Study Abroad - Bath vs Durham 2024?

The United Kingdom has been an esteemed destination for higher education of international students for more than a century. In the 21st century also, many students come to the UK to complete their education. In 2024 also, many students are enrolled in the UK and many others are going to enroll in the upcoming session. There are different cities in the UK, which are active in providing quality education to international students. 

Two popular cities where students come to get higher education in the UK are Bath and Durham. In this article, we will compare these two cities. It will help you in taking the right decision about the city where you can study. 

Universities 

Both cities have universities, which provide world-class education. Durham University (Durham) and the University of Bath (Bath) are the two popular universities in the United Kingdom where students from across the globe come to study. Both universities are highly ranked. However, Durham University ranks a little higher than the University of Bath. 

In the QS World University Rankings 2025, Durham University ranks #89 whereas the University of Bath ranks #150 among 1503 universities in the world. Still, the University of Bath is better in some fields. It is highly regarded in its engineering, architecture, and business programs. On the other hand, Durham University is specifically popular for humanities, social sciences, law, and theology. 

Both are good universities. It depends on your choice of course, which you choose. Other factors also matter about which you will read next. 

Accommodation 

Accommodation is another aspect which is considered by students. Both cities have accommodations in different price ranges. But, Durham has more options, and the range starts here from comparatively lower prices compared to student accommodation Bath. 

In Bath, you will need around £190 per week to start from. On other hand, you can get student accommodation in Durham at as low as around £90 per week. Accommodations designed for students in both the city have basic as well as high-end features. Study desks and chairs, kitchen appliances, internet, etc. are the basic features available in the accommodations in both cities. In the high-end features, we can mark gyms, cinemas, games rooms, and more. But, you can get the high-end features in student accommodation Durham at comparatively lower prices than in Bath. 

Costs of Food and Groceries 

Here is the comparison between the cost of food and groceries in the two cities. 

Location and Campus Atmosphere  

Durham is a city in northeast England, and it is an ancient city that has a very historic feel for everyone. The city boasts Durham Cathedral and Castle as World Heritage sites which makes the place really charming. Durham University has a collegiate system that gives students the university environment and at the same time creates a college environment so that most students participate in college sporting activities, celebrations, and other activities by college societies.  

Bath in the southwestern region of England is also another World Heritage City that boasts of the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture. The city could be considered as more global than Durham for example with rich arts, culture as well as leisure opportunities. Bath’s campus is contemporary and small with the Bath city center only a bus ride away which gives students much chance to experience the advantage of both having a campus and city life.  

The city that might suit you best is Durham if you like a small more historical city with a less busy and noisy atmosphere. Bath, on the other hand, provides more town-like feeling and more facilities of a city. Bath is not very far from Bristol and at the same time closer to London (less than 1 hour 30 min train).  

Student Life and Socialization 

Student life in Durham is almost entirely coalesced around its colleges and these have their own specific cultures as well as opportunities for involvement in societies and popular sports teams. There are masses of formals, balls, and theater performances in the university calendar and many people take full advantage of these extracurricular activities. That said, the entertainment in the evening and night scenes of Durham are not as active as those of bigger cities.  

Bath has a wonderful student life and one of the reasons is that it is close to Bristol. In Bath, students find themselves in good proximity to good pubs, clubs, theaters, and shopping centers. Sports and recreation are emphasized by the presence of world-class fitness and sports facilities, and natural hot springs for relaxation. 

Conclusion 

Both Durham and Bath offer world-class education and facilities to students; however, Durham University ranks higher than the University of Bath. Durham offers cheaper accommodation options compared to Bath. Prices of food and groceries vary between the two cities, with some items being cheaper in Durham and others more affordable in Bath. Bath looks more modern than Durham.