Hey there! I’m Magdalena, a second-year PhD student in the Classics department at Durham. Funnily enough, when I first came here for my Master’s in Classics, I had zero intention of continuing to a PhD. But within the first month, that completely changed.
From the get-go, I felt so welcomed in my college and the department. The atmosphere was incredibly warm, friendly, and intellectually stimulating, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this was where I wanted to continue my academic journey.
The Classics department at Durham is honestly amazing. The support here is top-tier, whether it’s access to a ton of resources in both the department library and the Bill Bryson Library, or the guidance from incredibly supportive supervisors who help at every stage of the research process.
There are always events happening, some organised by the department, others featuring outside speakers and they’re really well advertised, so you always know what’s going on. They’re a great way to dive deeper into your own research or explore something completely new. And if that’s not enough, the Classics Society is another fantastic way to meet people who share the same passion for the ancient world. Whether it’s casual chats, fun activities, or more structured discussions, it’s such a great community to be part of.
Of course, I get it PhD life is busy. If you can’t squeeze in another seminar or society meeting, you can always just hang out in the library, where you’ll inevitably meet other students to exchange ideas (or just find a cozy corner to dive into your work).
If you’re thinking about coming to Durham, I highly recommend checking out one of the open days. You’ll get the chance to meet staff and chat with student ambassadors who can give you the inside scoop and answer any questions you have. And if you can’t make it in person, the Classics department website is a great source of information, whether it’s about ongoing research, staff expertise, or what’s happening in the department.
So if you’re considering Classics at Durham, go for it! Just to warn you, you might not want to leave! 😊
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