York or Durham for Chemistry?

[BeatriceLacey]

DS is undecided. I'm inclined to think that York might be the less stressful option (and that's important, ASD and ADHD). I'm a bit worried that the workload at Durham might be a bit much. Also York clearly want him as he has a very low offer and the admissions tutor recognised his name and chatted at the offer holder day. I'm aware that Durham is more prestigious though and we both prefer the city. But York is closer to home and one of his friends will be on his course.

I'm very aware that it's not my decision to make but if anyone has any suggestions/ information to help him decide I'll be very grateful. Thanks

@SpamhappyTootsie when I was a student at York MANY moons ago almost all third years went back into halls which was great as it was easy and cheap (and you could chose who you lived with).

@bguthb90 I've just had a look and I do indeed recognise a fair few of them

Thanks so much for all the replies. I'll have another read through them tomorrow when less tired.

My daughter is at Durham, I studied at York 30 years ago. I think both are excellent choices.

i would recommend he goes with his feeling on which he prefers. My daughter had Durham firm and York insurance and would have been happy at either. In the end she just preferred the small city feel of Durham and decided that was where she wanted to go.

Someone higher up the thread has mentioned formal gowned dinners at Durham. My daughter has been to a few of these and enjoyed them but they are optional. Not all students go. She also hasn’t experienced any of the elitism that others have mentioned.

Would agree with this from recent experience (business school) even saw lecture notes rehashed from internet! Quality of teaching is generally uninspiring.

York is great. Chemistry there is great, MChem is good and the campus/college set up is excellent. Admissions team for chem is efficient and friendly. What more can I say? Dd went there, so did I.

Thanks everyone. He's decided that he prefers Durham as a place but prefers York's Chemistry department. Any more words of wisdom? I'll give this to him to read.

Out of interest why does he prefer Durham as a place?

I think he prefers Durham as it's smaller, prettier and has hills.

The enthusiasm for the hills wears off pretty quickly!

Oh, interesting. I think York is much prettier! I mean, they are both nice but I find Durham a bit dark and imposing. And hilly.

York I'd say

I'll happily give him the opinion of another middle aged woman but maybe he would be better served by looking for views of his peers on The Student Room?

Can't comment on the unis, but as a place York wins every time.

Can we all have a minute’s silence for Longboi, please 😢🦆

To be honest, I'd go for the place where he prefers the chemistry department. A place can wear thin , or be disappointing. And , let's face it, they're both nice cities. It's the subject he's studying that matters more.

@PinkBallgown Longboi made the local news. Does bring to mind all the green goose poo.

An interesting dilemma. I agree with @EwwSprouts that DS should join The Student Room and discuss it there. He should be candid about his diagnoses, to stand the best chance of attracting replies from those who share them.

I've never been to Durham. I've just looked at some photos of it and it certainly is beautiful, but then so is York.
Personally (and I'm from the North West and love hills), I'd say living somewhere more accessible by bicycle ie flatter can be a real boon when you're a student. I learned to drive when I was a student in York and there were bikes everywhere!