This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
im applying to do maths, and need to hand my form in. so far i have 5 universities; Oxford, Warwick, Bristol, Leeds and Sheffield.
Im thinking about putting down Durham as my final choice, but have to choose a college. i havent seen any of them or the university, and dont know what its like - can you give me some advice as to which college to choose? or should i just put no preference (in which case i may be allocated to one that isnt so nice)
help
holly
Im thinking about putting down Durham as my final choice, but have to choose a college. i havent seen any of them or the university, and dont know what its like - can you give me some advice as to which college to choose? or should i just put no preference (in which case i may be allocated to one that isnt so nice)
help
holly
In reply to holly:
You are better off choosing a college if possible. If I applied again I would avoid Hatfield or University College. Trevellian and St Aidens are nice I'd say. Hope that helps a bit.
Cat
You are better off choosing a college if possible. If I applied again I would avoid Hatfield or University College. Trevellian and St Aidens are nice I'd say. Hope that helps a bit.
Cat
In reply to holly:
I could give you advice, but it would be twenty years old (for example, Mary's was single sex back then)
I am expecting a few current and recent students here:
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=204100&v=1#2980767
YOu might get a sensible answer.
Y.
I could give you advice, but it would be twenty years old (for example, Mary's was single sex back then)
I am expecting a few current and recent students here:
http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=204100&v=1#2980767
YOu might get a sensible answer.
Y.
In reply to Yrmenlaf:
oh but i need to have applied by then
deadline was abotu 12 days ago for school, so i need it odne as soon as possible. this is one of the only things im waiting for
oh but i need to have applied by then
deadline was abotu 12 days ago for school, so i need it odne as soon as possible. this is one of the only things im waiting for
In reply to Yrmenlaf:
Mary's was single sex 2 years ago, so you're not that out of date! If a girl put in an open application then, she usually ended up in Mary's if accepted by her subject dept, but I don't know where they'd send you now.
Cat
Mary's was single sex 2 years ago, so you're not that out of date! If a girl put in an open application then, she usually ended up in Mary's if accepted by her subject dept, but I don't know where they'd send you now.
Cat
In reply to freerangecat:
christ, i dont want that to happen. shall just have a little look on the website and choose from a hat then
oh dear
christ, i dont want that to happen. shall just have a little look on the website and choose from a hat then
oh dear
In reply to holly:
It depends what you're looking for--do you want a big college/small college/old/new etc...? and if you're doing maths, do you want to be near the department, or do you not mind?
It depends what you're looking for--do you want a big college/small college/old/new etc...? and if you're doing maths, do you want to be near the department, or do you not mind?
In reply to holly:
I honestly wouldn't worry about it too much. The vast majority of people are happy where they end up. I didn't really like University College, but survived, andafter the first year it doesn't mean that much anyway! I would honestly avoid Uni College and Hatfield though, and Johns unless you're very Christian.
The Hill colleges (Aidens, Collingwood, Trevs etc) also tend to have better facilities as they are in newer buildings than the ones in the old part of the city.
Cat
I honestly wouldn't worry about it too much. The vast majority of people are happy where they end up. I didn't really like University College, but survived, andafter the first year it doesn't mean that much anyway! I would honestly avoid Uni College and Hatfield though, and Johns unless you're very Christian.
The Hill colleges (Aidens, Collingwood, Trevs etc) also tend to have better facilities as they are in newer buildings than the ones in the old part of the city.
Cat
In reply to freerangecat:
For what it is worth, then
Hill colleges are newer, better facilities, nearer the maths department, but further away from real pubs and the shops.
Peninsular colleges are older, more traditional (or have more traditions), and it is a walk to the department (but nearer the city centre)
John's used to be full of happy-clappy Christians, Chads full of Anglo Catholics. I suppose you can avoid either sort of person at those colleges.
Y.
For what it is worth, then
Hill colleges are newer, better facilities, nearer the maths department, but further away from real pubs and the shops.
Peninsular colleges are older, more traditional (or have more traditions), and it is a walk to the department (but nearer the city centre)
John's used to be full of happy-clappy Christians, Chads full of Anglo Catholics. I suppose you can avoid either sort of person at those colleges.
Y.
In reply to holly:
From five years ago, I'd say Cuth's or one of the hill colleges (except Grey). Cuth's, Aiden's, Collingwood, Trev's and Mildert were all good fun to hang around in. I can't say anything about Mary's now it's co-ed (I was caught in several fire drills there, to the extent that they had a note on the register to check my whereabouts if the fire was genuine) - but if the spirit is in anyway similar then it'd also be good fun.
