Freshers: Here’s 11 things you have to look forward to in your first year at Durham

…because you’re only a silly fresh once

2 months ago

For most people, the blur of Freshers’ Week will likely not be highlight of your first year Durham experience. In fact, this Durham experience only gets better as the year goes on, so here are a few of many things to get excited for.

Exploring Durham

Once Freshers’ Week wraps up and you settle into the uni routine, you’ll begin to discover all that Durham has to offer; from its cosy cafes to its scenic countryside. Whilst Durham may be small, it certainly isn’t lacking in Instagram-worthy spots.

Your first (of many) Jimmy Allen’s trips

On the subject of things that Durham has to offer – how would I describe my first experience at Durham’s most iconic club? Spiritual. The feeling as you walk down its poetically emblazoned stairs is truly incomparable. As you bask in its purple lights, Woodgate in hand, dancing to the sweet sound of Angels, you’ll feel as though you’ve ascended into another realm. Yes, the first time I went to Jimmy’s was with my friend and her boyfriend, not to mention it was absolutely rammed, so whilst being aggressively pushed into a very happy couple was a unique first experience, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

DU sports matches

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There’s nothing that makes you more patriotic to your university than spending an evening watching your team play sport against a rival uni. Not only is it an excuse to don your skinny scarf and sip on a very average pint, but it’s also a great way to connect with people over the shared experience of being a proud Durham student. I met my now housemate at a DU rugby match, so I think that speaks for itself.

Signing a house

Whilst I didn’t expect this to make my list, the sheer relief you’ll feel after having signed your second-year house is something to get excited for. Yes, the few weeks of group forming, house viewing, and estate agent queueing are insanely stressful, but at least once it’s done, you’ll feel like you’ve finessed adulthood.

Halloweekend

Not many unis can boast celebrating Halloween set against the historic background of a medieval castle. Grab some friends, grab a low effort costume, grab a club ticket. Not much more to be said really.

College sports, socs and socials

I’m a huge fan. If you do one thing in your first year, make it joining a college club or society. I’ve made some of my best friends through playing (and often not playing) college sport, and to be honest everyone knows it’s just an excuse for a social. Socials are a great opportunity to bond with your team, dress in a stupid costume and see the sights (college bars) of Durham. What’s not to like? (And this is coming from a girl who chunned on someone at her first social).

A Durham snow

Due to Durham’s infamously cold climate, we tend to get a fair bit of snow. Durham looks even prettier covered in white, so make the most of some wintery walks (and head to one of Durham’s many cafés afterwards to get the full experience).

Christmas

There’s nothing like Christmas at Durham to get you in the festive spirit. Durham takes the lead up to Christmas very seriously, hosting formals, balls, a candle lit carol service and its very own biannual light festival – unfortunately, the light festival won’t next be until 2025.

Epiphany events

Despite the looming possibility of the January blues hitting hard after the holidays, there’s so much to look forward to in Epiphany term. With two student boxing events (Fight Night and Aggression Sessions) and several fashion shows, including the well renowned DUCFS, get excited for some huge Epiphany evenings supporting some great charitable causes.

The three weeks of nothing

Once you’ve gotten through the hell that is trying to find a seat in the Billy B any time after 9am in the month of May and horror that is spending 22 hours on an exam that is supposed to take three, you’ll be blessed with three weeks of complete freedom before the holidays. Your calendar will be filled with balls, college days, racecourse picnics, day drinking and enjoying all that a Durham summer has to offer.

A year of being a silly fresh

At the end of the day, you only get the privilege of being a silly fresh for a year. Talk to as many people as possible, try new things, be spontaneous and don’t be afraid to occasionally get it very wrong (it’s a rite of passage). With fear of sounding sentimental, I genuinely believe every day at Durham has something amazing to offer, so enjoy it and good luck!