Question: I can see from your profile that you work at Durham University. Durham’s near the top of my list for potential unis, so I was wondering what you would say is the best part about it?

Lucien Heurtier answered on 3 Mar 2023:

Hi again BenL!

Although I have not studied myself at Durham University as a student, I will try to give you my perspective about it as a researcher and educator, but also as a human being who moved to Durham from another country and learned how to appreciate life here.

First of all, let me say I’m glad that Durham University is on your list of Universities, as I do believe it is a wonderful place to live and study.

Durham is a very strong place to study science. It has a large math department and hosts the Ogden Centre, which is one of the largest physics groups in the UK and in the world. In there you’ll find the ICC (Institute for computational cosmology) and the IPPP (Institute for particle physics phenomenology) where I work, which are definitely world-leading places for research in theoretical particle physics and astronomy/cosmology. Since I remember that you are passionate about the Big Bang, astrophysics and particle physics, I would strongly recommend going there for this reason. There are also numerous other scientific programs in Durham though, I’m only insisting here on the fields that I am familiar with.

The University has also multiple activities to take part in. The colleges (that’s what student accommodation communities are called here) organise plenty of activities (including arts, music, travel, debates, etc.) that I’m sure you would enjoy. There are very nice sports amenities throughout campus. And something that I do appreciate about Durham: it is a very green place, with a lovely riverside, and I can tell that students (and also other people) enjoy the outdoors a lot in Durham.

Now let’s be honest, Durham, despite being very pretty with a truly medieval atmosphere, is a very small town. So if you are very much into going to the theatre three times a week and enjoying new shows every week, then Durham is maybe not for you as a city. But if you like the outdoors, if you like a green campus and a relaxing atmosphere to study, then Durham may as well be the perfect place.

On a side note, I should maybe mention that although Durham is green and relaxing, I can tell that students are having a good time partying in Durham, and also in Newcastle, which is just about 15 minutes by train from Durham, so relaxing doesn’t mean no fun 😉

This answer starts being long, so I will maybe stop here, but please feel free to ask more if you think of any other questions!

Best
Lucien