If you’re reading this, then it’s possible that you’re considering studying Philosophy and Theology at Durham! I hope that this ‘day in the life’ can help paint a picture of what your life could look like this time next year!
A typical day
On a normal day, I would have around 2-3 ‘contact’ hours (whereby I attend in-person lectures and seminars). Thus, my day begins with a Picnic Basket coffee (the absolute best coffee place, in my humble opinion), and a scenic walk either through the city centre or along the river to my classes.
Doing a joint honours degree means that your time will be split across two departments. This allows you to become well acquainted with lots of beautiful study spaces in Durham. For me, most of my theology classes take place around Palace Green, whereas my philosophy classes will occur around Elvet Riverside. It is wonderful to be able to experience so many facets of the teaching in Durham as a result of being split across departments.
After completing my in-person teaching for the day, I will use the rest of my day to plough through my to-do list – the contents of which vary. It usually entails some seminar preparation for the rest of the week (reading and preparing questions), as well as getting ahead of any formative/summative essays! This could involve reading, planning, or drafting, depending on where I’m at! My favourite place to carry out these tasks is the Student Union building on New Elvet. It’s a wonderfully relaxed environment, which best facilitates productivity for me the environment encourages collaborative work which is perfect for discussing ideas.
Studying outside at the Student Union Visiting the theatre in Newcastle
Tailoring your degree to you
You will notice that much of this ‘day in the life’ is somewhat vague insofar as the logistics of the course are concerned. This is because a joint honours degree will look different for everybody! I have chosen modules which focus heavily on the intersection between philosophy and theology, with a specific focus on ethical studies. Many of my peers have opted for modules which instead focus on the more sociological elements of religion. Some people prefer the more hypothetical metaphysics. The modules you choose will ultimately shape the experiences you have in the department – this is absolutely my favourite thing about studying this degree. My experience is totally unique to me, just as yours will be to you.
Evenings as a philosophy and theology student
Being given the opportunity for independent work during the daytime means that it is incredibly feasible to keep evenings totally free from work! I love to use my evenings to see friends, visit the theatre in Newcastle, cook yummy food, engage in various societies, and speak to my family and friends on FaceTime. Having my evenings free is super important to me, and I love that the flexibility of my degree allows this!
Concluding
There you have it! A typical day in my life as a philosophy and theology student here at Durham. I hope that this little insight painted a clear picture for you – a picture of pretty study spots, interesting lectures, and lots of flexibility!
So, I did a thing. A big thing. A running thing. I ran the 10K Durham City Run! Now, before you start picturing me as some seasoned marathon champ, let me assure you that I am most definitely not a regular runner. In fact, I am more of a “run when chased” kind of person.
But a few weeks ago, I found myself signing up for the race. Why? Honestly, I am still not entirely sure. Maybe it was the allure of a challenge, the chance to prove to myself that I could do it. Or maybe it was just a moment of temporary insanity.
Whatever the reason, I committed. And once that was done, the panic set in. I mean, 10 kilometers? That’s, like, a million miles, right? Okay, maybe not a million, but it sure felt like it.
I started training, sort of. A few jogs around the campus, a couple of runs in the park, mostly accompanied by my trusty playlist of motivational tunes and a healthy dose of self-doubt. There were moments of triumph (like when I managed to run for 20 minutes straight without collapsing) and moments of despair (like when I realized I had to run uphill for a good portion of the race).
Race day arrived, and I was a bundle of nerves. Standing at the starting line, surrounded by people who actually looked like they knew what they were doing, I seriously questioned my life choices. But there was no turning back now.
The starting gun fired, and we were off. The first few kilometers were surprisingly okay. I settled into a rhythm, spurred on by the cheers of the crowd and the sheer adrenaline rush of being part of something so big.
Still smiling & almost there
But then came the hills. Oh, the hills. They were relentless, sapping my energy and testing my resolve. There were moments when I wanted to quit, to walk, to crawl, to just lie down on the pavement and give up. But then I would remember all the people who had supported me, all the times I would surprise myself with my own resilience, and I would keep going.
And somehow, against all odds, I crossed that finish line. In just under 1 hour and 20 minutes! A personal best for someone who barely considered themselves a runner. The feeling of accomplishment was indescribable.
