To all the second years: The canon events you can’t escape

It’s giving say it or shot it x

31 minutes ago

Alice Chinchen | Guides

Being just a couple of weeks from beginning my third (and, unfortunately, final) year at Durham University, it feels like an appropriate time to reflect on some of the defining moments of my second year as a student of English Literature. That’s right – the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Looking back, I guess you could say there were signs of what was to come. For example, after moving rather seamlessly into my second-year house, feeling like a true Gilesgate diva, it was time for Mum to leave me and begin the journey back to South Wales. All was well until a couple of hours post-departure, when a lovely spider made itself known – new roommate unlocked! Being both the first (and only) one to arrive at this point, and a sufferer of arachnophobia, it goes without saying that these were far from ideal living arrangements. Oh, and this was just the beginning.

Though not one I’d like to relive, the year has given me a fair few stories to tell, and for that I am grateful. Third year, I’m ready for you (please be nicer).

WDYM summative?

To start on a more positive note, it was during Michaelmas Term of my second year at Durham that I thought it appropriate to begin using the library as I’m sure Bill Bryson would have intended. Meaning: The space became to me so much more than a mere toilet stop en route to Babs – rest in peace to the 24-hour opening times.

Seemingly the freshers of today hold a different philosophy, and are indeed to be found in the Billy B during daylight hours. I applaud you, truly I do. However, may I suggest that debriefs pertaining to the lovely Jimmy Allen’s are taken to “Communal Study”? I love a gossip, believe me, but these literary theory essays are not going to write themselves.

Top Tip: If you’re about to enter your second year at Durham, you can beat the fresh to those premium library seats (I’m talking those overlooking Whitechurch) by using the MyDurham app to gain access. No more fiddling around with campus cards, you’re second year now.

Prepare to spend a LOT of time here

Failure to beat the “silly fresh” allegations

Picture this: It’s the first week of Michaelmas term, second year. That means a new timetable and, by extension, new rooms. Immediately you’re a fresher again, working out how to get from a 9am tutorial in Elvet Riverside to a 10am lecture in the Calman. Or, to make matters worse, you just so happen to be an English Lit student who has not actually heard of this so-called CLC. This is when, in the least creepy way possible, you begin to follow those who look even remotely familiar, guided by the hope that they too are taking a module in Renaissance Literature.

P.S. Rage-bait alert. Fellow second years might think it’s clever to use the term “fresher” as an insult, especially if you attempt to push in the queue for Jimmy’s on Halloween. Too niche?

TB to the true ‘Silly Fresh’ era

The second year curse

Spiritually, I’m holding your hand while I say this: Prepare for the slow dawning that the first people you meet in Freshers’ Week, and subsequently sign a house with, might not, after all, be your future bridesmaids (or best men).

Whether it’s bin rotas transgressed, or fridge shelves monopolised, no one is safe from the second year curse. If it’s character development you’re after, look no further – each attempt at a cup of tea becomes a quest in itself. Don’t get me started on pres.

Solution: Railcards at the ready. At the first mention of a house meeting, I suggest you run.

Someone said it! I am out of here x

Beware: The LinkedIn warrior strikes again

This is absolutely no hate to LinkedIn or its users (me) – I too love beginning sentences with the classics “I am thrilled to announce…” and “I am delighted to share…” However, the Durham bubble truly is bubbling with this one, and with internships flying left, right, and centre, you’re not alone if you feel as though you should be doing more.

Bonnie Blue’s video birthday messages to 16-year-olds are the final nail in the coffin

I went on a night out with Bonnie Blue – it was uncomfortable and she’s dead behind the eyes

Why Ed Sheeran is ‘furious’ as details emerge about the 40-minute call that got Macklemore fired

Top Tip: LinkedIn notifications off. Burst that bubble just a teeny bit – you’re allowed to.

Oh, and some Cheapskates inspo: Instead of exchanging Instagram/Snapchat handles on the d-floor, try offering your LinkedIn details instead. You will certainly be memorable, while simultaneously building your network. Two birds, one stone. Nights out have never been more productive – you’re welcome.

P.S. I’m yet to reach the iconic 500+ connections soooo add me x

Where you’ll find me updating LinkedIn

(Re)downloading Hinge (someone stop me)

If you’re a Durham student, you have absolutely heard that one statistic – you know, the 72% one. Well, take it from me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Raye said it best – WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!

A word to the wise: Prepare to see your failed Hinge matches everywhere – Market Place Tesco? Check. TLC? Absolutely. Big Bird? Not even surprised. Prepare, also, to recognise 99 per cent of the people suggested to you. We are in Durham, after all. Oh, and prepare to be ghosted. I suggest you think carefully before hitting that match button.

Anyway, they say it’s “designed to be deleted”. I’ll keep you updated.

The second year scaries

Imagine the Sunday scaries but every day. That’s second year. The knowledge that every summative, every exam, has a bearing on your final degree classification is, of course, daunting. That’s part of it, certainly – being without the “first year doesn’t count” refrain does indeed take some getting used to.

However, far worse, in my opinion, is the gnawing consciousness that you’re living some of these experiences for the penultimate, or even the last, time. I’m not crying, you’re crying.

It truly does go by so quickly – so say yes more.

Penultimate Summer Ball

HM: Deposit (Hi Landlord)

Not going to go into too much detail on this because I got my deposit back, and I’d like to keep it that way.

However, if you happen to spill a cup of tea down the walls of your student house, HMU. I might just know a thing or two. New side hustle for 2026/27? I think so.