Elias Koenig – Postgraduate Digital Prospectus

Why I chose to study MA in Classics?

Elias Koenig on October 16, 2024

Years of studying at a classical lyceum shaped my love for antiquity and guided me towards a degree in Classics. As the end of my Bachelor’s at Royal Holloway approached, so did the deadlines for applying to Master’s programmes. Pursuing a joint honours degree in Classics and Modern Languages perfectly combined my interest in both languages and the classical world, and I wasn’t ready to leave academia just yet – was I ever going to be?

Extensive research into Master’s programmes at universities across the UK led me to Durham, as I found the right supervision for my area of interest. I already knew what I wanted to research, which certainly made my decision to commit to a Master’s programme easier and helped me navigate the process of choosing the right university. Of course, Durham’s reputation played a role in my decision to consider the university, but it was the department’s research that ultimately made my choice clear.

Now, as a second year PhD student, I cannot imagine choosing a different place. The outstanding professionalism, friendliness, and warm community of the Classics department led to my inevitable desire to continue my research – and what better place than the one I was already in?

Classics as a gateway to various career opportunities

The question that every Classics student hears, whether from a friend, relative, or stranger, once in a while is: “But what are you going to do with a Classics degree?” As annoying as that question might be, it is also a good opportunity to raise awareness of the usefulness of a Classics degree, because the options are endless. The analytical and linguistic skills gained from studying ancient texts are highly valued in many fields, making the degree more versatile than some might expect. These are transferable skills that go beyond academia, benefiting any career path.

Not convinced yet?

Choosing a degree is a really important decision, however, not the end of the world. It is not necessary to have a background in Classical studies to decide to pursue a degree in Classics. For example, I have friends from various humanities backgrounds who are drawn to the profound wisdom that antiquity offers.

Attending Open Days

Certainly, it might be very helpful to attend an Open Day at the university, where both professors and students from the department can share their perspectives and experiences, and also answer all the questions. In the end, the warm hospitality of everyone, and the inspiring atmosphere at Bailey’s amazingly situated department, will undoubtedly convince you to join Classics!

Discover more

Find out about the MA in Classics at Durham University here.

Find out more about postgraduate study here.

Find out how to visit us here.

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From undergrad to postgrad: Why I stayed at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 16, 2024

Choosing to stay at Durham for my postgraduate (PGT) studies after completing my undergraduate (UG) degree was one of the best decisions I made. Having spent years at Durham, it felt like a natural choice to continue my academic journey in a place that had become my second home. The sense of community, beautiful surroundings, and strong academic support were huge factors, but the real reason was that I wasn’t done growing here. My undergrad years gave me a solid foundation, but I wanted to dive deeper into my field, and Durham’s postgraduate programmes were the perfect fit for that.

Durham had already given me so much during my undergraduate years. I had built strong relationships with professors and peers, and continuing that momentum was appealing. Staying here meant I could access the same fantastic support network, but with the added opportunity to specialise and explore my passions more fully.

The transition

The transition from undergrad to postgrad wasn’t without its challenges, but it was an exciting one. Postgrad life is more independent and self-directed, with a strong focus on research. As an undergrad, the structure was clear, with lectures, assignments, and tutorials guiding me. But postgrad? It’s all about taking charge of your own learning, diving into topics you truly care about. That sense of freedom made the experience incredibly rewarding.

One of the biggest changes was the academic expectations. While undergrad studies covered broad areas, postgrad allowed me to specialize and focus on what mattered most to me. This freedom meant I had to manage my time and workload more effectively, but the professors at Durham were incredibly supportive. They expect a lot from you, but they’re always there to help you meet those expectations.

Postgrad life also brought new experiences. I interacted with students from all over the world, each bringing unique academic and cultural perspectives. This diversity made seminar discussions richer and opened my eyes to new ways of thinking. It’s been a fantastic learning experience that goes beyond just academics.

Go for it!

If you’re thinking of applying to Durham for postgrad, my advice is simple: go for it! The transition might feel like a big step, but you’ll be supported every step of the way. Be ready to take more control over your learning, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professors – they are genuinely invested in your success and will help you with the transition.

Open days, research, and current students

To make sure Durham was the right choice for me, I attended open days and spoke with current students. I also did my own research into course structures, which gave me a good sense of what to expect. Durham’s reputation for academic excellence, combined with the friendly campus atmosphere, made my decision an easy one.

In the end, staying at Durham wasn’t just about comfort – it was about continuing to evolve, both academically and personally. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to push your boundaries, and the opportunities for growth are endless. If you’re on the fence, go for it – you’ll be glad you did!