So, will I be back in 2025 to smash my new PB? Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know this: I never thought I could run a 10K, and I did it. That’s a pretty amazing feeling, and one I won’t soon forget.
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The most impactful experience of my 4 years at Durham university has been my Postgraduate Placement at the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse (CRiVA). I worked with a specialist service known as the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counseling Centre (RSACC) to review their outreach strategies and suggest improvements to better serve marginalsied women. It involved analysing demographic data and annual reports, comparing it with census reports from Durham and Darlington, and examining the practices of similar counselling centres both in the UK and the US. My goal was to contribute meaningfully to their mission of supporting survivors of sexual violence, particularly those from marginalized communities. Reflecting on my journey now, I realise how transformative this experience has been, both professionally and personally.
During my research, I reviewed the media and website pages of several counselling services and was really impressed by their innovative efforts to help women of colour seeking refuge from abuse. RSASS Bradford stood out with its dedication to accessibility for women with disabilities. Their website had dictionaries to explain technical terms, making it easier for everyone, regardless of their educational background, to engage with their content. This approach to inclusivity ensured that no one felt excluded because of language barriers or complex phrases. R.A.I.N.N in the US was another standout. Their social media was a model of how to engage with diverse audiences. They tailored content specifically to their target demographics, using the languages spoken by their audiences. This eliminated the need for translators and made their resources immediately accessible. Discovering innovative strategies and successful practices from organisations filled me with excitement. I was inspired by the idea of bringing these concepts to RSACC to enhance its outreach and support services. It was invigorating to see tangible examples of how other centres effectively addressed the needs of marginalised women.
One of the most positive experiences was the reception I got from my supervisors, Nicole Westmarland and Alice Nah, and the staff at RSACC. Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, but as I got deeper into my tasks and received their support and encouragement, my confidence grew. It reaffirmed my belief that meaningful change is possible and that with the right strategies, RSACC could significantly improve its services and reach more women in need. This sense of hope was a powerful driving force throughout my research process.
Overall, I felt a deep sense of admiration and respect for organisations like the RSACC that strive to implement thoughtful and comprehensive practices. Their commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity was evident in their reception of my work and I take pride in being a part of this process.
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Feeling inspired? Visit our Sociology webpages to learn more about studying with us.
Serena Chamberlain is a BA Anthropology and Sociology graduate. In her second year of study, she founded a charitable organisation called Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist which focuses on providing underwear to vulnerable women. To date, Serena’s campaign has successfully donated over 10,000 pairs of underwear to women’s refuge centres in the UK and globally, with a new target of 100,000 pairs.
Tell us about your work
Since I was young, I have always been passionate about women’s rights and my studies enabled me to delve deeper into these issues which fuelled my determination to make a meaningful impact. I could never understand why girls and women were treated so differently and why both men and women were not doing their utmost to address this disparity.
About six years ago I began volunteering at a women’s refuge. After listening to many stories from both clients and staff concerning ladies who simply cannot afford underwear and are often in extremely vulnerable situations, I was inspired to start this campaign which accepts donations of unused packaged underwear and monetary donations to spend on buying such.
Due to an uprise in charity shopping and clothing donations, many women in need now have somewhat improved access to second-hand clothing; however, many people forget that the one item that charity shops cannot sell, and charities cannot take second-hand donations of is underwear due to personal hygiene reasons. Therefore, there is consequently a dire deficiency of brand-new underwear available for women who have little or no access to such a basic necessity.
Through our efforts, we aim to ensure that every woman, regardless of her circumstances, has access to this basic necessity. This work is not just about providing underwear; it’s about restoring dignity, fostering empowerment, and supporting women in their journey towards recovery and self-sufficiency.
Friends are a great support
How did you balance studying for a degree and running a charity?
I initially expected it to be a short-term donation drive however our first Pants Party fundraiser was a huge success and the overwhelming support made me realise the potential for this campaign to expand. In my third year, my academic workload increased significantly, and I often prioritised the charity when I saw the tangible impact we were making and there was never really a time where I could switch off from it. Additionally, managing my time was a challenge due to my ADD.
To cope a little better, I developed a system where I planned all charity-related tasks on weekends so I could focus on academic work and attend lectures during the week and dedicate my evenings to the campaign. I also scheduled emails to be sent the next day to maintain professionalism and efficiency. Balancing both commitments was tough at times but it was great to apply insights from my academic modules to the groups of women we were helping through the charity. I am proud to have graduated with a 2:1 and a successful charity. Now that I can dedicate all my time and energy to it, I am so excited to watch it grow and make a bigger impact.
