FAQs

If I am offered a place by my chosen department do I automatically get a place in Hatfield if it is my first choice college?

All applicants who are selected by a department will receive an offer of a college place but it may not be in your first choice college. All colleges have a quota for each subject proportionate to the size of the college. Some colleges receive more applications than others, particularly in some subjects. If the collegiate system appeals to you and you like Durham, the difference between the colleges is smaller than the difference between Durham and other universities.

What is College's view on deferred entry

College has a quota for each subject and a small percentage of that quota is allocated to deferred entry applications. So once the department has decided to accept a deferred entry offer, then College considers it. A gap year is very beneficial for many applicants. If a deferred entry application is not successful, applicants should feel encouraged to re-apply post-results.

What happens if I want to live at home?

All Hatfielders have to live in for their first year. Thereafter students can choose to live out, at home or in private rented accommodation. Most students live out in their 2nd year and return to live in for their final year. There are some students who choose to live in for the whole of their time in Durham and normally we are able to offer that choice.

If an applicant wants to live at home in their first year, we would advise them to apply to St. Cuthbert's Society which has a tradition of mature students and local students who live at home.

Will I get a single room?

In Hatfield approximately 55% of first years share a room. Rooms and room mates are allocated and carefully matched by the Senior Tutor using information provided by the students themselves. Sharing a room is always more daunting in prospect than reality. Having a room mate helps to build collegiality and engenders the community spirit for which Hatfield is so famous. To check on anecdotal evidence, College conducted an extensive questionnaire survey of all first-year students in 2008 to find out whether students enjoyed sharing a room and how it had contributed to their first year at University. There was an overall response rate of 81%. Of those who shared rooms, 89% said that sharing a room had been a positive experience for them, and had significantly contributed to their first year at College. If you would like to read the report on the questionnaire, please click here. Some of our double rooms are ensuite. Single rooms are allocated to certain categories of students e.g. international students on a needs basis. Any student who needs a single room for medical reaons will need to submit supporting medical evidence. Students who live in for their 2/3/4 years choose their own rooms.

What happens if I am made an offer by Hatfield but when I visit at Open Day I don't think it is for me?

Talk to the Admissions staff who will try to find a college more suited to you. The colleges are all distinct and different whilst offering collegiality.