Durham is well known for its world-class education, rich history, and stunning architecture. However, one equally fantastic feature that I got to experience as a student in Durham is its highly distinctive seasons. Coming from Hong Kong, which is a subtropical location, I was accustomed to a climate that consisted of hot and…
My name is Rui Fang. I am in my 3rd year PhD in nano-electronics, and on the way to graduation. As an international student at Durham University, I have had the opportunity to serve as the president of Hatfield College’s Middle Common Room (MCR). The experience has been both rewarding and challenging, providing me with…
Top things to do when arriving at Durham University as an international student
22nd March 2023
Hi there! My name is Rui Fang. I am a 3rd year PhD in nano-electronics, on my way to graduation. As an international student from China, who has spent her MSc here at Durham University, I have had the opportunity to explore the vibrant and culturally rich city of Durham. Moving to a new place far from home can be both exciting…
I’ve been living outside of college since my first year arriving at Durham. Leaving my family and friends and settling down in a different city and country is not an easy thing. But the experience of living out is also an exciting part of my life studying abroad.
For international students arriving at Durham, I would like…
As a prospective university student, selecting five universities from a sea of choices available on UCAS can be overwhelming. This may be an even more daunting task if you are an international student who does not have the opportunity to visit potential universities in person or speak to students and staff at these…
The Lantern Festival
I was lucky to have attended the Lantern Festival hosted by the Oriental Museum, which marked the end of the 15-day Year of the Rabbit celebrations. The Lantern Festival signals the first full moon of the new year’s lunar calendar and symbolises ideas of reunion and romance.
As a student from Hong…
Tell us about your studies
I study the capacities of educational spaces to promote peace and trust through everyday communicative acts. I have been working with the UN since 2015 as a teacher in UNRWA in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. During my work there, I have been trained and I trained others on ‘teaching’ peace and…
Great friends
Congregation in January 2020 was a very important occasion for me. After several years of working hard to obtain my PhD in Evolutionary Anthropology, I made the long journey back to the UK from Panama. My celebrations had already begun – after drinking very good whisky at Jim’s house, one of the best…
Where I’m from
Hey! I’m Frederick (or Fred) and I’m from Lagos, Nigeria. I lived in Nigeria from when I was born, up until sixth form, doing my IGCSEs (International GCSEs) there before coming to the UK for A levels and university.
I learnt English as my first language in Nigeria, so there wasn’t a communication…
For an international student like me, choosing a university is essentially choosing a place to call home for the next three years. Below are the top 10 things I’ve loved about studying at Durham, and hopefully they’ll become yours too!
College Life
Durham’s collegiate system is very unique and a huge part of the…