Why are you so passionate about helping women in need?
Misogyny is a global epidemic, and it has always shocked me that we still live in a world where gender-based violence and women’s rights are such pressing issues. The world is largely designed by and for men, and there’s still so much progress to be made in achieving gender equality. This won’t happen unless everyone recognises their part in it; it’s no longer acceptable to simply not be part of the problem. We must all be active in creating change.
I’ve been extremely fortunate to have had a privileged upbringing and an amazing education, and I recognise that many people don’t have the same opportunities to give their time as I have. But this privilege has also given me a deep sense of responsibility. I am incredibly lucky compared to so many other women around the world. My mother, who has been a fabulous female figure in my life, constantly reminded me of my good fortune and educated me on the issues that many women face. Her influence has been instrumental in shaping my passion for women’s rights and empowerment.
For the past six years, I have volunteered and worked in women’s refuges and shelters. I’ve been lucky enough to be treated like a member of the team, participating in client therapy and advisory sessions, conducting home checks with women’s refuge clients, and speaking to vulnerable women and refuge staff about their most urgent needs. These experiences have shown me first-hand how essential this support is and how much these women rely on refuge centres.
It is truly heartbreaking to hear about the many women on waiting lists for support from these refuges that have had to be turned away. Due to this sector being so underfunded, many women remain unsupported by the critical services they provide. This stark reality drives my passion to make a difference.
Seeing the immediate impact of our work through Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist is incredibly motivating. By providing something as simple yet essential as new underwear can restore a sense of dignity and normalcy to women in crisis. This tangible change is what fuels my dedication to continue this work and advocate for the support and funding that women’s services desperately need.
How did your time at Durham inspire you and your charity?
The society aspect of Durham helped us to fundraise and spread the word, allowing us to see the campaign’s potential. My friends at Durham have also been fab, providing encouragement and support with events. Durham was the birthplace of our Pants Parties, a key part of our marketing strategy. I also won the Social Enterprise Fund which was a significant milestone in the charity’s journey, providing financial support and the motivation to keep pushing forward.
Pants Parties, a key marketing strategy
My Durham experience has also helped me grow as a person, teaching me not to care about others’ judgments- an essential trait when starting an organisation that aims to break down taboos and stigma. The environment has also allowed me to meet like-minded individuals passionate about my mission. For example, being part of the intersectional feminist society introduced me to a community of powerful, determined women who have been a great source of inspiration and support.
How does your work positively impact communities / the world around you?
Let’s Get Our Knickers in a Twist positively impacts communities by providing an essential item that should be a right for all women and spreading awareness about women’s hygiene needs. We provide education on the significance of providing new underwear to vulnerable women and how often female issues are overlooked. Each knicker donation represents dignity, hygiene, and empowerment. We all know what a new pair of pants feels like, so imagine if that was your only pair?
We started with a UK focus, but our impact has grown globally. We now host events worldwide and ensure that the underwear donations raised in a particular location benefit local women’s refuges. For example, after a fundraising event in Melbourne, we donated the proceeds to a Melbourne women’s refuge, directly supporting the community that contributed. This approach allows us to have a broader reach while maintaining a tangible impact in each area we serve.
Our fundraising events, such as Pants Parties, not only raise funds but also bring women together as a community, offering a sense of belonging and female solidarity. By creating spaces where women can support one another, we help rebuild community ties and foster mutual support. Our dual empowerment model supports both the recipients of the underwear and engages female volunteers through impactful fundraising efforts, creating a cycle of giving and growth that strengthens communities and extends our reach globally.
I studied professional policing at Teesside University from 2020-2023 where I graduated with a BSc first class honours degree. Once I was midway thorough second year, I started to get very passionate about research and knew that my next step would be postgraduate study. One evening in April 2023 whilst conducting research for my undergraduate dissertation I found the MSc Criminology and Criminal Justice course on the Durham University website and applied just to see what would happen. That evening, I dared to dream. Two months later whilst we were celebrating my sisters birthday I got an email and my heart skipped a beat when I saw the words “Congratulations Jagraj” and even though they say big boys don’t cry, that day I did because my dream had become a reality.
