community and not just start another school year. Durhamites take great pride in their city's rich history and cultural heritage and often show genuine interest in sharing their knowledge and experiences with newcomers and visitors. The city's compact size and close-knit community create an atmosphere where people are approachable and friendly.
The cobbled streets, historical buildings, and stunning architecture add to the city's charm. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter movies, you will be delighted to recognize Durham Cathedral since it was featured in the "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" film as a backdrop for Hogwarts. You will have plenty of opportunities to take stunning selfies.
The university also provides fantastic Student Enrichment opportunities, with over 1000 student clubs covering various interests. From Arts and Culture to showcase your talents to multiple curiosity-led academic activities like guest lectures and debates, you will always find something you love to do.
2. Top-Rated University
Durham University is one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious universities. Although it was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1832, making it the third oldest university in England, its origins can be traced back to the 11th century with the establishment of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, which are the core of the university.
The university's culture is deeply intertwined with the city's rich history and traditions, and today offers over 200 undergraduate and 100 postgraduate courses in various fields, including Law, Finance, Business, Engineering, Arts and many more. The university has remarkable physical and social science departments and is known for its exceptional team of scholars and researchers who actively interact with their students, creating a supportive learning environment that fosters curiosity and critical thinking.
Durham University offers a unique blend of historical charm, a strong academic reputation, and a supportive community, creating an ideal educational and personal environment for students to thrive.
3. Many Things To Do
If you are passionate about food and love exploring regional and international cuisine, Durham has much to offer. You will be delighted by several British staples, like the ever popular Fish n Chips at Bells, to newer flavours in dishes from around the world. You'll find iconic cafes like Cafedral Durham serving cakes, bakes and everything in between and local favourite Flat White Kitchen, whose airy dining spaces, cosy corners and even a secret garden serve you high-quality Brit-meets-Asian cuisine.
Indian students will feel right at home with plenty of Indian restaurants around, such as The Spice Lounge and the multiple curry nights hosted weekly. For fresh, local produce, head straight to Durham’s Market Hall. Established in the 19th century and overlooking the River Wear, the hall remains the beating heart of Durham’s trader community.
Durham's history dates back to the 11th century, and the Castle and Cathedral, declared by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, dominate the city's skyline. Remember to put on your sensible shoes if you want to brave all 325 steps of Durham Cathedral Tower, that offer unrivalled views over the historic Durham.
Durham's traditional events include the Lumiere Festival, a biennial light festival that illuminates the city with spectacular light installations, creating a magical atmosphere in snowy November. If shopping is on your mind, head right to the city's heart and just a stone’s throw away from the historic marketplace to the Prince Bishop Shopping Centre. It is Durham's number one shopping destination, offering a mix of boutique stores and familiar high-street brands like Boots and Clarks.
4. Golf, Cricket and River Walks
Durham’s picturesque setting offers various sporting and fitness facilities for enthusiasts of all ages and interests. From the wonderful Wharton Park, now showcasing a new heritage centre, café, and play area, to enjoying a leisurely stroll along the scenic Durham Riverside Walk, being in nature is one of the most popular ways to keep fit in the city.
Cricket fans will be happy to know that the Riverside Ground, home to the historic Durham County Cricket Club, is less than 6 kilometres north of the city, as is the celebrated Chester-le-Street Golf Club next door. Records show that King George VI also played golf there.
5. Career Possibilities
Durham offers a range of career possibilities for fresh graduates, with opportunities in various industries and sectors like Banking, Technology, Education, and Tourism, among others. Despite its smaller size than nearby cities like Newcastle or Sunderland, Durham is an economic hub for the surrounding rural areas. It provides essential services, shopping centres, and commercial opportunities, benefiting both the residents and students.
Some companies based in Durham are Atom Bank, the Banks Group, the prestigious Kromek Group, whose roots have a history in Durham University, and many others that are always eager to employ bright graduates.
Study in Durham
Durham's intriguing history, unique traditions, and charming quirks make it a fascinating city with plenty to discover for Indian students. Contact SI-UK today if you want to learn more about studying in Durham or to begin your application for the upcoming intake.
Living and Studying in Durham FAQ
Is Durham a good place to study?
Yes, Durham is a recommended place to study for students who want to be immersed in the learning experience. It has the best universities in the UK and provides the students with
Is Durham University good for student life?
Yes, Durham University is good for student life. It is a part of the top 200 institutions for research and teaching and ranks in the list of top 10 universities in the UK. It is a popular destination for international students.
What is the reputation of Durham University?
Durham University is considered a prestigious educational institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence. It is ranked 277th in Best Global Universities and is known for its world-leading status.
What is the acceptance rate for Durham University for international students?
The acceptance rate for Durham University is 41%, which is competitive. Applicants must have a strong academic score and excellent scores in other examinations required to study in the UK.
What are the most competitive Durham courses?
Durham is highly known for its competitive courses. It is popular for courses like arts and humanities degrees, especially Theology and Religious Studies, English Literature, History and Geography.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
