First time away
One of the greatest challenges I have faced since my endeavour in joining Durham University as a first-year student, was the ability to make the move. At the age of 19, this was my first time moving away from my home in South London.
As a city, London for me is made up of so much culture and diversity, which I presumed Durham lacked. The vibrancy of my city (London) left me weary. I was rather doubtful that Durham was not going to be the ideal home for me.
When leaving the South, I remember driving up with my sister and expecting to feel estranged and alone when I got to university. Thoughts raced through my head, and I was predicting mountainous amounts of imposter syndrome upon arrival. All I could question was if Durham was going to be accepting of me? However, after countless moments of staring cautiously out of the car window with my mind in a cloud, I was soon made hopeful again.
Finding my community
Just a week into my stay at Durham, fresher’s week had arrived and I was introduced to the Afro-Caribbean Society. Undoubtedly, Durham as a community did not instil a lack of inclusivity towards me, but joining the ACS community was like an additional comfort blanket. I feel it is so important to be in spaces where you are both seen and represented, in order to propel you as an individual. So, the reminder of the fact that Durham University had spaces for me as a black female student, ignited me with joy. Within ACS, I have met many fellow black heritage students just like me who were new to Durham.
Besides this society Durham has shown me that it is a city for individuals of many diverse backgrounds (even outside of the black community). I have met many international students since my stay at Durham and studying Sociology, it has truly widened my scope of the world. Hearing stories about how various people found their way at Durham and the journeys we each took is so inspiring. One thing I love about university is living with people who have their own experiences and tales.
All in all, though my past self would not have seen this coming, I am happy to say that Durham is a second home to me.
Discover more
Download our latest prospectus and college guide here.
Follow The Durham Student on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
