Durham University came fourth in a recent survey into student satisfaction (as voted by students) as well as picking up ‘University of the Year’ in the Sunday Times annual guide 2005.
The city itself also has much to offer with a rich heritage and chequered history. The market town feel, with its cobbled streets, street entertainment and pedestrianised shopping, is set off by a more modern movement of stylish bars and sumptuous eateries.
Read what Durham’s students have to say about their second home...
Chase
Elvet Bridge, Durham
Tel: 0191 386 6210
New students starting at Durham University might like to try one of my favourite bars on the river bank. Chase is rather cool, has classy music (usually) and nice views of the river. Importantly, it welcomes students and usually has some offers and promotions on drinks and food. You can get a nice bottle of wine in an ice bucket for under a fiver with as many glasses as you need. Basic food includes cheesy chips, burgers and other student ‘staples’. Go and have a look!
Geoffrey Pinchen
Klute
Elvet Bridge, Durham
Tel: 0191 386 9859
Klute was voted Europe’s 2nd worst nightclub by FHM in 1996 and then the 1st (in Belgrade) burnt down not long after. It’s a real student hang-out with hardly any locals and great cheesy music (the Baywatch theme tune is a favourite and Dean Martin’s ‘That’s Amore’ is played at the end of every night). On a weeknight you can get in for £2.50 and on a Wednesday night it’s where all the sports teams go to unwind. It’s rather small and sweaty but it’s cheap and I love it!!
Lauren Donaldson
Ricardo’s
17 Hallgarth Street, Durham
Tel: 0191 384 4007
Most first-year students are catered at Durham University which means three meals a day, seven days a week. On the occasions I did get tired of the food, I always headed to Ricardo’s. This Italian is, in my opinion, the best of the bunch in Durham and if you head down in happy hour you’ll get a great deal.
Natasha Pestell
Oldfields
18 Claypath, Durham
Tel: 0191 370 9595
My ex boyfriend took me to Oldfields once for a bit of a treat and the food was amazing. It’s pricey but nice for a special occasion. The emphasis is heavily on organic food and locally produced goods – they even have a separate ‘Taste Of The North East’ menu, which is all cooked with local produce. Downstairs is modern, light and airy but on the first floor is a beautiful oak-panelled room with lovely stain-glass windows. If you’re going to fork out for a more expensive meal, then I recommend making sure you have a table booked upstairs.
Lisa Anderton
Durham Cathedral
The College, Durham
Tel: 0191 386 4266
Our 900-year old cathedral is really beautiful and everyone should go and climb the 364 steps to the top of the tower at least once (though I discovered recently that you’re not allowed to do it in flip flops). Areas of the Cathedral were also used in the filming of the Harry Potter films.
Lauren Donaldson
University College
Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham
Tel: 0191 334 4099
Right opposite the Cathedral is University College, which is an old castle that sits inside a Norman fortress and is a popular tourist site. It was built in 1072 and given to the University by a Bishop who lived within the castle. It remains the most impressive University building and can have quite an eerie and exciting atmosphere at night. The student union bar is actually the castle dungeon and a great place to lose an evening with friends.
Adrian Thurrock