Hatfield and Castle are best described as odd, Grey and Hild-Bede quite obnoxious, Chads and John's seemed like Oxbridge on a shoestring. Whatever you choose you'll be able to escape fairly quickly though - by the second year you'll be kicked out of college to fend for yourself...
From five years ago, I'd say Cuth's or one of the hill colleges (except Grey). Cuth's, Aiden's, Collingwood, Trev's and Mildert were all good fun to hang around in. I can't say anything about Mary's now it's co-ed (I was caught in several fire drills there, to the extent that they had a note on the register to check my whereabouts if the fire was genuine) - but if the spirit is in anyway similar then it'd also be good fun.
Hatfield and Castle are best described as odd, Grey and Hild-Bede quite obnoxious, Chads and John's seemed like Oxbridge on a shoestring. Whatever you choose you'll be able to escape fairly quickly though - by the second year you'll be kicked out of college to fend for yourself...
In reply to holly:
Most of the hill colleges have a fairly similar atmosphere -- not too pretentious and generally quite nice, if maybe a bit lacking in character -- apart from Mary's, but that's now gone mixed so has probably changed a lot. Collingwood has the nicest accommodation of the lot.
The bailey colleges are a lot more eccentric, which can be good or bad depending on how you like it. Castle and Hatfield are both very rah-rah; John's is very religious; Chad's is religious and has a lot of 'confirmed batchelors.' All four of the above seem to have a lot of students who like to dress up in black tie and sing 'Jerusalem' very loudly in the small hours of the morning, or strip naked and run around public open spaces. Hild-Bede is nice, but a long way from all the others, and is a bit of a world of its own.
I went to Aidan's, and thoroughly enjoyed it. But this info is six years out of date.
Most of the hill colleges have a fairly similar atmosphere -- not too pretentious and generally quite nice, if maybe a bit lacking in character -- apart from Mary's, but that's now gone mixed so has probably changed a lot. Collingwood has the nicest accommodation of the lot.
The bailey colleges are a lot more eccentric, which can be good or bad depending on how you like it. Castle and Hatfield are both very rah-rah; John's is very religious; Chad's is religious and has a lot of 'confirmed batchelors.' All four of the above seem to have a lot of students who like to dress up in black tie and sing 'Jerusalem' very loudly in the small hours of the morning, or strip naked and run around public open spaces. Hild-Bede is nice, but a long way from all the others, and is a bit of a world of its own.
I went to Aidan's, and thoroughly enjoyed it. But this info is six years out of date.
In reply to holly:
But hang on, you live in the North East. So if the excrement really hits the impeller, you go back to where you are now!
(Or have I missed something)
Y.
But hang on, you live in the North East. So if the excrement really hits the impeller, you go back to where you are now!
(Or have I missed something)
Y.
In reply to Yrmenlaf:
durhham is my 6th, and im only applying because i quite like durham as aplace and know its nice, but my dad really dosent want me there because its too close to home (washington)
durhham is my 6th, and im only applying because i quite like durham as aplace and know its nice, but my dad really dosent want me there because its too close to home (washington)
In reply to holly: I thought that if you applied to Oxbridge, that took up 2 choices. Although i could be remembering incorrectly.
In reply to holly:
I'd definitely agree that you need to avoid Hatfield and Durham; I don't have a problem with Johns (both because I'm there, loving it and because I'm Christian) and the rest of the colleges are fine. Maybe avoid Grey (name and nature go together), and Hild Bede has a small bouldering wall which belongs to the Uni's climbing club.
Hope that helps!
JR
I'd definitely agree that you need to avoid Hatfield and Durham; I don't have a problem with Johns (both because I'm there, loving it and because I'm Christian) and the rest of the colleges are fine. Maybe avoid Grey (name and nature go together), and Hild Bede has a small bouldering wall which belongs to the Uni's climbing club.
Hope that helps!
JR
In reply to holly:
its pretty easy really. go to leeds or sheffield. the climbing is great!
its pretty easy really. go to leeds or sheffield. the climbing is great!
