International exchange in Durham
Information and tips for international students in Durham
| Private rooms Durham | 28 | 1938/month |
| Residences Durham | 49 | 1245/month |
| Studios Durham | 36 | 1331/month |
| Apartments Durham | 4 | 1313/month |
Why do international exchange in Durham? This beautiful medieval city, located in the North West of England, has become increasingly popular in recent years. There are countless things to do and discover, its main attractions are Durham Cathedral and Castle, however, there are many other places to see (Killhope Mining Museum, Durham Heritage Coast, Durham Dales, etc). The weather in Durham is sometimes quite changeable, you can experience all 4 seasons in a single day. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January.
It may seem difficult to find accommodation in Durham, but don't be overwhelmed, we can help you with that. Keep reading, we explain everything you need to know about Durham before arriving in the city.
Cost of living in Durham, England
England is not one of the cheapest countries in Europe, the good thing is that Durham, being a smaller city, is not the most expensive to live the English experience. The price of a rental will depend on the area in which you want to live and if you want to share a flat or not. Renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment in the centre can cost around £1,000. But if you prefer to share a flat and thus meet people more easily, a 3-bedroom apartment, also in the centre, costs an average of £1,300, and approximately £1,000 on the outskirts.
On average, in a cheap restaurant, a person can eat for £14, and a pint of beer in a pub can cost around £3.20. If we talk about transport, a bus ticket for one day is worth £3.20, but we recommend you buy passes for more time since you can save a little money, for example, you can buy one for 7 days for £15.20 or monthly one that is worth £56.00.
Although if you want to save more, you can go by bike since Durham is an excellent city to transport yourself in this way and also to know different places and routes.
Student life, international students parties and leisure in Durham
Durham is a city with many students, so many activities are organized to enjoy the time they are not studying. Colleges organize parties for everyone, even if you don't live in them, and the International Students Society also organizes events often for students who come from abroad. There are bars in the centre where you can go for a pint with your friends, such as The Half Moon Inn, which overlooks the river and the bridge, or The Shakespeare, a nice old building in the middle of the old town. There are other very famous places like Lveshak, Klute, Studio or loft, all in the centre.
In addition to this, there are other activities to do, such as visiting Durham Castle, which is also used as a student residence, for example, the main hall of the castle is used as a dining room. It is also very interesting to visit Durham Cathedral, walk through the places where some scenes from Harry Potter were recorded and climb the 325 steps to reach the top of the tower and contemplate the views.
Culture and gastronomy in Durham, England
Gastronomy is very varied in Durham and the prices are also very variable. If, for example, you want to eat something between classes, Greggs is a good option. If you like Italian food we have good news, there are many Italian restaurants in the city, but if it's not your thing, there is a wide variety of specialities, as well as the usual fast food ones like Subway or Domino's. There are many options to choose from depending on your interests and what you want to spend.
Durham, in addition to being a city known for its academic prestige, has become popular for its beauty. Walking around you will feel like you are in another era, thanks to the number of old bridges, its cobbled streets and the beautiful green landscapes.
Advantages of doing the international exchange in Durham
- The standard of living is quite affordable economically and if you get a student card some buses are free. Although if you live in the city centre you can walk wherever you want.
- It is a beautiful city, full of very old bridges, and it has many green landscapes. For this reason, it is always a good plan to go for a walk or ride a bike and clear your mind when you are not studying.
- There are nearby cities that you can visit during the weekend. For example, Glasgow is about 3 hours away by train or Edinburgh is a good option too, it's only 2 hours by train.
Cheap international student accommodation in Durham, England
If you are looking for accommodation in Durham and don't know where to start, you are in the right place. On Erasmus Play you can easily compare the best flats, spare rooms and student apartments in Durham. In addition, you can make a book online and safely.
Frequently asked questions about studying in Durham
How much does it cost to live in Durham as a student? |
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| Life in Durham for a student is quite affordable, but everything will also depend on the area in which you live, if you are in the centre or further out, and also if you share a flat or not. For rent, if you share a flat, you can spend between £300 and £400 a month, so you will need about £800 a month to live comfortably in Durham. |
How is student life in Durham? |
| Durham is a city of students, so there is always a lot going on. Many parties and activities are organized for students to enjoy when they are not studying, as well as bars where you can go for a drink with your classmates. |
How much is the scholarship to study in Durham? |
| The scholarship that each student receives depends on different factors, such as the city, the country of origin and the duration of the mobility. The best option is to contact your university to know exactly the money you will receive and be able to organize your budget. |
What are the best areas to live in Durham? |
| As it is a very small city, students normally choose the downtown area to live because you can walk everywhere and there is a very good connection with the University (Durham University). Many students live in Gilesgate or Framwellgate because being away from the city centre means you find cheap prices. In these neighbourhoods of Durham, you can find restaurants, cafés and shops just like in the rest of the city. |
How much does student accommodation cost in Durham? |
| The monthly price you will pay for a rental will depend on different factors, such as the characteristics of the flat or the spare room. A spare room can cost you around £350 per month, but it can go up to £800. |
