Durham university guide

Males: 50%
Females: 50%

Louise Sheldrick

Durham, however, is not quite like that, even though I can be difficult to understand some of the locals. But it is one of Britain's most beautiful cities, and chock-a-block with students.

There are huge amounts of cheap bars in the University Colleges, so most students don't tend to stray too far from there, plus the beer is usually of quite good quality. But elsewhere the New Inn is an excellent place to go with your girly chums. The clubs are a great laugh, and again, great for a girl's night out with cheesy music alternating with some good new dance and drum n bass.

Respect! Durham itself is a beautiful city, in fact, few places in the world can match the City of Durham, with its dramatic setting on a rocky horseshoe bend in the River Wear. The great Norman Cathedral and nearby Castle - which is part of the University - form a World Heritage site, recognised by UNESCO as one of the most exceptional historic and architectural features of the planet.

Durham is just 264 miles from London (less than three hours by train), 125 miles from Edinburgh (less than 2 hours by train) and 187 miles from Birmingham (just 31/2 hours by train). The city is on the main North-South rail network, two miles from the A1(M) and 30 minutes drive from Newcastle International Airport.