Discover more

Find out more about postgraduate study here.

Chat with a student ambassador here.

Find out how to visit us here.

To find out more about student life in Durham follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Why I chose MA Museum and Artefact Studies

Elias Koenig on October 15, 2024

Why Durham’s course?

I chose Durham’s MA in Museum and Artefact Studies because of the ability to work with objects personally. Other courses from different universities I applied to were amazing, but there was a distinctiveness to Durham’s that stood out and drew me in.

Though many other universities have museum and cultural heritage programs, MA Museum and Artefact Studies at Durham is ingrained in archaeology rather than being solely interdisciplinary. Being a part of Durham’s archaeology department, students learn about museum management, collection principles, and debates within cultural heritage as well as how to analyze and handle artefacts.

The mixture of theory and practice is what sold Durham’s course over others.

I did something different in undergrad

Before I applied for this course, I was completing my bachelor’s at Durham in a totally separate department than my postgraduate course is in. I graduated in July 2024 with a joint honors degree in English Literature and History from Durham.

When I applied for my undergraduate course, I imagined myself going into publishing rather than doing a masters museum and artefact studies. I had always loved literature and history equally, but I had figured that a degree in both would allow me more opportunities later on. I’m grateful I did because during the length of my undergrad I realized that though I loved literature, my passions lied in history, and it was something I wanted to pursue further.

Why did I stay in Durham for postgrad?

As an international student, I sought to combat the homesickness (that a quick trip home for others provided solace to) by plunging myself into everything Durham offered. I joined a sport (shocking to my parents), societies, and made extensive use of the various public transportation options available in Durham. The activities I had become a part of and throwing myself into my course led to friendships that continued throughout the years while I made a habit of day trips to visit abbeys and monuments and hike in the countryside. If I was particularly restless, I hopped a bus to larger towns and cities.

Yet Durham always drew me back. I loved the River Wear that cut through the town, with its paths that ran alongside it. I loved the cathedral and castle, seeped in its own history. I loved the cafes and bookshops that students can always be found in. The environment of the collegiate system, always something going on.

Despite three years in Durham, by the time graduation rolled around I didn’t feel quite done with it. By the time masters applications rolled around, I knew I would apply to Durham’s museum and artefact studies course.

I seriously considered another university’s offer and though I loved the town where it resided, Durham’s course was more of what I was looking for. The breadth of knowledge offered by the course combined with its personal practices was exactly what I wanted in a masters course. Add to it the fact that I already wanted to stay in Durham? It was serendipitous.

What I hope the future holds

Despite the only thing changing being my department and course, I am trying to treat this next year as a new beginning. I plan to try new clubs and societies (while maintaining my old ones), continue my volunteering at the Auckland Project, and become immersed in my new department.

I am thrilled to start a placement in a museum during the length of the course, dive into a dissertation on a topic that fascinates me and get experience working hands on with artefacts. I hope after graduating with my master’s at Durham, to get a job working in a museum as a curator or archivist and continue my passion for historical preservation.

With the opportunities given by Durham’s Museum and Artefact Studies masters, alongside some hard work and motivation, I am certain that it can be achieved.

Discover more

Find out more about postgraduate study at Durham here

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Why you should attend a postgraduate open day

Elias Koenig on October 15, 2024

Why I attended

Having studied at Durham for my undergraduate and considering sticking around for an MA, I thought it would be useful to have a chat wiith some previous students and lecturers at some open days to find out more about it.

When I had originally applied to come to Durham before my undergraduate, these open days had been a big deciding factor in choosing to apply to my specific department (Music). I hoped that attending again would allow me to have some helpful face-to-face interaction to help make my mind up.

What I got out of it

Attending postgraduate open days was a really helpful opportunity to hear more casually, from students and staff, about what doing an MA at Durham could offer me in terms of experience and opportunity afterwards.

It was reassuring to hear some anecdotal information on what other students explored in their research and talk through what I could do to expand my horizons with my interests whilst at Durham. I felt much more comfortable knowing the course structure, as well as the staff members who were points of contact when it came to my admissions process.

Helping others

As I found mine so engaging as a prospective student, working the postgraduate open days has been such a joy to then speak to people who were in my position not too long ago. Speaking to people who had similar niches of interest and discussing further what their degree or extra-curricular experiences could look like for them as a student.

