University of New HampshireLocal Atmosphere Summary

Written by Kate Dube

Kate Dube

Hometown

Manchester, NH

Major

Chemistry

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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.