The climate is conducive to outdoor activities and sports most of the year. Durham has an international airport and is approximately an hour from Washington, D.C. by plane and under five hours by car. The University area is known for its beautiful natural environment and both kinds of apartments are well situated to take advantage of it. Many of the apartment complexes have swimming pools, exercise rooms, tennis courts, clubhouses, and running trails. Furniture can be rented or purchased at a very reasonable cost.
Most students try to buy a used car for use in Durham and surrounding areas.
Public transportation is not readily available. There is campus bus service. Students with families are especially comfortable at Duke. There is a good supply of child care facilities, a very active program for spouses at the University's International House, and the opportunity for accompanying persons to take classes in English and other subjects at a local community college. What is quickly noted by Duke international students is the ease of life in the Durham area and the friendliness and hospitality of its population.