A Vietnamese student’s journey in Durham – The Durham Student
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A Vietnamese student’s journey in Durham
March 14, 2025
Thai Nguyen Xuan
Sociology Department: Kindness, opportunity, and growth.
I’m a Vietnamese student on the Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice programme. I was welcomed in Durham not only by the enchanting Gothic architecture but also by a community that radiated kindness. With its blend of intellectual challenge and unwavering support, the Sociology Department soon became my sanctuary. Here, professors are mentors first and academics second, while opportunities—both inside and outside the classroom—are limitless.
A culture of compassion
From the start, professors went above and beyond to ensure my success. During my first term, my advisor noticed my hesitation in seminars and invited me for a casual chat over coffee. This gesture of care became a theme: when I mentioned struggling with homesickness, another professor connected me with Durham’s vibrant Southeast Asian Society. Their doors were always open, whether to refine an essay on Weber’s theories or recommend a book that would benefit my summative essay. Their empathy transformed my transition from daunting to uplifting, proving that academia thrives on human connection.
Opportunities that shape futures
Durham’s commitment to inclusive excellence shone through programs like the First-Generation Workshop, where students like me—the first in our families to pursue higher education—shared our stories. Writing about my journey alongside peers worldwide taught me the power of owning my narrative. Even more transformative was the Prisons, Crime and Justice module also known as the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, where I attended seminars inside a prison and engaged with incarcerated individuals on topics of justice and inequality. These experiences, unique to Durham, reshaped my understanding of sociology’s real-world impact.
Academically, the department opened doors I had never envisioned. I collaborated with a professor specialising in criminology on a research paper on the pedagogy of the Inside-Out project. Such opportunities and Durham’s global reputation have bolstered my postgraduate applications, which are supported by reference letters from mentors who have championed my growth at every step.
College life: Tradition, community, and a dash of magic
Durham’s collegiate system added an enchanting layer to student life. At my college, I attended Formal Hall dinners in a grand, candlelit dining hall reminiscent of Harry Potter, sharing laughter and ambitions with peers from various disciplines. Mentor Dinners connected me with alumni, including graduates working in the career path I wish to pursue, proof that Durham’s network transcends borders and generations. Even casual college events, such as “Pizza and Paper Workshops” with our mentors, combined academia with camaraderie, fostering connections far beyond essays.
A home across continents
As a Vietnamese student, Durham’s blend of tradition and inclusivity felt like a second home. While I found comfort in the Vietnam Society’s Lunar New Year celebrations, weekly brunches, or multiple cosy dinners with homemade Vietnamese foods, I also embraced college rituals like matriculation dinners and riverside rowing races. The “Harry Potter aesthetic” isn’t just for Instagram; it’s a backdrop to a community honouring history while nurturing forward-thinking scholars.
Looking forward
Durham has been more than a university—it’s where I evolved into a confident researcher and global citizen. To fellow Vietnamese students considering Durham: expect challenging debates, midnight library sessions fueled by camaraderie, and mentors who’ll support you like extended family. Here, you’ll gain a degree and a lifetime of stories.
Cảm ơn Durham—for the kindness, the growth, and the magic.
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Thai Nguyen Xuan
Hi, I'm a Vietnamese student on the Master's in Criminology and Criminal Justice programme at Durham University,
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