Durham University

[KingscoteStaff]

A continuation thread for those with DC at Durham, or applying for Durham or alumni or staff! Share your thoughts and questions on colleges, courses, etc.

Assemble! @Baytreemum @WelshDaff @WinterRobin @janinlondon @MarchingFrogs @ChildOfFriday @tava63 @Terfterfterf @TonTonMacoute @Suki2 @Quair @Greyhair59 @bpisok @Jan069 @999caz @nipersvest @mum2eim @witchend @chopc @alterego2

Who have I missed??

Hello @WentworthMillerMad!

Sorry about train fiasco - what a bore for you. DS has 2 school friend at South who both love it!

Hi all.
Can anyone recommend somewhere to stay in Durham for when restrictions are eased? . Dc and I are going get train up to do an overnight visit and do a walking tour when we are allowed. Cheapish . I know there is a Travellodge and a Premier inn in Durham. Any experience of these or other recommendations would be much appreciated.

@Longtimenewsee we stayed at the premier inn in the centre of town last Sept. It was the usual standard you would expect from a premier inn and as I remember was quiet given its so centrally located. Parking is nearby in a multi-story car park but you do get it cheaper (if not free as I can remember) if your staying in the premier inn. The hotel is near amenities and restaurants etc.. We have also stayed in the premier inn further out of town (for the open day the previous year) but that was quite far out and not the best walk along the very busy main road. Ok if your happy to drive for a bite to eat etc.. but was not convenient for what we wanted to do

We have stayed at the Royal Marriott in the centre twice, and got upgraded to a suite one time!
There is a car park and it’s an easy walk to most places. There’s also a pool and fitness centre.

Hotel Indigo on Old Elvet was doing mega deals during the Autumn half term - beds lovely but don’t pay for breakfast there, sample one of the cafes overlooking the river.

Thank you all so much for this much appreciated!

Those who have DC currently at Durham Uni now - what are DC saying about student life? Is anything happening on campus?

My DS is at home, going back next weekend after his last exam so he can get back to his sport and socials! He says there looks to be quite a bit of organised stuff going on, including his college ball in June.

DS has had cricket matches against other universities and rugby matches against other colleges. Until the 17th, they are still eating in households. He is also looking forward to the College Ball and the Jazz Soc garden party - the first time that society will have met face to face!

Lovely to hear. Hopefully looking positive for Sept

Could someone tell me where I can find out info about the cost of accommodation at Collingwood? I have looked on the website and couldn't find the info anywhere. Thanks in advance.

Hi @chopc information and residence charges can be found here
www.dur.ac.uk/experience/colleges/costs/

Thank you @SpringSparrow !

So if you get full Maintainance loan and get a single catered room, you will be left with £1594 for the year. Is this enough spending money for the year? I am thinking not.

Mmmm I've been pondering this one too @chopc.
So that’s roughly £30 a week if you spread it out over the entire year.
Obviously they will have to feed themselves a few meals a week if they can’t get back to college for mealtime? I’d be really interested to know (from those whose dc had catered hall in pre covid times ) if they end up missing lots of mealtimes because of course sessions .
And there will be the odd takeaway and also nights out (hopefully!) with new found friends.
We’ll probably pay for a few train fares and we’ll keep on paying her phone.
Dd has a job now ( over the summer) and I’m guessing she’ll do the same over the next few summers to boost her income. I think she may need to!

I mean there is a whole thread on how much allowance to give DC and I am none the wiser! Husband thinks about £100 a week but I think this is way too much just for pocket money .........I was a student in London, walked everywhere to save even £1.80 tube price; drank alcohol from Budgens before going out and looked out for all the free entries to night clubs etc. Students are supposed to live frugally right?

Reading the threads shows that DC live on varying amounts according to how much they go out/if they work/how much their parents contribute.

My DS at Durham says most students seem to have unlimited funds from parents, but he manages to do everything he wants to on less!

There is Durham grant scheme of £2k (if under £25k household income) . I guess that could be a starting point (if your dc is not eligible)- ie give them that amount yourself on top of the full maintenance loan amount ?

I agree with you both though.. it’s character building and a blimmin good life skill to learn to budget and NOT have unlimited funds

@Longtimenewsee It's more than £30/week though if you only count the weeks they are at uni. Plus uni holidays are so long, there's ample time to get a job and also be able to do any assignments and see friends and have fun.

When I went (different era of loan structures, to be fair), my parents paid my Trevs board a lodging, and my wonderful, but living in a different world, Dad gave me £5 a week allowance to cover 'everything else'. Needless to say I never had the heart to say I needed more, so took out the max loan possible and worked in the holidays. It was good to learn to budget.

Yes @GoTrevs.. Dd has a job for this summer.. and she’s not daft with money. I’m sure she’ll cope ok (plus hopefully have enough spare cash for lots of fun). Our young people could do with a bit of that!

We are giving DS £150 a month on top of his fully catered college room.

We also pay for his phone and sports kit.

He earned quite a lot last summer coaching sport and has dipped into that a little bit. He has definitely had less opportunity to eat/drink out than in a normal year. However, the staggered dining times for bubbles has meant that he has to eat at 5.45pm, which has led to a considerable expenditure on takeaways at 10.30pm!

We are in Durham. Dd is on a offer holders tour and I am mooching. The sun is shining Oh. My .word. So beautiful here!

I think my daughter will firm today - she does prefer some of the modules on offer at Bristol though.

Just had stunning photos from DS of yesterday’s cricket and evening sunlit party.

@KingscoteStaff that is lovely! I had photos from Hexham regatta - similar theme! This last month is turning out well for DD. Still working two jobs, and rowing like a demon every chance she gets. Fingers crossed that the June balls can go ahead.