Finding my place in my college community 

An overwhelming start

When I started university I moved to Durham from Northern Ireland. I had never lived in England before, and I was a long way from home. I am really close with my family and friends at home, and I missed them a lot. On top of this, it was hard to adapt to university life; academics, cooking and laundry. Doing things as an adult was overwhelming.  

I felt really alone, it was overwhelming after fresher’s week as I was in a new country, with new people, culture and places.  Despite this, I quickly found my feet. My college welfare team, older students and peer mentors were brilliant at giving advice and I had access to wider university services for wellbeing and support for mental and physical health and academic support.

College soon became my home

My friends were my rock and are now like my second family. They made me feel so happy, safe and comfortable and I am now happy and proud to call Durham my home. My college felt like such a tightly knit community, with a plethora of sports and societies, I was easily able to become involved and make even more friends. The collegiate system is a vital part of this university and truly makes it a home.  

Now I’m thriving

A year later I am thriving here. I play two sports with college and supported charities through this, I am on two executive committees and finished my first year in a great place academically. I chose to be a Welfare Representative for incoming first years at my college. Thinking about how scary my first few weeks were, I really wanted to make an impact on other Freshers. 

It is so important to know you are never alone at Durham. Truly this is a brilliant community and there are always people who can relate to you – everyone is in the same boat! As I mentioned, we have so many resources to help you adjust to university life, we can provide support for mental health, homesickness, housing and academics.  

My top tips for incoming students

1. Get involved! 

You never know what your new passion could be, mine was cheerleading – which shocked everyone I knew. Whether its DU or college there’s something for everyone at Durham! 

2. Look after yourself! 

Try to meal prep, drink lots of water, get daily fresh air and ask for help when you need it – it’s why we have all of our resources. 

3. Talk, talk, talk! 

Talk about how you are feeling! Ring your mum, dad, sibling, grandparent – anyone. It is so important to share how you are feeling. As I’ve mentioned, lots of people will be able to relate, listen and give great advice! 

Choosing to be brave and come to Durham University was the best decision I have made for myself. I have been able to grow so much as a person through this experience and be a member of a valuable and meaningful community! 

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Megan Dunlop

I'm Megan, a penultimate year Politics and International Relations student from Belfast, at John Snow College. I have actively participated in college dance and cheerleading societies, served as a Welfare Representative, and raised funds for various charities. Currently, I am the Social Secretary of the John Snow Debate and Public Speaking Society, Newsletter Editor for Durham Women in Politics, and a producer at PalTV. Recently, I attended the Durham Diplomatic Society's Ambassadors Programme in London as a Delegate. 

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