By now we all know that Be Real is social media’s latest obsession. No matter where you are, as soon as that infamous notification sounds you immediately see everyone in the same vicinity reach for their phone (or perhaps not) and proceed to take photos. Durham is definitely no exception to this phenomenon, and I would be lying if I said that I have not enjoyed getting involved with it too.
I thought it would be a nice idea to share with you some of my Durham-related Be Reals (before they slowly fall victim to summative season) and perhaps give you some inspiration when it comes to what there is to get up to at Durham.
First up is a summer throwback to when I completed the DUCK (Durham University Charities Kommittee) Colour Run in order to raise money for Women International and their relief work in response to the Ukrainian conflict. DUCK is a fantastic part of Durham’s outreach work and they put on so many different fundraising events throughout the year (not just running).
P.S. Just for full disclosure I never made these Be Reals with the purpose of putting them on a blog (if I had I probably would have been a little less ‘real’ with this post-run selfie!)
For the rest of the summer term, I took advantage of all that post-exams have to offer here in Durham by spending time with friends and going for food in some of Durham’s restaurants: for a small city, it definitely does not lack cafes and restaurants. It was only a short goodbye from me though, as I was back up a few weeks later to work as an Ambassador on Durham’s Summer School Programme: Supported Progression (SP). Working as a Durham Student Ambassador is a great part-time job that I have alongside my studies which helps me manage my money and be able to enjoy the wider student experience at Durham as much as possible. It also never really feels like a job because all of us ambassadors are like one big family and have the best time working events together!
Michaelmas Term started with a Returners Formal at my college Josephine Butler. Formals tend to involve a three-course meal and entertainment afterwards and this specific formal was for returning students only. It was so lovely to see everyone again and being able to keep these Be Reals as memories is very special.
Here are some work-related Be Reals to show that university isn’t all balls and formals (as much as that is a huge part of the student life). I do actually have to spend time working towards my degree but because I study a subject that I love I really do not mind doing it.
Finally, this is your reminder that it is absolutely fine to go home midterm for a weekend, or a few, whilst at Durham. The terms are long and the workload can get intense so sometimes all you need is to reset in your family’s company and try the new McCrispy. Fortunately for me, I only live 30 minutes away, so a trip home is regularly taken advantage of!
I hope that these small snippets of my life at Durham have been helpful and have given you some ideas about how to make the most out of your university experience.
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