I’m Savannah, a third year American international student studying Ancient History and Archaeology. Studying at Durham has given me many career opportunities, leadership positions, and amazing memories I will cherish for life. I love hill walking, dance, and trying new sports! There is no shortage of things to do in Durham, and I’m excited to share it!
When I started to look at where I wanted to apply for university the summer before my senior year of high school, I was overwhelmed with all the options. I knew that I wanted to study abroad in Europe, specifically the United Kingdom, because I knew family friends who lived here, but I had no idea what school was best for me.
Through tons of research, I started to see a name pop up over and over again, Durham University. For my degree, Ancient History and Archaeology, Durham ranked top 6 (in classics) and 5 (in archaeology) in the QS World University Rankings. This is no small feat, but to me that was only a small portion of why I chose Durham.
From the USA to the UK
Growing up in Texas, USA I really wanted to experience a small-town northern university life. I loved the idea of crisp autumn leaves and snowy winter light shows. The city of Durham may be one of the most picturesque university towns I have ever been to. I did not get to visit Durham before I was accepted, but from pictures and videos, I knew it was a place of magic. The Cathedral and Castle, historic medieval roads with shops, and the riverwalk are all very special Durham places that make studying here amazing.
Making friends
Student life is also a big part of why I chose Durham. A quick peruse on the Durham Student Union website shows that they have a society for every interest under the sun. Instant Noodle Society? Check. Taylor Swift Society? Check. They also have dance societies for every type of dance, from Bollywood to Caledonian Scottish Dancing to Ballet. Since joining I have also found it so easy to start a society if it somehow doesn’t already exist.
Joining societies and clubs can seem very intimidating, though. At Durham, however, making friends is so easy cause when you get accepted you are immediately placed in the biggest society you’ll ever join, your college! The collegiate system is something very unique, with only a few schools in the world that still use it, but I think of it as Hogwarts Houses. In the first year, these are the people who share a dorm with you, you eat with, you join clubs with, you go out with in the first week, and overall, they can become some of your closest friends. Your college is your built-in support system, with the Junior Common Room (JCR) planning events you can join, and a whole team of people who are there to support you academically and emotionally.
My typical day
Overall, my experience at Durham University has been very positive, and mostly because of the reasons that drew me here in the first place. My ideal Durham day would consist of an early morning walk by the river to the Cathedral where I would then have a lecture on Ancient Philosophy in the most beautiful historic buildings. Then I would go to a society meeting, maybe a Spicy Noodle Challenge or learn a new traditional Scottish partner dance at the Student Union Building. Ending the day at St Cuthbert’s Society bar, where I get to see all my amazing friends and enjoy the cozy energy of a chilly autumn night and a nice pint in Durham.
Home away from home
To me, university is more than just grades and lectures and ranking, although Durham has more than enough prestige, amazing academic staff, and opportunities. In addition to that, however, Durham has given me a home away from home, where I get to try new things, meet new people, and explore new areas all in this beautiful historic city.
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