Increased Intensity
When I started my first week at Durham University it quickly became clear that the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate was going to be challenging as I was required to do more reading and preparatory activities. Creating a daily home timetable assisted me as it ensured that I had completed the set tasks prior to the lecture which was beneficial as it meant that I was not walking into the lecture in the unknown. Eventually I started making friends which has enhanced my learning experience because having classroom discussions has allowed my lens to widen as I get to acknowledge other people’s perspectives and challenge my own beliefs.
Enrolling at Ustinov College
Core Module: Criminology, Theory and Critical Issues
Initially, I had feelings of trepidation when I heard that this core module would be studied in both term one and term two as I had never studied criminology previously, I was aware that the subject is ladened with theory. But this module was well balanced as we learnt about theory which was quite fun as it showed me how criminologists have divergent views on crime which makes criminology interesting as there is a plethora of debates and themes within the discipline. This module provided ample opportunity for guest lecturers from other universities and organisations to come and give us a talk which allowed me to draw connections between theory and the wider criminal justice system.
Placement
As on this course students are given the choice to select some of their modules, I chose the placement module as I felt it would add variety to the methods of learning I receive at Durham University and allow me to obtain valuable work experience. I undertook the placement at Young People’s Engagement and Justice Service in Darlington over four weeks from February 2024 – March 2024. On this placement I shadowed members of staff to enhance my understanding of youth justice. Over the four weeks I completed the following activities:
My advice to anybody considering studying this course
If you are interested in any aspect of the criminal justice system this course is certainly for you, as you get a variety on the course which makes it so refreshing. It is well known that postgraduate study is not challenge free as at times it becomes relentless but if you keep your foot on the accelerator and keep focussed you will receive the award of a MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice from this prestigious university which will open many more pathways in academia.
The end of exams is a great time to de-stress and spend some time with friends. As we approach the end of the academic year, here are some brilliant ways to spend this exciting time of year (with some personal highlights).
Evenings with friends
After a busy, or even quiet, day, there’s nothing quite like spending an evening chatting away with friends. Whether it’s our usual hangout next to St Mary’s bar – where we seem to always lose track of time, in one of our rooms, or out and about, it’s a perfect use of this period where we don’t have to worry about an early start the next morning.
For something a little more adventurous, check out one of Durham’s many amazing restaurants: from the brilliant burger hangouts of Tango and Fat Hippo, Italian classics like Spags and Rudy’s (amongst many, many, others), to other favourites like the Food Pit and Claypath Deli; there’s somewhere for every group. A great follow up is a trip to one of the college’s bars, or even a sunset picnic. This is one of the best times you’ll ever get to make close friendships that will last a lifetime.
Sports
Durham is one of the leading universities for sports, with thousands of students joining in with college and university levels sports regularly. A highlight of June is the Festival of Sports (FoS), where colleges face off in a one day tournament to see who is best in each discipline. Every year, the atmosphere is electric, yet everyone is very friendly and a great sport. From group pictures with multiple teams, shared picnics, and guest supporters, there’s no friendlier place to enjoy getting active.
Ultimate frisbee
My sport of choice is Ultimate Frisbee, which is a firm Durham favourite. With my college squad – St Mary’s A Team – we managed to go unbeaten all year in both the league and FoS, securing a place at the Feast of Champions meal. At the meal, trophies and awards are given to celebrate the achievements over the last year, but also to bring teams together and develop bonds. It’s a great Durham tradition.
Another great sport to get involved with is the wonderful Parkrun, where large numbers of students and staff turn up week after week. It’s the most supportive atmosphere for running I’ve ever witnessed.
Culture
A surprising number of students haven’t properly explored many of Durham’s great historic places: whether it’s our ancient castle, beautiful gardens, free museums, or even our world famous cathedral. Now is the perfect time to discover the history of our city, either on your own, with friends, or on a tour group.
I’d recommend strongly that you stroll through the cathedral, and admire the stained glass, then afterwards you are in a perfect spot to book a tour of the castle. Maybe if the weather is good, take in one of the gardens; picking from Crook Hall, Old Durham, or the University’s Botanic gardens.
If you have access to transport, then a little further afield you may find The Story, Locomotion, Beamish, or Ushaw which make for a lovely day out.