In reply to milus:
but im not overly arsed about the climbing, as i dont really get much done here. im more concerned about the place, the course, and the karate squad.
leeds has an amazing squad but dunno about sheffield. if i was at durham i could stay with the club in at now
oxfords club is rubbish but i have to apply anyway
hmmmmmmmmmm decisions
night allxxxxxx
but im not overly arsed about the climbing, as i dont really get much done here. im more concerned about the place, the course, and the karate squad.
leeds has an amazing squad but dunno about sheffield. if i was at durham i could stay with the club in at now
oxfords club is rubbish but i have to apply anyway
hmmmmmmmmmm decisions
night allxxxxxx
In reply to holly:
Agree with the other posters about the various colleges and their different 'flavours'.
I was at Aidan's and really enjoyed it, great people, good accommodation/facilities and Durham is a beautiful city. I didn't climb when I was there so don't know about the local facilities though.
I actually applied for Collingwood college but was put in Aidan's instead (and I'm very glad I was too). So in my experience it didn't matter what I applied for, but probably best to specify one all the same to give an idea of what sort of college you'd like to be in.
Agree with the other posters about the various colleges and their different 'flavours'.
I was at Aidan's and really enjoyed it, great people, good accommodation/facilities and Durham is a beautiful city. I didn't climb when I was there so don't know about the local facilities though.
I actually applied for Collingwood college but was put in Aidan's instead (and I'm very glad I was too). So in my experience it didn't matter what I applied for, but probably best to specify one all the same to give an idea of what sort of college you'd like to be in.
In reply to holly:
I went to university college and loved the place. Certainly didn't live up to the rah reputation it has from some - if you're prepared to throw yourself fully into college life its a great place to be and fantastically friendly.
To be honest, most people enjoyed where they were as that was where they made their friends.
I went to university college and loved the place. Certainly didn't live up to the rah reputation it has from some - if you're prepared to throw yourself fully into college life its a great place to be and fantastically friendly.
To be honest, most people enjoyed where they were as that was where they made their friends.
In reply to holly:
yeah, what's wrong with University College? And what's wrong with Hilde-Bede (sp).
Lots of my friends went there and loved it!
(Durham would be a bit small for me though)
yeah, what's wrong with University College? And what's wrong with Hilde-Bede (sp).
Lots of my friends went there and loved it!
(Durham would be a bit small for me though)
In reply to holly:
have you thought about Exeter?
Close to the sea, close to the countryside. Lots of climbing and surfing. Decent reputation (can't speak specifically about maths)
have you thought about Exeter?
Close to the sea, close to the countryside. Lots of climbing and surfing. Decent reputation (can't speak specifically about maths)
In reply to holly:
This isn't directly helpful... but Warwick is a fantastic uni. Did a physics degree there and if I had the brain I would have loved to have done maths.
Warwick are really great about letting you do other courses... languages, physics, even film studies I've heard!
Good luck with your choices
This isn't directly helpful... but Warwick is a fantastic uni. Did a physics degree there and if I had the brain I would have loved to have done maths.
Warwick are really great about letting you do other courses... languages, physics, even film studies I've heard!
Good luck with your choices
ok, i have crosesd out loads and my final choice is between:
Collingwood, Josephine-Butler, St Aidens, St Cuthberts or University
my instincts are saying University, is there any reason i shouldnt? or should pick one of the ohers??
thankyou
Collingwood, Josephine-Butler, St Aidens, St Cuthberts or University
my instincts are saying University, is there any reason i shouldnt? or should pick one of the ohers??
thankyou
In reply to holly:
Josephine Butler has only just opened (as in this year) - it's self-catering (whereas almost everything else is catered) and is the furthest from anywhere. Which still only means a 20-30 minute walk. Might be something to remember. Nothing much to say about the others, except that Collingwood has a pizza bar. Hope that helps!
JR
Josephine Butler has only just opened (as in this year) - it's self-catering (whereas almost everything else is catered) and is the furthest from anywhere. Which still only means a 20-30 minute walk. Might be something to remember. Nothing much to say about the others, except that Collingwood has a pizza bar. Hope that helps!
JR
In reply to holly: why are your school making u do it so soon. ucas doesnt clothes for ages yet.
In reply to holly (not allowed to log in):
Castle is quite highly subscribed, due to lots of ra's wanting to, er, live in a castle. I knew plenty of people who had a good time there, so if you think it'll suit you go for it. You will hear lots of offensive songs sung about you on a regular basis mind (almost as bad as what the pope said to Hatfield...) - but that's all part of the fun.
