Skip navigation
  • Location: City

Student life

Durham’s student experience in our colleges and beyond.
Our collegiate system makes Durham exceptional. Here,
every student is a proud member of a college, and every college has its own character and traditions. Each is an inspiring and supportive community.

The colleges are the cornerstone of our extraordinary wider student experience. In fact, we guarantee an offer of accommodation from the University to all first year undergraduates who meet the criteria to secure a room, because colleges are where Durham’s outstanding student experience begins.

What's it like to live in North East?
Check out our region guide

The North East, and its main cities Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Middlesbrough, and Sunderland, are nestled between far-reaching coastlines and adventure-filled national parks. You'll find architectural delights from Newcastle’s Grey Street – one of the finest in the country – to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durham Cathedral. The Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens are must visits, while beaches like Embleton Bay and Bamburgh are definitely worth a road-trip.

Learn more

What's it like to live in Durham?
Check out our city guide

With a whole city centre considered an area of special architectural or historic interest, Durham is an inspiring study location.

Learn more

Campus and facilities

No matter where you are in the City, you’ll never be far from one of our colleges, academic departments, or facilities. The historic city also offers a huge range of attractions, places to visit and activities, including:

  • Sports and Wellbeing Park
  • Botanic Garden
  • Oriental Museum
  • Palace Green Library and Gallery
  • Assembly Rooms Theatre
  • Gala Theatre and Cinema
  • The Riverwalk leisure complex.

Durham is a friendly and welcoming city, with the famous Cathedral and Castle at its heart. In the ancient, cobbled streets, you’ll find shops and boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants, and plenty of culture. There's no shortage of things to do from walks and boat trips along the River Wear to street markets and museum visits!

Just 17 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England, it’s also easy to hop on a train to London, Edinburgh, or Manchester.
Newcastle International Airport is also close by if you want to explore the rest of the UK and beyond.

Course locations

Durham City

Palatine Centre, Durham, DH1 3HP

Cranmer Hall

St John's College, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3RJ

Durham University

South Road, Durham, DH1 3LG

Durham University Business School

Mill Hill Lane, Durham, DH1 3LB