I have been able to take part in smaller scale and more specific discussions with students as part of tours and drop ins, where I have enjoyed welcoming prospective postgraduate students to Durham, and equally have had a blast presenting at larger and broader Q and A sessions online and in person! Showing people around departments and the campus is always a highlight, and having the opportunity to chat over respective research interests is also something that I think postgraduate open days can be good for.

Having the space to talk through your ideas with current students and staff who are enthusiastic and excited for prospective students to get stuck into the next stage of their academic career is always a joy!

My advice

For Durham open days it is also always advisable to dress for a lot of walking (and a lot of walking up hills!).

If you are considering living in college accommodation, it may be a bit of a walk from your department to where you are planning on looking around – for instance, my college (Josephine Butler) and department (Music) are around a 25-minute uphill walk, depending which direction you’re going!

Getting a sense of what the college system can offer you uniquely as a postgraduate, besides somewhere to live, is a key aspect of studying at Durham.

If you are coming along to a postgraduate open day, I would recommend checking out colleges, your department, as well as some of the wider information talks. Q and As are an excellent chance to have some of your queries cleared up- particularly when it comes to finance, funding and scholarships which is an aspect of applying for postgraduate study that can feel unclear to start off which.

I would recommend not holding back on asking those nitty gritty questions and following it up if need be to find out where you stand with money and logistics for getting yourself set up.

Discover more

Find out more and book your place here

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Getting the most out of a postgraduate online open day

Elias Koenig on October 14, 2024

As a postgraduate student ambassador at Durham University, I’ve had the opportunity to both attend and work during online open day events, and I can say from experience that they are incredibly valuable for anyone considering further studies.

When I was making my own decision about where to pursue my postgraduate degree, what the course looks like, what Durham is like, online open days played a pivotal role in helping me make an informed choice.

How online events helped my decision

Coming from Pakistan and not living in the UK at the time, attending online events was a game-changer.

These sessions provided a platform to engage with faculty, current students, and the recruitment team without the need to be physically present on campus. It felt reassuring to be able to ask questions directly, explore courses in depth, and get a real sense of what Durham University is about. The ability to attend from home gave me the flexibility I needed to make my decision, especially when considering to have a degree from abroad.

There are two particular online events that I remember while deciding whether I would be joining Durham University or not, one was an online one-on-one with the Program Director of my course where I was able to ask in depth questions about my course, the opportunities in the university and out of it and the support all the departments in the university would provide. And the second online event was about Living in Durham, which gave me a pretty much detailed insight of the transport facilities that are available in Durham, the benefits of living in and living out and the student life Durham brings.

What I enjoy about working online events

Working at these events as an ambassador has been equally rewarding. I enjoy helping prospective students get the answers they need to make confident decisions. The enthusiasm and curiosity of those attending are contagious, and I find it fulfilling to share my experiences with others.

Many attendees seem to appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to ask real-time questions, which is often a significant factor in their decision-making process.

My advice for prospective students

For those of you who are thinking about attending an online open day, here’s some advice from someone who has both attended and worked at them:

Come prepared: Make a list of questions in advance. Whether it’s about your course of interest, funding opportunities, or life in the UK as an international student, having specific queries will help you get the most out of the event.

Engage actively: Don’t hesitate to participate in discussions or ask follow-up questions. The people running these sessions are there to help you, and engaging in real-time can clarify things that might not be immediately obvious from a website or brochure.

Explore beyond academics: Take advantage of sessions focused on student life, accommodations, and support services. These are all important factors in creating a holistic university experience, especially for international students who may be unfamiliar with the local culture.

Take notes: With so much information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take notes during the sessions, particularly on key points about your course of interest, deadlines, and available support.

Final thoughts

Postgraduate online open days are more than just information sessions; they provide a glimpse into what your future could look like. Whether you’re attending from the UK or halfway across the world, these events offer a valuable chance to explore your options, get a feel for the community, and make an informed choice.

As someone who was once in your shoes, I highly encourage you to make the most of these opportunities.

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Find out more and book your place here

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

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From undergraduate to postgraduate at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 10, 2024

What interested you in your chosen PG course?

The main thing was the opportunity it would give me to develop my understanding on topics covered on the undergraduate course in more depth. Themes such as gender, violence and abuse and social justice, communities, and civil society were of particular interest to me. I also loved living and studying in Durham so the decision to continue on here for postgrad made perfect sense.

Why did you decide to stay at Durham for your continued study?

I built a strong social network here throughout my undergraduate studies and I was keen to carry on being a part of those. In particular, I played rugby for my college women’s team and was keen to try out playing for the university so staying on for postgrad also gave me the opportunity to do that. Durham is such a unique place to be able to study and live and I was really keen therefore to spend another year living there.