Durham Castle
Another great aspect of Durham is the quantity of shows and gigs on; whether at a cosy bar, all the way up to the big stages of the Gala or cathedral. Recently I’ve been to see the much celebrated Durham Revue at their anniversary performance, as well as going to the amazing Hill Orchestra’s summer concerts. Also, it’s only a few minutes on the train to the Glasshouse in Gateshead where even more gigs are available to see.
For many, even more than just a chance to see these acts, it’s a chance to get involved by performing and producing themselves.
Lastly, each June is Durham Regatta, one of the oldest in the country. It’s always a lovely time to spend the day watching the boats go by and (usually) enjoying the sun. Or maybe you fancy going for a row yourself on one of our lovely summer days by hiring a boat for an hour or so with friends.
Walking
As all of my friends know, I’m a walking fanatic! I’ve been known to say words to the effect of a day with less than 10k steps is a day wasted. Now, I’ve created lots of content about walking here already (links at the end) but still, a little reminder won’t hurt!
We’re very lucky here to have such easily accessible countryside, where even just a mile from the city centre can feel remote. Whilst there’s some brilliant walking to be had just around the town, I’d advise everyone to try some of the routes a little further away. Places such as Low Burnhall Woods where you can meet deer, Pelaw wood with its aesthetic bridge and spectacular views towards the cathedral, or much longer walks like towards Croxdale or Finchale Priory.
View from Low Burnhall Wood
City trips
Durham is located closely to some great cities that are just a short train ride away. An obvious first choice is Newcastle, which must be one of the prettiest cities in Britain, and has a vibrant high street with many different things to do. But in the summer, why not head a little further, taking the metro, to Tynemouth for a day at the beach. There’s a lovely sandy stretch of beach, with a coastguard hut keeping an eye out for swimmers, plenty of cafes with ice creams available (Mr Wood’s was lovely for our lunch on the day). The views over the cliffs are incredible.
Tynemouth Priory and beach
Another ideal beach location is Seaham, though instead of the train a bus is needed (that does reduce costs though). Seaham tends to be a little quieter, but very lovely too.
Another fabulous trip I’ve been on this year is to York. A bunch of us took a short train ride down and spent the day enjoying the sights and cafes in the city, before a little look around the railway museum.
College events
Colleges will usually have an annual midsummer ball and college day held in easter term. These are the highlights of the year for many people, and certainly in terms of JCR events. The balls are often held in external venues, but not always, and will have hours of entertainment; from bands, to food, to fairgrounds. Some also have a ‘survivor’s’ breakfast and photo at sunrise following the end of the evening.
Mary’s Day
My favourite is the college day; Mary’s Day starts relatively early in the morning, and will end well after sunset. There’s a non-stop lineup of group and shows, with food vans, carnival games, and prizes all around the grounds. And it’s all subsidised by the college JCR to help make it affordable for everyone. The highlight for most people are the tribute acts at the end of the day; this year’s were Adele and Elton John, who had everyone singing along the whole way through. Even the last couple years where we experienced lots of rain didn’t stop a massive turnout (and at times this only added to the atmosphere).
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Our group, consisting of ten students from a range of Master’s programmes and our fearless leader Professor Robert Song, set off for Uppsala, Sweden.
Travelling by train takes longer, but offers much more opportunity for exploration, anecdotes, and building relationships within the team. Being able to have each meal in a different city is a flex you just can’t get when flying!
Slow and deliberate travel allows you to slowly transition through different countries, cultures, and languages, but also gives time for window-gazing and quiet reflection. We had been given a book of environmental essays around the theme of Haste to read for the journey, and had many chats about what it means to act on environmental issues with real urgency without rushing towards unjust solutions.
Three days and nine trains later, our group of eleven arrived in Uppsala. We bonded much more because of the time spent travelling, though the relief to finally arrive and take off our heavy packs was palpable! We were joined the following day by our twelfth member, Dr Simona Capisani, as well as our liaison from CEMUS, Daniel Mossberg.
Sweden seems to be a culture where sustainability is already part of daily life. Nature parks were common and accessible, while the town was riddled with bicycles and pedestrians. Uppsala itself is a small university city with a gorgeous cathedral, not unlike Durham, and the perfect place to call home for a week.
