It's an unbelievably beautiful place to live. As an undergraduate you'll be part of life in Durham for three or four years. Forget the car - unlike most city universities, everything you need is a short and very pretty walk away. This cuts down on bus, train and taxi fares.

But there's more to Durham than the view. If you'd like to see Durham before you apply - contact the department or college you're interested in and arrange a time to visit. We'll be happy to see you.

Durham is full of contradictions

You can buy a CD from the V Shop, walk across the market square, down the steps to the River and you might spot a cormorant. Van Mildert clothes shop which sells Patrick, Cox shoes and Dolce and Gabbana is attached to the 17th century House of Correction which has its own resident ghost Jimmy the Piper.

You can enjoy a coffee in the ancient environment of the Almshouses next door to the Norman cathedral. The city is tranquil and busy, ancient and modern. ItÕs one of the most perfect Classical Romantic landscapes of the world. Look further afield and you'll find seaside, countryside and the major city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Pick one college. Get the other 11 free.

Come to Durham and its not just your college you benefit from - it's the whole college system. One of the colleges will be your home. You'll socialise in its bar exercise in its gym, go to its ball, eat in its dining room - sometimes wearing your academic gown, pop in and out of your mates' rooms, do whatever (within reason) you like - its your home. When you graduate you'll go to its reunions. Durham college membership is for life. Whichever college you pick you'll just be a short walk away - or even next door Š from the others. You'll try their facilities and make friends there too.

Balls. Durham is famous for them

June is the month for most of them. All the colleges have balls. There's also the University wide Fresher's Ball, Graduation Ball and different Club and Society balls. This is one of the only times in your life you get to have a ball - Durham is the place to do it.

You're part of the Union

As well as being a member of college, you will also be a member of DSU (Durham Student's Union). Based in Dunelm House near the city centre, DSU offers you facilities, nightlife and support during your time at Durham.

You might choose to get involved in the running of DSU during your time here - it looks good on your CV and it's lots of fun.

DSU is an entertainment nucleus in the heart of Durham.

Early evening and into the night you can enjoy; live music, top DJs such as Yomanda, Graeme Park and Alistair Whitehead, sell out 'Planet of Sound' club nights, Jazz Cafe nights, the largest ball for Freshers in the University - 2,000 of you attend every year, and a range of other events from barbeques to comedy.