Durham University

[KingscoteStaff]

The continuation thread for those with DC at Durham, or applying to Durham, or alumni, or staff!

January 2022 finds our DC packing their big coats, checking the forecast for snow and wondering when Michaelmas actally is...?

Assemble!
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In a premium area. Not 'at a premium' which is clearly what the letting agencies are doing. Wish there was an edit button!

Wow the accommodation is crazy. It has always been pretty expensive though. Years back all the accommodation had to be advertised through the uni, there were no agencies and there was a set day when it went live, everyone would race around in groups viewing houses only to find the house had gone before you'd even set foot in the door and then a couple of weeks later everyone was done and normal life resumed.

DS hasn’t mentioned the college accommodation being more expensive this year. I hope we’re not in for a nasty surprise <gulp>
They were lucky to get 2nd year in college. Going off earlier incarnations of this thread I did warn him back in Dec they needed to get a move on finding somewhere but as is the way, he hand-waved it away . I think he will be more proactive this year with the flatmates he has roomed with again. He will be very lucky to get all 4 years in college accommodation.

Yes crazy rents whether on max maintenance loan or minimum maintenance loan and parents having to make hefty contribution towards it.

Does anyone know, please, if there is a lot more flexibility within single honours History or Ancient, Mediaeval & Modern History at Durham. Also have heard a lot about an unpleasant culture and that those who drop out do so because of class distinctions/harassment/loneliness??😒

@GerronBuzanDoThaWomwok Hi are you looking with a DC starting in 2023? Can’t help you with history but my DD started in September and loving it. There are a real mix of kids in her flat some state & some private educated. On her course she has very wealthy children but plenty of every day kids. She hasn’t felt uncomfortable. In fact she is loving the welcoming nature if the college system. Self catering in a modern college with gowned formals so a good mix of old and new

Another with a DS who started in Sept. He's also in a s/c college no gowns. Hs's having a good time and making friends in his college, through sport and on the course. In freshers week there was lots on to break the ice in college and plenty of it didn't include alcohol. To be honest DS is mainly interested in what sports other enjoy. I'll happily tell you he has £100 per week to cover everything incl his food, having got minimum loan.

Thank you

@GerronBuzanDoThaWomwok also have a DS in a SC gowned college. He is working class northern and proud from a state GS and loving Durham leading a full life and his flat seems to be getting on very well and all looking out for one another and still socialising a fair bit together although a lot less intensely than freshers week. DS on min ML and has less than £100 a week but he has access to extra money some savings and his earnings from working over the summer.

Also a DS from a Northern state grammar, we are from working class backgrounds. The ‘Raahh Contingent’ seems very much a relic from the past at Durham now and he has met students from a wide variety of schools and backgrounds. I’m sure there may be little pockets of snobbery here and there but tbh there was 30 years ago at my Uni, which was not ‘posh’ or RG.
SC Hill college, gowned formals.
Neither he nor us were worried he wouldn’t fit in. Lives off his basic ML and we pay accommodation. He is not a big Party Person and doesn’t have expensive hobbies (equipment, travel etc) though.
Can’t help with the subject mix, as he is a Science.

DS started at Durham this year (after getting a contextual offer based on school and postcode). He’s loving it so far. I am overjoyed at how happy he seems, despite having caught Covid! He has met lots of people and has made a tight-knit group of friends already. He says everyone is nice and hasn’t come across any snobbishness.

Has anyone s 1st years sorted accommodation out for next year yet? Dd says the cheapest they have found is 160pwpp. Seems ridiculously expensive.

Yes, my DD signed last night. £160pppw for a 6 bed (all en-suite) house at the town end of Gilesgate. Bills included (but I'm not sure if there are usage caps). Feels very early, and very expensive, but the house looks nice and price is reasonable compared to others available (but still expensive!). It's bonkers that this has all started when they have only been there 4 weeks.

@GoldenRuby if it bills included and all en-suite that sounds ok in terms of price. My boys have paid less but only 3-4 years ago when rents were as low as £100 but no en-suite and no bills included.

I know there are issues with supply and demand. DD was looking last night, today and tonight so let’s hope they find something en-suite with bills for that. It’s too early but appears to be what done now - used to be December to end of January for year 2 but clearly changed.

My DD has secured 2nd year house in the viaduct. She was in the q at 7.30am on tuesday and got her first choice. £170 pppw not including bills 😩

Wow! DD graduated from Durham this year. Her second year house was in the viaduct and was £525 pcm excl bills. House wasn’t great then was £580pcm in 3rd year in Mount Joy. That’s a massive increase.

@cocopops which letting agency did she go through please and how many weeks is the contract for etc please?

DS is too laid back and afraid he may miss the 🚤 with housing.

DD used these.
www.framptonandroebuck.co.uk/students/?bedrooms=4

Yes, my DD signed last night. £160pppw for a 6 bed (all en-suite) house at the town end of Gilesgate. Bills included (but I'm not sure if there are usage caps). Feels very early, and very expensive, but the house looks nice and price is reasonable compared to others available (but still expensive!). It's bonkers that this has all started when they have only been there 4 week

That sounds good, particularly given the cost of energy bills.

My son saw one he liked at £140pppw but no bills included. He's very unsure whether to sign up for one now or wait until more are released.

She used Frampton and Roebuck as well. It’s a 51 week contract which seems to be the norm.

DD’s was 52 weeks. July to July

Oh dear. Has DS missed the boat on accommodation?

They need to get a group of housemates together before looking at houses.

@Watsername - I doubt he's missed the boat - the house DD is in this year came up comparatively late but he should be on it and so should his proposed housemates. Ideally somebody checks daily to see what's there. Then they have to be quick off the mark to secure it. It is very time consuming.

Some of DD's friends got a house on the viaduct this week for £115 pp/w ex bills Others got one for £165 ex bill - that one is rather nicer!

Sorry, wasn't sure if that was in response to my post or someone else's?

He has his flat mates agreed and they've been looking at possible houses but he thinks there's more released on Monday so was waiting for those. Which may or may not prove a wise strategy...