On one of our open days, some of the group visited church ruins and runestones at Sigtuna. The high-rise buildings surrounded by rocky hills and pine woods made us consider the limits to an urban area, and the importance of compact cities to preserve natural environments.
The time spent in the student community garden was very fulfilling. Being part of the natural cycles with our hands dirtied by the earth has instilled us novices with a sense of deeper responsibility and respect for the environment. It has certainly made us keen to get something similar set up in Durham.
Not all learning took place outside in the sunshine though! There was a messy and moving session of bread-making with environmental philosopher, Ryan Carolan, which proved delicious later in the week on pizza night. During the session, we were joined online by one of the editors of Haste, Jakob Grandin, which acted as a conversation guide around urgency and climate.
The lectures on carbonscapes (a collaboration with Durham’s Professor Gavin Bridge) and cultural place-based connections from Magdalena Kuchler and Eva Rüskamp were very thought provoking, especially in the context of (post-) industrial surroundings of Durham. Identity is often tied up in the cultural significance of place, and coming from nearly a dozen countries means that we were able to share some of our personal stories of what place means to us over dinner each night.
The time has flown by, but there are lots of lessons from this trip, both academic and personal. Most powerfully of all, the overarching theme of “More haste means less speed” will propel us towards slow but deliberate actions around environmental problems in our future studies and work.
“Tack” for the adventures!
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Find out more about Postgraduate study at Durham here
My first year at Durham University has been filled with making memories, support and overall a very positive experience. I applied through clearing after there was a mistake with my initial results and the support at the university was incredible and welcoming: I made the right decision coming to this university.
I was initially disappointed about not going straight into first year of law at Durham but the foundation year has been amazing where I have made great friends, learnt a lot about myself and what I want to get out of my degree and best of all the foundation programme gave me the opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic as part of the course to partake in a poster conference to present my research: a unique opportunity that has been a highlight of the year. All the staff around campus have been supportive with them genuinely wanting the best for you at university, if you ever need advice or guidance about anything minor or major there is always someone available.
Coming from a small mining town I was curious as to what student life at Durham would be like and during the year there have been many opportunities to get involved within the university from college fashion shows, sports, volunteering, and college balls or celebration days making it a great atmosphere.
I participate in three Team Durham sports, five societies, and also I’m a student ambassador. I hope to get more involved in volunteering and I am going on an internship to Fiji supplied by the university next summer! One of my favourite things about the university is how it feels like a community and you can walk into the city centre and be bound to see a few familiar faces in Tesco or queuing for Flat White Kitchen. There are some traditional Durham Uni things like the purple quarter zips, the DU nicknames and the collegiate settings that I miss when going home. Honestly, I could not recommend this university enough, it is not just about getting a degree at the end of it here but about making lifelong friendships and accomplishments. My only wish was that the first year had not gone by so quick!
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The period after exams is easily my favourite time of year in Durham. Not only is there more time to chill, but the sun is shining and there are so many events and celebrations! Societies usually pick back up again, after a quieter period for revision and exams, so it can be nice to catch up with people again and get back to rehearsals and training.
College Day
In St. Mary’s, our college day falls after exams. It’s essentially a huge celebration of college with all your college friends. It functions like a mini festival, with food, rides, games and music throughout the day. Last year, we had a Take That and Taylor Swift tribute act playing late into the night. There was an insane downpour of rain and we all stayed outside with our ponchos having so much fun. Other colleges have their celebrations on different days throughout the year, but at Mary’s it’s something we look forward to after exam season.
Summer Ball
Yet another huge event in the college calendar, summer ball is not one to miss! Each college has their own ball, unique to them in some way. St Mary’s summer ball promises an evening of great food and drink, rides, live music and entertainment, and some core Durham memories. It’s a great excuse to get glam and feel fancy for an evening – many Facebook profile pictures arise from a summer ball photoshoot. There is a tradition at Mary’s that, after the ball has ended, we watch the sunrise over Observatory Hill. This is followed by a ‘survivor’s breakfast’ for those who make it through the whole night. I can specifically remember eating my survivor’s breakfast and then heading up to bed, not to resurface until 6pm. Summer ball is truly not one to miss, and I am eagerly awaiting this years!
