Hey Loobyloo,
The Durham student scene is pretty lively and there always seems to be a lot of socials going on (I haven't gone there but am nearby and have friends who have/do).
In the city there are also quite a few decent pubs and restaurants. Also, you're only minutes away from Newcastle which, if you're in the arts, offers a heck of a lot of potential. And Newcastle is certainly lively. There's also a fair bit of cross-over between Durham Uni and Ncl Uni.
Durham is also in a nice position as you have a really beautiful city, but are only a short distance away from amazing countryside / coast. Further north you have the Northumberland coast which, imo, is one of the country's hidden gems.