First gen worries
Being a first-generation university student, I was very worried about going to university: the workload, living away from home, the cost.
Taking BSc geography at university, despite not taking A levels that aligned to these (English and Theatre), I was concerned that I would immediately fall behind in my course. However, I realised I was not alone; Many others had the same queries as I had, and I wasn’t immediately behind! The lecturers are attuned to the idea that not everyone will be at the same level, going through lectures and scientific ideas from the bottom up, ensuring equality and equal opportunities for all to thrive in this community.
Support is exemplary
The support here at Durham is exemplary, with my professors frequently responding to my individual queries and questions, alongside meetings with my academic advisor checking in on my welfare. For me, university at Durham couldn’t have made the transition to higher education any easier, and it is an aspect of my student journey that I am grateful for.
Social life is great
Another aspect of university life that worried me before attending was living away from home and the social aspect of university.
Moving to a city with no one else you know is a daunting idea, however, I believe the college system at Durham is intrinsic to the removal of this barrier. Upon receiving my timetable for fresher’s week, I already had over double the events my other friends had planned at other universities.
On my move-in day at my college (Trevelyan) I already had events for that night, forcing me out of my strange and quiet room to socialise and meet other freshers. The whole week was designed for meeting a wide range of different people, be it a subject brunch (so I had people to walk to my first lectures with), landing formals (to get to know the people I was living alongside) to social taster sessions (meeting others who had common interests). I was so busy I had little time to worry about living away from home, and finding friends fast eradicated this fear for me.
Making the most of being in a catered college
Finally, concerns over the cost of university at Durham. Being in a catered college, we decided this would help ease the stress of budgeting for meals, being provided healthy and balanced food every day. Alongside this, I often take fruit from mealtimes for healthy snacks throughout the day, ensuring I never have to buy food, allowing me to save more money over the weeks. This helps to ease my financial concerns over enjoying university yet still being able to afford it. In my college, there is also a lot of financial support and advice if I ever need it, and I feel looked out for.
At Durham, my concerns about coming to university as a first-gen student were reduced drastically. My advice to you would be not to be put off from attending this institution due to these worries.
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