When you receive your acceptance letter into Durham University, you get a sense of greatness- like you are part of an elite few. The start of my university journey with Durham was far from smooth sailing, their administrative team is nothing short of dreadful- god forbid you have a pressing issue as it will not be resolved in any immediate timeframe. I was having issues with my enrolment, and after calling over 10 people trying to resolve the issue I had to move to Durham without even so much as knowing my timetable.

That aside, the teaching is excellent, and you can definitely see how they have ranked so highly when you listen to one of the professors speak in a lecture. Their credentials are nothing short of inspiring. Some of the building are modern and plush, though mostly the buildings are dilapidated- and definitely overdue a refurbishment. However, everything works, and these particular criticisms on aesthetic could be viewed as slightly snobbish.

The disability support for students is almost non-existent, there’s little wheelchair accessibility in the older buildings (most of them) and if you have a processing issue and are in need of a support plan and assessment extensions? Be prepared to fight tooth and nail to get them. The housing crisis is also particularly poignant in Durham, with students queueing from 2am outside of the estate agents in OCTOBER to secure student housing for the following year.

Overall, I’m grateful for the opportunities I am receiving at Durham University and the avenues attending such a prestigious institution opens for me. However, would I recommend it over any other university? I’m not sure I would.