Postgraduates holding an offer

Information for Postgraduates Starting in the Academic Year 2013-14

All postgraduates who have confirmed their acceptance of a place for studying at Durham and Hatfield should have received an email from the Hatfield Postgraduate Admissions Office by early September. This includes information about the welcome programme for the coming academic year.

Please be aware that we do not post large packets of information to applicants. All information can be found on these pages. If you have a confirmed booking for accommodation, you need to provide proof of qualifications to take up your place with us.

The information below will tell you how to complete electronic enrolment. You are strongly advised to complete enrolment to the University at least 2 weeks before you arrive - this will enable your campus card to be prepared and ready for you to collect at registration and enrolment sessions. You cannont complete registration until you have enrolled electronically.

All International students are required to complete the Visa Verification Process before they can finalise registration or collect their campus card. Some international students will also need to register with the police. You can check your passport to see if the words "Report to Police" are stamped on your visa. Details of when these sessions will be held are shown in the induction programme below. The Immigration Advisory Unit of the University will be able to help you with any specific queries relating to your PBS status: immigration.advisoryunit@durham.ac.uk. You can check what documents are needed for these processes on the International Office website using these links: Visa Checking and Registering with the Police.

What to do next

If you have not received an email from us by 10 September, this may be because we do not have a current email address for you. Please contact us by email as soon as possible.

The following sections provide information that you need to read before you come to Durham. Please take a little time to read these. There is a lot to take in, but this will help your arrival process.

In accepting your membership to Hatfield College you are consenting to abide by the College Regulations and to pay all College levies as they become due.

Hatfield College Regulations and Handbook 2012-13 (you need to read this document to accept membership of Hatfield College).

Please read the Induction Programme for new postgraduates (the timetable of events to help you complete registration and enjoy the social activities provided during your first week of arrival). This contains very important information. It also contains details of College social events in the first few days of your time in Durham.

Welcome Pack information for Postgraduates holding a confirmed place for study

These are the documents that ALL postgraduate students need to read before continuing with preparations for arrival:

01 The MCR handbook 2012-13 (an informal guide written by current students to help you with questions about what you can expect at College and University)
02 The MCR Livers-out Guide 2012-13 (an informal guide for students living in privately rented or their own accommodation)
03 Durham City Map (to help you navigate your way around Durham)
04(a) Electronic Enrolment & Identity Verification (information on student electronic enrolment)
04(b) ID Verification and Campus Card Collection (information on ID verification and campus card collection)
05 Medical & Vaccinations (information from the University Health Centre (UHC) about updating your vaccinations and how to register with a doctor in Durham - you will have to complete forms before College Registration when you arrive in Durham)
06 How to pay tuition fees & residence charge (information on how to set up direct debits or other ways to pay your tuition fees and residence charges)
07 Durham University Sport (information about University sporting facilities at Maiden Castle)
08 Durham University Rowing (information about the University Boat Club)
09 College Mentoring Scheme (information about the College Mentoring Scheme).

Arriving at Durham University

International students should aim to arrive earlier to orientate themselves. The International Office organises a free coach transfer service as part of their meet 'n greet service on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th September - you will need to book on-line to register for this service. If you have any queries regarding visa applications, or PBS checking these should be directed to the International Office.

UK based students should arrive no later than Thursday, 26th September. If your course start date is earlier, please contact the College or your landlord to ensure your accommodation is booked correctly. In all cases, confirm your arrival time and date on the form 'PG Arrival Information' from the section above.

Postgraduate Induction Programme

The induction programme for new postgraduates includes compulsory identity verification, college registration and enrolment events as well as optional social events for you to attend.

Induction events start with those organised by College; others are organised by your academic department and some by the Graduate School. Details of College events will be provided on arrival. A few key activities are:

The MCR welcome team look forward to meeting you when you arrive.
An informal College welcome where you will meet the College Officers: Professor Tim Burt (the Master), Michelle Crawford (the Bursar) and Dr. Anthony Bash (the Chaplain and Tutor for Postgraduates). You will also have an opportunity to meet the MCR Executive and take a tour of College facilities. The welcome will be followed by:
Compulsory enrolment, identity verification, and (for some) visa checking and when appropriate, police registration. You will not be able to register in College until you have completed online enrolment and had visa checks, if necessary. Further details are shown in the induction programme. You will need to have the correct documents with you. If you require special arrangements for this because your course starts early, please contact College to make an appointment with the Postgraduate Admissions Office.
An opportunity to meet your College Mentor.
The annual MCR photograph, which is followed by our formal Welcome Dinner for all postgraduate students. The MCR welcome team will escort residents of James Barber House to the main College site. The dress code for the dinner is academic gown with lounge suits with shirt and tie for men/smart attire for women. Academic gowns can be hired or bought from the MCR on this occasion. Non-residents should arrive on the main site of College by 5.30pm.
On Wednesday, 2nd October, all new members of College take part in the University Matriculation Ceremony in the Cathedral. This is NOT a religious service. We begin with a procession in academic dress from the main site of College. The College induction programme provides details about where and when to meet.

We look forward to welcoming you to College very soon.