>
> my instincts are saying University, is there any reason i shouldnt?
> my instincts are saying University, is there any reason i shouldnt?
Castle is quite highly subscribed, due to lots of ra's wanting to, er, live in a castle. I knew plenty of people who had a good time there, so if you think it'll suit you go for it. You will hear lots of offensive songs sung about you on a regular basis mind (almost as bad as what the pope said to Hatfield...) - but that's all part of the fun.
In reply to psd:
thats pretty much why i decided ill app[ly there. im not a ra tho, jut thought it sounded cool
> (In reply to holly (not allowed to log in))
> [...]
>
> Castle is quite highly subscribed, due to lots of ra's wanting to, er, live in a castle.
> [...]
>
> Castle is quite highly subscribed, due to lots of ra's wanting to, er, live in a castle.
thats pretty much why i decided ill app[ly there. im not a ra tho, jut thought it sounded cool
In reply to charl:
your not supposed to work to a deadline. thats why its called a deadline. its the last possible time you can do it - your supposed to have everything fiinshed by then.
the deadline is 0ctober 15th, so its not really that far away anyway
your not supposed to work to a deadline. thats why its called a deadline. its the last possible time you can do it - your supposed to have everything fiinshed by then.
the deadline is 0ctober 15th, so its not really that far away anyway
In reply to holly (not allowed to log in):
Watch out for Cuth's. When I was at Durham it wasn't really a college as such -- most people lived out, and it didn't really have the sense of identity most colleges have got. Probably good for you if you want to be a bit detached from it all though.
Watch out for Cuth's. When I was at Durham it wasn't really a college as such -- most people lived out, and it didn't really have the sense of identity most colleges have got. Probably good for you if you want to be a bit detached from it all though.
In reply to holly:
I had a great time at St. Chads which is the smallest college. Left in '98 so things will have changed a fair bit since then. At the time the place was a wierd mix of trainee-priests, a subversive element of hell-raisers drinking, fighting and thieving stuff from other colleges and a few normal people. Interesting that 8 years down the line everyone lives in the home counties and goes on Rick Stein cookery courses ('Seafood and Deserts' this year).
Chads is on the bailey right next to Hatfield. Tiny bar. You'd probably have a good time wherever you end up but I liked living in the older bit of the city near the river. If you anticipate playing college sport e.g. football or hockey you probably won't win anything at St. Chads. If you go to one of the hill colleges like Aidens or Collingwood you'll get fit with all the walking.
Good luck with it all.
Jules
I had a great time at St. Chads which is the smallest college. Left in '98 so things will have changed a fair bit since then. At the time the place was a wierd mix of trainee-priests, a subversive element of hell-raisers drinking, fighting and thieving stuff from other colleges and a few normal people. Interesting that 8 years down the line everyone lives in the home counties and goes on Rick Stein cookery courses ('Seafood and Deserts' this year).
Chads is on the bailey right next to Hatfield. Tiny bar. You'd probably have a good time wherever you end up but I liked living in the older bit of the city near the river. If you anticipate playing college sport e.g. football or hockey you probably won't win anything at St. Chads. If you go to one of the hill colleges like Aidens or Collingwood you'll get fit with all the walking.
Good luck with it all.
Jules
In reply to holly:
Good point about Cuths. I remember a little Geordie lad who got booted out of St Chads for climbing into bed with a girl whilst wearing nothing but a bow tie. He was unconsciously drunk and had got the wrong room. All very unfortunate. Anyway, he got exiled to Cuths where he was less likely to be a menace as they all lived out.
For an insight into life at University college you should see this: http://tinyurl.com/qjqzm
Good point about Cuths. I remember a little Geordie lad who got booted out of St Chads for climbing into bed with a girl whilst wearing nothing but a bow tie. He was unconsciously drunk and had got the wrong room. All very unfortunate. Anyway, he got exiled to Cuths where he was less likely to be a menace as they all lived out.
For an insight into life at University college you should see this: http://tinyurl.com/qjqzm
In reply to holly: i know what a dead line is no need to be shirty.was just wondering why so soon. oct 15th quite soon so fair enough. mines in nov i think so a bit of time. am thinking of durham aswell so finding this thread quite useful.
In reply to Jules - Orion Mountaineering:
Another ex-Chadsman. I was too ashamed to admit it, you see.
Single sex when I was there, mind....
Y.