Staying on for postgrad gave me the opportunity to significantly develop my skills and throw myself into also playing for the university, alongside my college. It was an amazing opportunity, and I met some incredibly people through the process which I am very grateful for. Rugby gave me an outlet for my studies, which were at times very stressful, and I had a lot of fun being a part of the 2XV.

I also worked at my college bar at undergrad so when I continued on for postgrad I was able to apply to be a bar supervisor which gave me more responsibility in my role.

Practical benefits

The main practical benefits were having an understanding already of the university, where all the facilities were, how to navigate the online portals such as Blackboard, already knowing some of the tutors on my course, and some of my peers on my course too. The housing market is also a big one and it was useful to have inside knowledge on estate agents and the areas of Durham to make getting accommodation an easier process.

I knew a couple people from the undergraduate course on Criminology who stayed for the postgraduate course. I think it was similar reasons to me, wanting to develop their learning and understanding on the issues and topic covered. Also to further their own academic and personal development with more independent study, another opportunity to carry out a dissertation on an area they are interested in and gain valuable critical and analytical skills in the process.

What do you believe were the benefits of staying at Durham, rather than moving to another city, for your PG study?

I’d say it’s just a lot simpler than moving elsewhere and starting again. You usually already have a peer group here, you understand how the university operates, you might have a job here or be part of a sports team, you know about housing and where you want to live, you have your favourite bars and restaurants. If you’re happy living in Durham I think it’s a privilege to be able to stay on for another year to complete your postgraduate studies.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I’m planning on going travelling in February 2025 so a month after graduation for about 4 months. I’m then keen to pursue a role in policy in the civil service, hopefully in London.

Discover more

Find out more about the alumni fee discount here

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How to get productive for the new academic year

Elias Koenig on October 7, 2024

If you find yourself clicking on (or hovering over) this blog, then you are already taking a positive step towards getting productive for the new academic year – so go you! September has officially begun and it’s that time again when the panic about how to motivate yourself to start the new academic year in a good way rises. In this blog, I want to share a few tips that have previously helped me to start the new year positively over my past 3 years studying at Durham.

Don’t neglect the academic diary!

Whether you prefer a paper book or an online version, academic diaries can be so helpful when it comes to organising and structuring your, likely very-busy, student schedule. I like to designate some time on a Sunday to pencil in the week’s commitments and colour code them. This makes it easy for me to stay on top of my priorities and visually see what I have going on each day. I personally like to do it on a Sunday because it means that I can start my week off more productively as a result.

Have a daily to-do-list

I always spend around 15 minutes in the morning writing out my to-do-list for the day and carrying out a somewhat ‘easier’ task first, one that doesn’t take too long to complete. This means that I can get something ticked off my list right away and the satisfaction of doing that is really rewarding.

Keep on top of cleaning

Cleaning my student accommodation is definitely my least favourite thing to do, but when you move out, keeping on top of cleaning is essential. A clear space equals a clear mind, which that is vital before you can even begin to think about being productive in other ways. As much as we are all guilty of letting mess fester over time before we are given no choice but to deal with it, designating slots each week to stay ahead of the game can be much better for your overall productivity.

Eat a balanced diet and meal prep (if you can)

Balancing your diet with nutritious meals will help you with your productivity. If you do have any extra time at the start of the week, I would recommend preparing some of your dinners in advance. In this way, you have one less thing to worry about on an evening and it also allows you to stay fuelled up for your studying! A win-win.

Give time to your hobbies and self care

As important as your studies are, your mental health and overall wellbeing should always be your top priority. Hobbies, self-care and sports are just some ways to look after yourself so that you can, in turn, look after your studies. Try to make time for those extra-curricular things that are important to you, rather than seeing them as a hinderance to your studies. A healthy balance can make you feel more energised and lead you to working better in the long run.

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Transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate: my journey at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 2, 2024

From a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree, the journey is full of both difficulties and rewards. One of the main differences that struck me was the higher expectations with academic output. The Master of Science (MSc programme) is more about the acquisition of knowledge; it is also about using the knowledge in real-world problems. Undergraduate studies require the students to take a more structured approach to learning, whereas postgraduate studies are orientated towards promoting critical thinking and practical application, especially in my Business Analytics field.