Festival of Sport
The festival of sport is like the ultimate sports day. All the colleges get involved and compete against each other in basically every sport. As a theatre kid, I lack the qualifications to speak on this in depth but I can vouch for the fact that it’s fun to watch! There is a really friendly atmosphere, food vans and lots to take part in or watch. A bit of friendly college rivalry is healthy for us all.
Rowing
The warm weather makes for ideal rowing conditions after exams. You can hire traditional wooden rowing boats for a more casual experience, or if you are a keen rower, of course there are the University and college rowing teams. The Durham Regatta also takes place this time of year, in early June. Once again, I am not the sporty type – but it’s fun to watch!
Durham Regatta
Societies
During exams, societies usually slow down a little bit because everyone is studying. Theatre productions and shows come to a halt for those weeks and sports teams will train less or not at all. Once exams are over, it’s back to business and you can be as busy as you want to be. Last year, I took part in a 48 hour musical where we only had 2 days to audition, rehearse and perform. I played Gabriella in High School Musical and we raised lots of money for charity. This year, the theatre company that I am Vice President and Treasurer of is going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival! I am so excited for those that are going and I’m sure they will do so well.
Chilling out
Whilst there are many events on offer, it is also important to take this time to relax and enjoy the lesser workload. You’re only a student for so long, and soon will come the time where ‘summer holidays’ don’t exist. It can be nice to wake up a little later, lay in a bit longer and just spend the day doing absolutely nothing. I like to take up a few more shifts at work now that I have more time and make a huge effort to spend time with friends. One of our favourite places to chill is the racecourse along the riverside. It’s also great to take this opportunity to go on day trips to Newcastle or Seaham, for example. My college is also offering free enrichment trips to Beamish and Whitby which should be fun!
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Hi, I’m Isabel a 3rd year student studying an integrated masters in Earth Sciences. For me sport is what has shaped my past 3 years at Durham university – from being captain of Collingwood Women’s football team, competing for Collingwood squash and rounders, to representing the university in touch rugby and Women’s football.
Why embrace sport at university?
Sport for me is one of the key reasons I love being a student at Durham. The opportunity to engage in a variety of sports activities—from playing football eight times a week, to bi-weekly squash and touch rugby, and even trying out lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and mixed netball. Beyond just playing, sport has been where I have found my people; it’s how I’ve made most of my friends outside my course.
Durham university has two levels of sport, offering a vibrant and varied sporting environment no matter your level of expertise. From college sport where you have friendly intercollegiate leagues and cups that run throughout the year, to Durham university(‘DU’) sport where you get to travel the country on a BUCS Wednesday representing Durham against other Universities.
What’s unique about college sport at Durham?
As a student from Collingwood College, the array of sports and teams is staggering. Did you know that Collingwood College Football Club is the largest amateur football club in Europe, with 18 football teams (16 men’s and 2 women’s)? That’s not to mention the 9 netball teams, 5 hockey teams, and teams for squash, cheerleading, dance, and cricket, among others. Whether you’re into football, netball, rowing, or something a bit more niche, there’s likely a team waiting for you. As well as regular weekly fixtures, college teams also participate in Varsity weekends— fun and friendly competitions against other colleges, and universities such as York and Loughborough, which are always a fun day out with friends, filled with a bit of sport rivalry!
Collingwood squash
Exploring Durham University (DU) sports
In 2023, Durham was named Sports University of the Year by The Times, a testament to our strong sports culture, which has consistently placed us in the top three of the BUCS table since 2012. But it’s not just about the statistics – DU Sports caters from beginners to international-level athletes with professional support from sports psychologists, nutritionists, and regular strength and conditioning sessions at our state-of-the-art sports performance hub. I always say that being part of Team Durham makes me feel like being a professional athlete, a unique experience that complements my academic journey at Durham.
Sports: Not the only way to get involved
While sports have been my go-to for socialising and staying active, Durham offers a range of other ways to engage with campus life, from theatre and music to various societies and leadership roles. My advice to you? Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. The experiences that initially seemed daunting have turned out to be the most rewarding parts of my university life.
To summarise my waffle: whether you’re a seasoned athlete or someone looking to try something new, the sports scene at Durham offers something for everyone. It’s more than just games and competitions; it’s about building friendships, developing skills, and making unforgettable memories. So, why not give it a try? You might just find your passion or a new circle of friends waiting to welcome you.
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