Debunked: The most popular myths about Durham University

With another Freshers’ Week descending upon us, many prospective students will be both anxiously and excitedly awaiting their first term at Durham.

There will likely be nerves surrounding making new friends, perhaps living away from home for the first time, and beginning a new chapter of adulthood. Amid this transition, stereotypes perpetuated by small talk and online scrolling do little to make the process easier.

Depending on who you talk to, Durham has acquired quite a reputation. Clichés might include being a university full of Oxbridge “rejects” and students wearing trench coats. Let’s take a few moments to debunk these myths and settle any nerves.

Myth one: Durham is only for Oxbridge rejects

Starting with the blatant issue with that sentence, a word which we can cut from this context: Rejects. The term carries an air of shame and dejection which I’d argue to be unfair. Being confident enough to apply to Oxford or Cambridge and not receiving an offer is still something to be proud of. Durham isn’t just a consolation prize.

For many people, Durham was their first option. Its famed traditions, cathedral setting, and collegiate system may evoke comparisons with Oxbridge, but it remains its own place with its own customs and prestige.

The UCAS acceptance email into Durham is the product of hard work, effort, and talent. While some probably did apply to Oxbridge, this should be something to be celebrated, exemplifying the ambition and high capabilities of those who attend here.

Myth two: The university is only for ‘posh’ people

Mentioning Durham in conversation is almost an inevitable opening to a joke about puffer jackets too bad to laugh at. You end up picturing the image of wealthy students in expensive clothes, gap years in Bali, and the word “rah” thrown into every sentence. However, reducing an entire student population to one classic stereotype can lead to unnecessary stress over belonging and even imposter syndrome.

Students arrive at Durham from a vast array of schools, places, and socioeconomic origins. The institution emphasises diversity and allows every student the best opportunity to succeed. It has access and outreach schemes to fund, encourage, and support students from wider backgrounds. Ultimately, everyone’s aim is to study, experience uni life, and make the most of everything Durham has to offer. 

Not to end with a pretentious Latin quote, but my own dear St Chad’s College motto gives a poignant example: “Non Vestra Sed Vos.” It is not what you have but who you are yourselves.

Myth three: Your college defines your university experience

On the topic of colleges, the allocation email can feel like a soul-defining moment. Within seconds you’ve been told the place where (if you’re a liver-in) you’ll live, eat, and socialise in for at least the next year of your life.

Maybe you’ve seen the online stereotypes of your college defining your personality. I’m Van Mildert’s biggest defender on that front. Or maybe you’ve heard tales of individuals who become far too enthused during sports matches between colleges.

In reality, it’s nowhere near as dramatic. The practicalities do remain true: If you’re living there, you’ll definitely spend a lot of time there. Colleges are designed to feel like a support network, a community to share and enhance your experience. An ideal place to make friends. However, it’s neither compulsory nor encouraged to revolve your entire social life around one place.

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People meet friends through their courses, societies, sports, work, volunteering, and a myriad of other ways. Rivalries are almost always a joke – nobody really takes them seriously. Your allocation is simply a starting point uncovering an entire university and city to discover. 

Myth four: Durham is boring because of its size

This is probably the easiest to debunk. Yes, Durham is smaller than most cities, and no, that doesn’t make it boring whatsoever.

Picture this. An early morning walk through beautiful cobbled streets, along the numerous riverside routes, watching the sunrise over the cathedral. Throughout the day, there are libraries, cafes, restaurants, museums, and plenty of shortcuts to explore.

All are accessible on foot. At night, there are options including cocktail bars, theatre performances, nightclubs, and of course our very own Wetherspoons. With Durham’s huge range of societies, there’s something to do for both drinkers and non-drinkers.

The city’s location is debatably one of its greatest advantages, being on a main railway route with accessible buses. Newcastle is close enough for a large-scale night out. York is a beautiful day trip destination.

There are countless other places of historical and cultural intrigue in the North East. Places such as Beamish and Finchale Priory offer opportunities to experience County Durham’s vibrant past.

Myth five: Durham requires you to be flawless academically

There’s little point denying that Durham has high academic expectations. This is instantly clear from competitive grade entry requirements and centuries of prestige. There’s little wonder why students can occasionally become overwhelmed.

Maybe pressure remains from A Levels, maybe your family has high standards for you, or maybe you’ve just set a precedent for perfect grades. It’s essential to realise the moment you are accepted into Durham, you’re worthy and capable of being here. You don’t need to achieve the highest marks to deserve your place. 

We all have off days. Everyone has a module that they didn’t enjoy as much as they thought they would. Or maybe it’s an assessment that doesn’t go to plan. Even that one person in the library at 4am has the exact same worries you do. Mistakes are an essential part of your learning curve. The important thing is to not let them define you.

Familiarising yourself with exam dates, what percentage of your grade they weigh, and what form the assessment will take is a good starting point. Prepare as much as possible and don’t be afraid to discuss things in seminars. Trying your best is all that can be asked. Make the most of your first year. Make friends and live the uni life. There’s more to university than being scared of failure.

That said, welcome to Durham University. Where I hope you’ll enter with an open mind, myths firmly set aside.

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