To begin with, the initial challenge I struggled with was the strictness of the postgraduate course. The workload was alright, but I had to be a lot more independent in learning. It wasn’t only about following instructions, but rather about thinking critically, casting doubts, and seeking new solutions. In particular, the peer-to-peer learning was the part that was the most prominent for me; projects in groups and workshops were central to the study process. When I attended lessons with my classmates, from various backgrounds, the different perspectives made lessons even better.

Standing in the Business School reception

Adapting to a new university and country

Moving from one university to another, let alone one in a different country, was a whole new world for me. When I did my Bachelor’s in India, the complete shift to the UK made me encounter a different type of delivering content to the student, as well as an academic culture that I was not familiar with. The teaching process in the UK is more orientated towards the discussion and research parts. The teachers of Durham are not only experts in their subjects but are also deeply engaged in the research that is ongoing. This is what helps to shape the content and create a dynamic curriculum. They foster a culture of critical interaction among the students – this empowers them to be more inquisitive.

The teaching method at Durham encourages collaboration between students and teachers in such a way that they not only learn in the classroom but also reveal the skills that will be of great help to them outside of the classroom. What they are trying to encourage in students is the learning of a subject without paying too much attention to the scores one gets in exams. As an illustration, I was very surprised when my professor elaborated extensively upon the subject matter that I had submitted and then invited me for a personal meeting.

Apart from education, fitting into life in Durham was a real puzzle to be solved. Different cultural and social conditions, a new town, was not all plain sailing, and it took some time to acclimatise to the rather icy weather and to understand some British social norms. However, even with the cultural mismatch, Durham, with such a thriving local community, made it possible to adapt to the new city. It has really proven to be a student-friendly city in which I have quickly made new friends, thanks to the system of collegiality.

Advice for prospective students

For anyone considering Durham for their postgraduate studies, my advice would be simple: take the leap. Durham is more than just an academic institution; it’s a place that encourages holistic growth. The curriculum is well-balanced, especially in courses like Business Analytics, where technical, business, and strategic aspects are seamlessly integrated. This not only makes you a well-rounded professional but also boosts your employability prospects.

When deciding on a university, it’s important to look beyond rankings and reputation. For me, the sense of community and the academic environment were decisive factors. Durham offers a space where you’re constantly learning – whether from professors, peers, or the vast array of resources available, both online and in the university’s libraries.

If I were to give prospective students one key piece of advice, it would be to be open-minded and embrace the student experience fully. Whether it’s academic discussions or extracurricular activities, Durham offers something for everyone, and there’s enough time for everything if you plan well.

Final thoughts

In summary, transitioning from undergraduate (UG) to postgraduate (PG), especially at a prestigious institution like Durham, has been a transformative experience. The combination of academic rigour, a supportive community, and exposure to diverse perspectives has made my time here invaluable. My goal after completing my Master’s is to return to the workforce, ideally in analytics or retail, with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the business world.

To anyone still on the fence about applying to Durham, I can confidently say that this place has much more to offer than what meets the eye. It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about making Durham your second home, a place where both your personal and professional growth are nurtured.

In one sentence: “Durham becomes more than just a place to study—it becomes home.”

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Read about Durham University Business School here.

Read about Postgraduate study at Durham here.

Create your own personalised prospectus here.

To find out more about student life in Durham, follow our students on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Why I chose an MSc in Developmental Psychopathology

Elias Koenig on September 30, 2024

Hi all! I wanted to share about why I decided to study Developmental Psychopathology at Durham University. If you’re curious about what it’s like, here’s my story – and spoiler alert: it’s been amazing!

What drew me to this programme, and why Durham

I’ve always been curious by how our minds develop. That’s why I decided to study Developmental Psychopathology. It’s the perfect blend of what I’m passionate about – understanding mental health and how early experiences can shape us.

Durham caught my eye for a couple of reasons. First off, it’s one of the top-ranked universities, and the Psychology department has a good reputation. I wanted to study somewhere that’s known for being strong academically, and Durham didn’t disappoint.

Not to mention that Durham as a city is very charming! It’s small, historic, and absolutely beautiful. I’m not a “big city” kind of person, so the calm, cosy vibe of Durham was ideal for me. And even though it’s small, it’s close to bigger cities like Newcastle and Leeds, which is perfect when you need a change of scenery or a weekend escape.

Taken whilst rowing with friends along the riverside in Durham in the summer.

Colleges

And the college system here? It’s such a great way to make friends, and a place where you can dive into your interests, with loads of great facilities to support you – it’s like a close community.