Another ex-Chadsman. I was too ashamed to admit it, you see.
Single sex when I was there, mind....
Y.
In reply to Yrmenlaf:
Durham? Boo!!! Not durham!
Sorry, I think I might have a bit of an attitude against durham now - I taught myself calculus in my interview there and they still rejected me!
Seriously though, think long and hard about it. I got the impression that they weren't very friendly and the staff cared more about research than students...
Durham? Boo!!! Not durham!
Sorry, I think I might have a bit of an attitude against durham now - I taught myself calculus in my interview there and they still rejected me!
Seriously though, think long and hard about it. I got the impression that they weren't very friendly and the staff cared more about research than students...
In reply to willplatts:
I got accepted by Durham but decided to go to Edinburgh instead. The interviewer at Durham was really out of line. I don't know if it was meant to be a test or something, but he was really unfriendly and told me that he would show preferential treatment to males and science students (me being female and an arts student). I just didn't feel comfortable there and felt like I would be there to fill some quotas.
FWIW my brother's girlfriend went there and hated it. She's a Northern lass and she said everyone there was really snobby towards her, that they all seemed to be Southern Oxbridge rejects. She ended up going and living at home one year because she hated it so much. (Not meaning to malign Durham students - I didn't go there so I don't know - that's just her experience.)
I got accepted by Durham but decided to go to Edinburgh instead. The interviewer at Durham was really out of line. I don't know if it was meant to be a test or something, but he was really unfriendly and told me that he would show preferential treatment to males and science students (me being female and an arts student). I just didn't feel comfortable there and felt like I would be there to fill some quotas.
FWIW my brother's girlfriend went there and hated it. She's a Northern lass and she said everyone there was really snobby towards her, that they all seemed to be Southern Oxbridge rejects. She ended up going and living at home one year because she hated it so much. (Not meaning to malign Durham students - I didn't go there so I don't know - that's just her experience.)
In reply to holly: Hi Holly,
I'd recommend Josephine Butler - it's a differnt sort of college to the others. The only self-catered college (college food is notoriously bad!), the halls of residence are shiny and new and it's going to be a less traditional, formal college. Mind you I'm a tutor there so I would say that. It also has the biggest bar in the university. If you want the academic kudos of Durham but not the traditional, coolege scarf type of experience then give JB's probably your best option. That's my tuppence worth.
Cheers,
Kate
I'd recommend Josephine Butler - it's a differnt sort of college to the others. The only self-catered college (college food is notoriously bad!), the halls of residence are shiny and new and it's going to be a less traditional, formal college. Mind you I'm a tutor there so I would say that. It also has the biggest bar in the university. If you want the academic kudos of Durham but not the traditional, coolege scarf type of experience then give JB's probably your best option. That's my tuppence worth.
Cheers,
Kate
In reply to Kate Farley:
i applied to university. my dad said his freind went and it was full of really snobby people, but i think it would be quite fun overall.
im not overly bothered because i dont have much intention of actually going, but if i get in ill rethink.
i dont sound like a geordie, so i dont think id be hassled for being northern if i went
i applied to university. my dad said his freind went and it was full of really snobby people, but i think it would be quite fun overall.
im not overly bothered because i dont have much intention of actually going, but if i get in ill rethink.
i dont sound like a geordie, so i dont think id be hassled for being northern if i went
In reply to holly:
Warwick Uni has a pretty fantastic indoor climbing wall, but is a long way from real rock (80 or so miles, unless you count Markfield Quarry at about 25 miles)
Sheffield probably has the best climbing nearby, if you like gritstone (and limestone).
Oxford, I believe, won't even consider you if you don't put them first choice. You may find the same with Warwick, who see themselves as next on the list behind Oxbridge...
Warwick Uni has a pretty fantastic indoor climbing wall, but is a long way from real rock (80 or so miles, unless you count Markfield Quarry at about 25 miles)
Sheffield probably has the best climbing nearby, if you like gritstone (and limestone).
Oxford, I believe, won't even consider you if you don't put them first choice. You may find the same with Warwick, who see themselves as next on the list behind Oxbridge...
In reply to holly: I did a year at Collingwood college before I got kicked out. Would thoroughly reccomend it from a social point of view and the showers are big enough for sex. If you're a bit posh go for one of the city colleges but if you're normal head for one of the colleges on the hill as they'e a lot less formal.
This topic has been archived, and won't accept reply postings.
Loading Notifications...