Discovering Durham University with @thedurhamstudent

From the nerves of making new friends at university to the joy of finding “your people,” this conversation explores what friendship really looks like during the student experience.We chat about first memories, navigating social pressures, life in catered colleges, fun with societies, and what makes a great housemate. Melisenta and Namfon also reflect on homesickness, building support networks, and what it means to feel at home and truly be yourself at Durham.Topics CoveredMaking new friends at universityPressure to drink & social expectationsFavourite friendship memories (formals, bar crawls, societies)Finding friends through your course, college & beyondIdeal housemates & choosing who to live withOvercoming homesicknessThe importance of being yourself Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

We begin by unpacking the differences between single, double, and combined honours before diving into their personal journeys into Durham, their academic choices, and how they’ve navigated university life.From expectations versus reality, to choosing modules, balancing workloads, and finding community through societies and college life, Waseem and Gabriella share open insights into both the challenges and rewards of studying social sciences here. They also reflect on important issues like Durham’s diversity, year abroad opportunities, and the advice they’d give to prospective students.Timestamps0:00 – Durham student introductions12:26 – Studying Politics at Durham14:55 – Pros & cons of choosing your modules15:48 – First perceptions of Durham17:10 – Applying despite Durham’s lack of diversity24:24 – Deciding on a college32:39 – Year abroad opportunities (4th year perspective)38:26 – Societies & extracurriculars  Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

From their routes into Durham and first impressions of moving here, to the realities of contact hours, balancing academic challenges with social life, and learning to manage procrastination, they share an honest look at life as an Arts & Humanities student.They also reflect on choosing colleges, building friendships, and the advice they’d give to anyone considering this path. Whether you’re applying to Durham, thinking about taking a gap year, or just curious about student life, this episode is full of insights, reassurance, and encouragement.Timestamps0:26 – Introduction from Bella & Danish (Durham stats)0:48 – Routes into Durham01:54 – Moving into Durham03:24 – Expectations vs reality of the degree05:50 – What’s the degree like?07:58 – Most interesting & challenging parts10:20 – Overcoming procrastination12:14 – A typical day in Arts & Humanities14:06 – Social life at Durham16:15 – Choosing a college17:58 – Final advice for prospective students Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

From their journeys into Durham and their first impressions, to navigating the demands of a law degree, making friends, and building a life beyond academics, they offer an honest and insightful look at the realities of being a law student here.We cover everything from daily routines and favourite modules to overcoming challenges and finding your place in a new environment. For anyone considering Law at Durham, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal reflections, and encouragement from students who are living it right now.Timestamps0:36 – Journey into Durham Law3:50 – Expectations before arriving6:55 – A typical day studying law10:03 – Life beyond law14:57 – Finding your place at Durham18:33 – How it feels to study law23:35 – Most interesting aspects of law29:25 – Reflections on first year33:03 – Final words of wisdom Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

From the journey that brought them here to navigating contact hours, choosing modules, balancing academics with life outside the classroom, and the challenges and joys of their courses, they share honest insights into the Durham student experience.We also discuss expectations versus reality, making friends, being women in STEM, and the advice they’d give to their younger selves. Whether you’re considering a STEM degree at Durham or just curious about university life, this episode offers an authentic glimpse into the student journey.0:00 - Durham Student Trailer01:00 – Durham stats: what do Lilly & Prem study?01:53 – Lilly’s route into Durham05:51 – Prem’s route into Durham09:39 – Expectations vs reality11:36 – Contact hours explained13:21 – Choosing modules19:01 – A typical day in STEM26:39 – Life outside the degree32:16 – Challenges & favourite parts40:28 – Being a woman in STEM44:26 – Advice to their younger selves Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

Any questions, contact us on Instagram Read Noa's blog about her experience working on the Legacies of Enslavement and Colonialism research project  Read Angelina's story about coming to Durham through the STEP programme  Watch Mia's video about her experience with the supported progression programme  Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

Any questions, contact us on Instagram Watch Sofia's reel about the amazing Cosins Library on Palace Green Read Ruby's blog about her favourite things to do in Durham Check out some of the best study cafe's in Durham on a very rainy day!And follow Toby as he explores one of the many countryside walks around the city Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

Any questions, contact us on Instagram Read Demi's blog about all the different levels of sport at Durham Read Emma's blog about how she spends Wednesday afternoons in Durham   Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

Any questions contact us on Instagram Read Anee's blog about volunteering as a prisoner befriender  Ghalas blog about working as an Open Day Ambassador  Mia's video about part time work at Durham University   Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent

Any questions, contact us on Instagram Read Pip's blog about college life  Read Claudia's blog about catering  and join Anee as she tours the hill colleges in this video  Episode Credits:Eps 1-5 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Crystal TruongArtwork by Crystal Truong  Eps 6-9 Filmed, recorded, edited and mixed by Tian LiuArtwork by Tian LiuLinks: Discover more of Durham student life @thedurhamstudentFollow us on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube by searching @thedurhamstudent