From undergrad to postgrad: my journey so far

Before Durham, I did my undergraduate degree in Psychology at another UK university. My previous university and Durham have a pretty similar in vibe – they’re both small, friendly cities with beautiful surroundings. The transition to Durham worked for me.

I’ve always known I wanted to become a psychologist, and going for a postgraduate degree was the next step toward that goal. Plus, in today’s competitive job market, having a postgraduate qualification definitely gives you an edge. I wanted to deepen my knowledge and skills, especially in the areas of mental health and development, so here I am!

What I hope to achieve

What am I hoping to get out of this programme? A lot, honestly. I’m really excited to learn more about how people develop, both in typical and atypical ways. This year has been full of learning – everything from theory to research – and I’m definitely feeling more confident in my skills.

After I graduate, I’d love to move into a more practical, clinical role. I want to take all this knowledge and apply it to help people, especially children and adolescents, navigate developmental challenges. This programme is giving me the foundation I need to make that happen, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

So, that’s a bit about my journey so far at Durham. It’s been such a great experience academically, but also personally. It’s a place that’s not just shaping my career but also my life. If you’re considering Durham, I’d definitely recommend it!

And a fun fact about the photo of Durham Cathedral (at top of blog) taken at sunset – This is one of the spots where Harry Potter was filmed, so don’t be surprised if you see people waving wands and striking wizard poses inside!

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Read about the MSc in Developmental Psychopathology here.

Read about Durham’s department of Psychology here.

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Behind the mic – The story of The Durham Student podcast

Elias Koenig on September 27, 2024

Hello and welcome back to Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent. I’m your host Crystal and in this blog, I’ll be taking you through how and why our podcast came to life.

Origins of the podcast

For those who may not be aware, @thedurhamstudent is the University’s official student-run marketing team. We’re a group of students who showcase our day-to-day lives at Durham University through Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Blogs, TSR threads and now our podcast platforms.

During one of our brainstorm-heavy team meetings—where we throw around ideas, discuss the University calendar, and review the recent content we’ve put out—a question was posed on how do we answer the questions that seem to repeatedly come up?

Questions like: How does the collegiate system really work? What if I get a college that wasn’t my first or even fifth choice? Will my college define my entire university experience? And [insert the many other questions on colleges]. And of course, the usual questions: What is Durham like? Is the nightlife any good? Will I fit in?

We do touch on these topics in our other content, but a one-minute reel can only convey so much. We realised the necessity for a single platform where we could thoroughly explore these subjects and beyond. Thus, Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent was born.

Purpose of the podcast

Conceptualised to be a comprehensive guide to Durham University, this podcast is designed to answer your most pressing questions and provide in-depth insights into university life, all conveniently accessible in one place – I hope this season has successfully met these objectives. But beyond disseminating information, this podcast seeks to connect, reassure, and inspire. At its core, I believe the very purpose of this podcast ties back to the question of “Will I fit in?”

For many, the transition to university is not just a change in educational setting but a significant life chapter filled with excitement and, yes, a good dose of apprehension. Even though I have just recently graduated, I still remember all those mixed emotions – wondering if I’d chosen the right place and how I’d navigate this new world. So, hosting this podcast in my final year was more than just a capstone project; it was a passion project aimed at soothing the very anxieties I once faced. It was about creating the kind of resource I wished existed when I was a fresher – somewhere to turn for both answers and reassurance.

Ultimately, Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent is about more than just filling you in on the details about university life. It’s about building a bridge from uncertainty to belonging, demonstrating through stories and insights what the Durham Difference truly is…spoiler alert: the Durham Difference is you, the students! So, here’s to discovering yourplace at Durham University and making it your own.

What’s next?

With our debut season released, I can’t help but feel we’re just scratching the surface of what this podcast can achieve. There’s so much more to explore and expand upon, and this season has set a solid foundation. It’s clear we’re poised for significant growth—ready to transform this into a resource that you can turn to time and time again. I’m excited to see where the next podcast coordinator takes it!

So, whether you’re currently poring over your UCAS application, or you’re an alum fondly recalling your college days, this podcast is crafted with you in mind. Grab your headphones, hit play, and let us take you on a journey through Durham University, one episode at a time. Because here at Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent, we’re not just discussing university life; we’re living it and sharing it.

We hope you’ll stay tuned and experience Durham as we see it, learn it, and love it. Here’s to the stories we’ve told and the many more we’re eager to share. The journey continues, and we’re thrilled to have you with us.

You can listen to our podcast on your favourite podcast platform here. Or or you watch on YouTube

Watch the full series here

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Download our latest prospectus and college guide here.