r/DurhamUK

As a Durham local and a university student, I always found it very strange seeing the amount of international students that would only interact with other international students. So for example, any time I would see a decent amount of international students, they would be typically aggregating in a group without anybody else and speaking their native language.

I don’t know if other people have experienced this, and I have no problem with people speaking their native language if that’s what they feel comfortable doing but I just find it peculiar if a lot of international students make it their life’s work to not interact with any local people what was the point in coming to a different country to study?

It’s getting to the point now where when I would go to 6th form there was a large private accommodation of studios I believe and at the end of the school term or year you would see all of them with taxis. And I just found it peculiar that not only do a lot of them not want to interact with other students of different cultures but they also don’t wanna even live near them.

When I was looking at accommodation in Durham, I found the one that I was referencing and it was quite expensive. I can’t exactly remember where it was but it was a premium studio and that’s saying something because Durham is incredibly expensive on its own.

I’m just curious if other Durham university students have possibly experienced this? The reason I ask this question is because several weeks ago I was at a outside bar area in the boat club on one of the larger tables and there was a group of what I believed to be international students as they were talking Chinese, I believe. I said that they could sit at our table because we had space and they were just standing there. They proceeded to kind of give each other looks and then sit down in any time we will try to talk to them they kind of just blanked us.

If this was a one off situation, I wouldn’t think anything of it but seeing as growing up the past decade in Durham city I’ve seen more and more separation. And the fact that there has been a local private school close recently for the possibility of asset stripping or turning into a student accommodation that will likely go to international students as they are able to pay a premium.

What are the university students think?

Kynren has had a huge expansion for 2026 with a whole host of brand new shows, thought you guys would want to check it out!

A protest has been held following the sudden closure of a private school in Durham.

Durham High School will be closed at the end of the current term, leaving its 281 pupils to find places elsewhere.

In a statement released this week, the school said: "For 142 proud years, Durham High School has stood solidly as a beacon of hope for girls who were once denied the education enjoyed by their male counterparts.

"During this time, countless scores of young people have been afforded the best of educations, not just in the learnings of the texts they were taught but in the determination, resilience and aspiration instilled in them to shape a better world."

The statement added: "Today, we write the last chapter in this incredible history. It is a terribly sad chapter as our owners are closing the school at the end of this term.

To the 281 current pupils, we are deeply sorry you will not have the chance to reach the end of your journey in this truly special school. Go with strength and the values you embody to make a difference in your next chapter."

On Friday (3 July), teachers, school staff and pupils held a demonstration outside the gates.

Teacher Liz Gardner, the school's head of geography, said: "I'm just gutted for the children, absolutely gutted. There have been so many tears over the last few days. I was holding it together until one of the children came up the corridor after the announcement saying 'all my friends are going to different places. This is the only place I can be myself. What am I going to do?'

"It's just been devastating."

She added: "We need people to understand what's happened here. We don't fully understand what's happened. We were taken over by a company two years ago and promised investment and this is where we are."

Looking to take my mum to this including the show itself, not going w any kids is it worth it for adults??? Thanks!!

>Ruthin School and Durham High School were suddenly shut on Wednesday, months after Galaxy Global closed Malvern St James

Hi everyone, it’s been a long time coming but my new page @the_newcastle_eye is finally getting underway with weekly posts.

Had a really good response in this chat over a year ago when I first suggested making an online newspaper that focuses on old school, quality journalism, face to face conversations, and no adverts.

The first two stories I have published include one anniversary piece about Albert Dryden, and another article on a man who runs a rather unconventional funeral home in Newcastle.

Instagram Page

Substack

Have plenty more to come so please check it out:) thank you.

Hello all, I have an offer for Full-time MBA from DUBS. Due to a medical condition, I need an accommodation close to where the classes are held (to ensure walking as less as possible and on flat paths), and ideally with some sort of gym facility. These are the major factors really, the networking and mixing I will try to take care by myself. Hoping to find some recommendations here

Can anyone recommend a good flat cleaner that does some housekeeping and tidying as well?

I need someone who will help me organise stuff such as kitchen cupboards etc. I am not very good with tidying and the current state of my flat is stressing me out and I need some support.

Looking forward to some good recommendations!!

I live in Newcastle and the nightlife here is really quiet at the minute. Is Durham any good on a Friday around 10pm onwards please and if so where’s the best places to go?

Coming to Durham for a night with the wife and thinking of going for a nice meal with her on the evening. Something cosy and a lil pricey, but reasonable. Any suggestions on where to go?

Been to Cellar Door last year and really enjoyed that, but want to do something new.

Note: Wife cant stand spicy food.

I have a 33 IB score, 5, 5 and 6 HLs. I also have Cambridge ICE diploma with Distinction at IGCSE level. I originally wanted to apply for Econ with Management and PPE, but a friend who studies there recommended I apply for an easier course and change there.

Yesterday, I submitted the new clearing form in the durham website with my qualifications, and I applied for Combined Honours in Social Sciences for Business and Politics, and for Business and Management.

My great issue is that both courses ask for a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths, or equivalent. I have an IGCSE Cambridge Int Maths score of B (79%), and Math AA SL of 4.

The rest of my qualifications are great, as I turned in my secondary school transcript which has an average grade of 9.20. I am also an international student, which makes me more attractive for admissions. My questions are:

When do you think Durham will be writing back with decisions (I sent it last night)? Do you think I can get in? Where will I find my decision (I read a lot about phone calls but the website says written correspondance)?

Working away from home so looking for a proper venue here or within an hour, at home there's a pub that opens up the car park with a giant screen and your stood with 1000 other folk going mental (hopefully) not a fan of the rows of table setups, any recommendations? As far up as Newcastle, far down as Darlington and wide at Hartlepool don't mind a lil journey

Highlights include:

• 100 million cheaper journeys using the Mayor’s Fares across bus, Metro, local rail and Ferry and thousands of free travel passes for young people leaving care.
• The creation of 1,900 new jobs and 600 jobs safeguarded.
• An Integrated Settlement for the region which unlocks £1.87bn of investment. 
• Creation of the first region-wide ‘Child Poverty Action Plan’, backed by £28.6m of funding.
• Launch of the UK’s first AI Growth Zone in the region – expected to create more than 5,000 new jobs and bring in £30bn of investment. 
• 95 new electric buses in operation across the North East and an additional 32 new EV charge points up and running.
• 1,905 baby boxes delivered to new families.
• 4,000 plus homes ready to be unlocked through brownfield housing programmes. 
• Support for 121 SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises to make savings on their energy bills.
• Funding for formal qualifications for 68,000 residents.
• Over 3,000 households helped with energy saving advice, measures and installations.
• £70m North East Fund launched to support local businesses with £7m already invested across 21 local businesses.
• A new £104m package agreed to turbocharge the region’s creative sector – including funding for Crownworks and a new arena at Gateshead Quays.
• Publication of the mayor’s Plan for Green jobs which will create 25,000 additional green jobs by 2035.  
• Work to extend the Metro to Washington and re-open the Leamside Line and £10.9m in funding to complete Northumberland Park Station on the Northumberland Line.

 

Just take a video and submit it here.