University of New Hampshire - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

Durham is the ideal hometown for the University of New Hampshire, and it is probably safe to say that the two are codependent upon one another. The students, all but unanimously, love everything about the town, while many Durham shops stay in business because of UNH students. The rural atmosphere also makes for a comfortable and serene learning environment. Durham itself inhabits a collection of small suburbs close to campus, and there are vast farming fields surrounding it all. There is a definite distinction between the college students and the so-called locals. Durham, like any other small town, has a high school and elementary school, a post office, numerous gas stations, a few casual bars where the locals and students often mingle, and a small shopping plaza for all the necessities. All of these attractions are tightly lined along a single main street that passes through the campus. The nightlife belongs solely to the students. If it weren’t for UNH, Durham would be boring, to say the least.

Durham is probably one of the smallest towns in New Hampshire, and when you stick more than 12,000 students in the middle of it, you get an interesting mix of relaxed locals and wild college students. The town does seem to rub off on the students, though, and you can always find students relaxing downtown on a nice day. Durham is an incredibly friendly town. Most of the residents are students or people who have learned to accept the students as a part of their community.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Durham is great and so is... Durham is great and so is Portsmouth, which is nearby. I plan on moving there eventually. It’s just beautiful. The atmosphere at UNH makes you want to have a good time. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

When it’s nice out, the school... When it’s nice out, the school sometimes has big barbeques where you can eat all you want for free. I thought that was cool when I first got here. It’s a great campus. Everything is in walking distance, and the historic buildings make it so pretty. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

I love Durham! UNH is a big school... I love Durham! UNH is a big school in a quaint town. Downtown Durham runs right through the campus, so you see students sitting outside coffeeshops or just hanging out at the restaurants all the time. New Hampshire is really beautiful, and there are a lot of things to do in the area. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

There are no other universities in... There are no other universities in the area. The town we are in is very quaint and quiet. It’s a great town if you’re an earthy type of person. There are many outdoor activities available. There really isn’t anything in the area to stay away from, although there are many pretty things, like the waterfall on the path in the college woods. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The town is pretty accepting of... The town is pretty accepting of the college because we give the shops and restaurants most of their business. There are no nearby colleges, and there’s nothing too exciting going on in town. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts about Durham:
• Make sure to visit Adams Point, a beautiful estuary on Great Bay, where families and hikers bring picnic baskets and binoculars to spend a day enjoying the scenery and catching glimpses of wildlife.
• Major General John Sullivan was a resident of Durham, New Hampshire. He left the Continental Congress to serve under Washington from Cambridge to Valley Forge. He commanded at Rhode Island in 1778 and led campaigns against the Six Nations in New York in 1779. Sullivan re-entered Congress, then served three times as Governor of New Hampshire. Sullivan then led the fight for ratification of U.S. Constitution and became a federal district judge.
• On July 18, 1694, a force of about 250 Native Americans under command of the French soldier de Villies attacked settlements in the Durham area on both sides of the Oyster River, killing or capturing approximately 100 settlers. It was the most devastating raid in New Hampshire during the French and Indian War.
• Durham is only 15 minutes from miles of seacoast beaches.
• UNH owns 2,450 acres of land around Durham that is used for walking, biking, and skiing trails for students.

Famous People From New Hampshire:
Eunice “Goody” Cole, the only woman to be convicted of witchcraft
John Sullivan, first governor of NH
Celia Thaxter, poet
Jenny Thompson, Olympic swimmer

Local Slang:
Blinker – The turn signal on your car.
Nor’easter – A storm that moves from the northeast and brings those “wicked” bad storms.
Water bubbler or bubbler – A water fountain, specifically a drinking fountain
Wicked – Replaces the intensive “very.” For example: “It’s wicked cold outside.”

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Kate Dube
Hometown: Manchester, NH
Major: Chemistry

Kate has practiced karate for eight years and earned her second degree black belt.

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