Colleges and accommodation

Living at Durham University is much more than just accommodation...

One of our greatest assets at Durham University is our college system. College communities are at the heart of our distinctive student experience, each offering a diverse, interdisciplinary community of academics, students and staff from different backgrounds and cultures.

All postgraduates are members of a college throughout their time at Durham University, whether you live in college accommodation or elsewhere. College life is a big part of what makes your experience with us so unique and many of our students say that being part of a college is one of the best aspects of Durham University.

What is a college?

All University accommodation is managed by our colleges and, once a member of a college, as a full-time student you can apply for accommodation in that college.

Colleges are, however, much more than just halls of residence. They are multi-disciplinary, scholarly communities providing members with opportunities for intellectual and personal development within a supportive environment.

All teaching is delivered via your academic department but your college provides an environment which encourages and supports your studies and personal development.

* New Part-time and Distance Learning students are allocated to a College depending on their programme of study. College accommodation is not available, but full membership is provided.