I have loved university so far and made some great, lifelong friends despite covid restrictions. The university has also been very understanding of the difficulties experienced by students this year and so support has been essential. I always felt like I knew who to contact if I found myself struggling, both academically and with welfare issues, so this was never a worry. My tutors were also great with extending deadlines and giving us extra time if it was needed as a result of the challenging year we have all experienced, meaning that academic work never became a worry and I always knew who to ask for help.

Shared spaces were always regularly cleaned, especially in line with covid measures. Equipment hire/services were also readily available and made easy to use using online booking forms (which were kept up to date via social media channels)

Significance placed on welfare support became even greater this year due to covid creating different personal circumstances. Support groups were set up most days of the week during term, alongside nightline services for urgent welfare throughout the night and email access to counselling/mentoring if we needed.

The professors and tutors were all very helpful (both academically and also with welfare) and ensured that there were plenty of office hours outside of contact hours to get in touch and ask any questions. Tutors were also very understanding with deadlines and personal circumstances, meaning that I felt supported and confident in my studies.

8

Only a few guest speakers were invited this year due to covid, however zoom panels and Q&A sessions with companies/career professionals were organised and made readily available (mostly for free!) for students which was really helpful!

I'm a first year student and I'm having an absolutely amazing time here at Durham. The experience you have here cannot be captured in this kind of standard review (e.g it doesn't matter the SU is poor because College is more important).

a