No. When you apply to Durham, like Oxbridge, you also apply to a college. At Durham, your college is the place you live in your 1st year, and additional years if you want to, but also the body to which you are a member of throughout your time at Durham. You'll find that most of your friends are from college as it is here you will send most of your time. Be it in the bar or playing sport, college gives you a fantastic opportunity to meet people from all years and subjects.